Winemaker Notes

We have always gravitated to a rich, ripe style of Pinot Gris inspired by the great wines of Alsace, but that didn't seem to be in the cards for the cool 2022 growing season.  However, the 20+ year old estate vines pulled through and delivered a wine that surprised and delighted us!

Our Pinot Gris is 100% estate grown in our Belle Pente and Rivenwood vineyards, both in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.  The marine sedimentary soils of Yamhill-Carlton tend to impart a compelling savory saline quality and stony minerality to frame the apple and pear flavors and aromas of the Pinot gris grape. As per our normal protocol, roughly 2/3 of the wine is vinified and aged in wood (1200 Liter, 40 year-old foudres) and the balance in stainless steel tanks.  Fermentation takes place slowly at cool temperatures and the wine is not bottled until right before the next harvest.  It is then held for at least another year before release.

The hybrid vinification, coupled with sur lie and bottle aging, creates a wine that has both richness and freshness.   It is easy to enjoy on it's own, and is pure magic with chanterelle mushrooms and Vietnamese cusine. But to be honest, we've never found a dish that it won't compliment splendidly!

280 cases produced.