Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2021

Located in the heart of the Dundee Hills AVA in Oregon's Willamette Valley, Archery Summit Estate boasts south- and southwest-facing volcanic slopes overlooking the valley. The vines for this wine are planted in red basalt soils known as Jory, prized for their natural drainage and heat retention. The cool climate, influenced by oceanic weather patterns and significant temperature variations, promotes slow ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes and preserves acidity, resulting in elegant, precise wines deeply rooted in their terroir.

The Dundee Hills Pinot Noir from Archery Summit is made from carefully selected grapes harvested at perfect ripeness, then destemmed before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic expression of the Pinot Noir. Gentle pump-overs and punch-downs promote a fine extraction of tannins and color. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for several months in oak barrels, including some French oak, to refine the texture, add complexity, and harmonize the wine before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , raspberry , and plum , complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, clove, and cinnamon. Woody accents of fine oak, vanilla, and cocoa mingle with a subtle mineral backbone. On the palate, the texture is silky, supported by fresh acidity, fine, polished tannins, and a long, harmonious finish that underscores the balance between fruit, spice, and structure.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.