2021 Chehalem Ridgecrest Pinot Noir

TASTING NOTES FROM WINEMAKER, KATIE SANTORA

Bountiful and ripe, this full-bodied Ridgecrest Pinot Noir offers aromas of blackberry, marionberry, and raspberry jam on the nose, with rich notes of chai spice, boysenberry, and marionberry on the palate. Hints of cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and rosehips emerge as the wine opens. Sip beside the fire for a warm and cozy night.

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.

92 points - James Suckling