Vireton Pinot Noir 2021

Located in the Willamette Valley of northwestern Oregon, Archery Summit Estate stretches across cool, breezy hillsides near the city of Dayton. The vines for the Vireton Pinot Noir cuvée are sourced from various select vineyards in this region, renowned for its well-drained volcanic and sedimentary soils. Influenced by a cool oceanic climate, characterized by moderate summers and cool nights, this terroir promotes slow ripening of the grapes, preserving the natural balance between aromatic concentration, finesse, and freshness.

Archery Summit Vireton Pinot Noir is crafted from carefully selected grapes harvested at peak ripeness in the Willamette Valley. After destemming, fermentation takes place in tanks, with gentle extraction to preserve the fruit and the finesse of the tannins. The wine is then aged in oak barrels, some of which are French oak, to impart aromatic complexity and structure while maintaining the juicy and balanced character of the Pinot Noir.

This wine reveals notes of crisp red berries , black cherry , and raspberry , complemented by delicate floral touches, spicy nuances reminiscent of sweet pepper and cinnamon, and subtle oaky accents evoking vanilla and cedar. The palate displays a silky texture, lively acidity that lengthens the finish, fine, polished tannins , and an elegant finish where juicy fruit lingers, supported by a light touch of spice.

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.