93pts Jeb Dunnuck

Expressing a more tension, the dark ruby 2021 Pinot Noir Zena Crown Vineyard is more reserved aromatically but also more focused, with delicate incense, black raspberry, and violets. The palate has a fresh spine of acidity, with ripe fine tannins, and a nice citrus-tinged lift on the finish with a hint of toasted earth. It’s a very pretty wine from winemaker Kate Ayres to drink over the next 6-8 years.

92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2021 Pinot Noir Zena Crown Vineyard has alluringly broody scents of red and black cherries with nuances of bergamot, mushrooms and toast. The medium-bodied palate offers understated, earthy fruit. Its powerful, clay-like tannins are balanced by bright acidity, and it has a long, spicy finish. 826 cases produced.

Winemaker Notes

Penner-Ash Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir (2021) – Zena Crown Vineyard is located towards the southern end of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, home to many of Oregon’s finest Pinot Noir vineyards. During the growing season, ocean breezes push through the Van Duzer Corridor in the Coast Range, maintaining a consistently cool climate. This climate, combined with the shallow, well-drained volcanic soils of the Jory and Nekia series that dominate the AVA, is the primary reason the Eola-Amity Hills AVA is emerging as one of the world’s most exciting wine regions. We source from select blocks across the vineyard, picking primarily clonal selections of 667, 114, 777, and Pommard.

Tasting Notes

Blackberry and dark cherry intertwine with vanilla spice and oak. A fresh sweetness upon entry evolves into fine grain tannin with a nearly floral component to the finish.

Vineyard Notes

Zena Crown Vineyard is located towards the southern end of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, home to many of Oregon's finest Pinot Noir vineyards. During the growing season, ocean breezes push through the Van Duzer Corridor in the Coast Range, maintaining a consistently cool climate. This climate, combined with the shallow, well-drained volcanic soils of the Jory and Nekia series that dominate the AVA, is the primary reason the Eola-Amity Hills AVA is emerging as one of the world's most exciting wine regions. We source from select blocks across the vineyard, picking primarily clonal selections of 667, 114, and 777.

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