2018 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Vineyards: Eola-Amity Hills: 30% Bjornson Vineyard, 16% Zenith Vineyard, 12% Vivid Vineyard, 10% Reford-Wetle Farm Yamhill Carlton: 18% Carlton Hill Vineyard, Chehalem Mountains: 14% Lia’s Vineyard
Winemaking: 40% whole cluster fermentation, aged for 18 months in 18% new French oak barrels.
Vintage: The growing season started with a cool spring and bud break in mid-April. In the last week of April we hit an abnormal 80 degrees and this warmth sustained through August without any significant rain. We were setting up for an early and warm harvest until rain started to fall on September 11. After months of hot weather and no rain, we received 1.25 inches over four days, giving the plants new life to finish ripening, followed by weeks of sun. The combination of the rain and mild temps let us hang the fruit longer for flavor development, while keeping fresh acidity and moderate sugars. Due to a warm and dry summer, the size of the grapes were small, giving us higher concentration along with more tannic structure.