Winemaking Update
As we settle into the quieter months this year, our 2023 vintage wines are contentedly aging in their barrels, marking a serene and introspective period for us at the winery. This time of relative calm in the vineyard allows us the opportunity to reflect on the past year’s journey and prepare for the exciting new 2022 releases ahead.
The 2022 growing season in Oregon was a testament to the resilience of nature and our dedication as vintners. We faced a challenging start with an unusually cool and wet spring, stretching from April to June. This unexpected weather led to a late freeze that affected many young vine buds, crucial for the development of our grapes. This was a concerning moment for us, as the health of these buds is integral to the quality of the vintage.
However, the vines showed remarkable resilience. By July, a second set of buds caught up, resulting in abundant and sizable clusters – a welcome turnaround from the early worries. Warmth in the summer months led to one of the latest harvests in years, ending with a warm October, ideal for the grapes to fully mature and develop rich flavors.
The 2022 vintage, much like its predecessor in 2021, boasts unique characteristics. An unexpected but delightful touch of salinity is present in the fruit, adding a layer of complexity to the wines. We are especially excited to share these two new wines with you this month.
Introducing the first release this month, 2022 Renegade Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, a standout representation of the year’s unique character, particularly its dark and brooding color and intricate structure. Unruly yet captivating, this wine reflects its cooler microclimate and the vineyard’s knack for exotic, citrusy flavors, culminating in a complex, briny finish that echoes the vintage’s unexpected salinity.
Our second release from the 2022 vintage is the exquisite Archer’s Edge Pinot Noir, a wine that serves as the gateway to our estate’s unique terroir. Embodying the old soul of its south-facing vineyard, this cuvée skillfully balances youthful freshness with sophistication, offering a seductive palate of earthy spices, raspberry jam, and cocoa, complemented by a distinctive basaltic minerality and a harmonious interplay of acid and tannin.
We eagerly invite you to visit our newly renovated tasting house, where you can enjoy not only the distinct character of our 2022 vintages but also the breathtaking views from our new space. It is our sincere hope that you’ll join us to share in the warmth and beauty of our vineyard’s surroundings, creating memorable experiences with each sip.
Ian Burch
