Winemaking Update
I’m filled with pride and amazement at how the 2021 vintage has evolved. From the earliest days post-harvest, there were whispers of its exceptional potential. Now, with the wines maturing gracefully, it’s evident that this might just be the vintage of the century. The quality in each bottle speaks for itself – it’s simply breathtaking.
A highlight we are excited about is the release of our 2021 Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir, stemming from our enduring partnership with our friends at Cristom Vineyards. This bond dates back to 1993, the year our estate was founded. Our winemaking teams share a tradition where every year, we trade rows of our finest Pinot Noir grapes, a collaboration that breeds creativity and camaraderie. One cannot help but notice its natural freshness; the nose captivates with wild flowers, prickly pear blossoms, and mint. The palate boasts ripe fruits like lychée, cherry, and elderberry, with a finish graced by a touch of pepper.
Our second release is the eagerly awaited 2021 Red Hills Pinot Noir. Nestled on a secluded hillside of the Dundee Hills, the Red Hills vineyard offers a vantage point like no other. The rich Jory red soils glow during sunrise and sunset, illuminating the vast stretches of vines. This unique topography and exposure grant the grapes an extraordinary concentration of flavors. Aptly named after the region’s distinctive brick-red volcanic soils, this wine exudes aromas of cocoa, raspberry, black pepper, and mocha, with subtle floral undertones. Its palate is reminiscent of the exquisite Japanese awayuki strawberries, known for their sweet subtleties.
This year’s vintage began on an unexpected note, with our harvest starting earlier than anticipated in the second week of September, led by our Chardonnay vines. We concluded with our Pinot Noir the second week of October. This stands in stark contrast to the previous year, where we were patiently waiting for the ideal harvesting moment. The fruit this season stands out not just in volume but in its outstanding quality and well-balanced yields. As I reflect upon this year’s harvest, my gratitude goes out to my dedicated team, the blessings of a safe and plentiful season, and to you, our valued members. I can’t wait for the moment we can share a taste at our new Tasting House. Cheers!
