2021 Chehalem Statement Pinot Noir

NOTES FROM THE WINEMAKER

A complex wine that deepens in flavor and character with every sip, our 2021 Statement carries bright fruit aspects that range from raspberry and cranberry to dark cherry and red currant. A thread of porcini mushroom and a rich aroma of sliced, cured meats give this incredible wine aromatic breadth. With texture and vibrancy, these fruit aromas seamlessly integrate into a soft, velvety mouthfeel. There is a juicy acidity that emerges at the mid-palate to bring out red and purple fruits, along with a kiss of barrel spice. This wine demonstrates the delicacy of the 2021 vintage with soft, lovely nuance.

VINTAGE OVERVIEW

The 2021 growing season was warmer than average in the Willamette Valley, producing beautifully ripe fruit with vibrant flavors. A dry spring led to lingering rain showers during bloom, which reduced the yield in some blocks. Then, an abnormal heatwave spread across the valley, with temperatures reaching as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, the fruit prospered as high temperatures occurred between bloom and veraison when berries were hard and less sensitive to damage. Temperatures tapered off prior to harvest, with warm days and cool nights, which allowed the fruit to ripen at an even and slower pace. Quick yet seemingly smooth, harvest started on August 21 with little to no breaks until we finished on September 26. The resulting wines are balanced with focused flavors, stunning fruit, gorgeous vibrancy, and incredible aging potential.