2018 Pinot Noir

WILLAMETTE VALLEY AVA

 In the pursuit of continual improvement and experimentation in the cellar through winemaking techniques, vineyard sources, and wine styles, we crafted our very first Pinot Noir with the 2017 vintage.  Frequently considered the grail of the winemaker’s world, Pinot Noir is savagely difficult to cultivate in the vineyard and vinify in the cellar, with the best efforts resulting in wines of purity, ethereal presence, and an unparalleled sense of place.  After years of consideration and desire by our Director of Winemaking, Jason Gorski, and through the relationship of our CEO, Tom Dugan, with De Ponte Cellars and the Baldwin family, serendipity struck. 

   The source of our grapes, Lonesome Rock Ranch Vineyard, is one of the westernmost vineyards of the Willamette Valley.  The vineyard lays just outside the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and was established by Scott and Rae Baldwin of De Ponte Cellars in 2007.   The 6 acres of Pinot Noir are tucked in the foothills of the Coastal Range and planted with two clones, 667 and 777, in rocky Jory soil.  The wine was made completely via gravity flow, with partial whole cluster and 100% whole berry fermentation before pressing into French oak to age, and has been bottled unfined and unfiltered.  We are delighted to offer an extremely limited amount to our wine club.

WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.