2021 Legacy Helen's Pinot Noir

notes from the winemaker

The 2021 Helen’s Pinot Noir opens with elegant aromatics of black raspberry, dried rose pedals and confectioners’ sugar on the nose. Dark cherry, red plum and layers of earth arrive on the first sip, which are supported by silky tannins and a vibrant mineral core that lingers on the palate. This wine is full of delicate nuances that one by one take a turn stepping out of the glass. Beautiful now, better with time.

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 véraison 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.

93 points, Wine Spectator