Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2021

Originating from the renowned slopes of Dundee Hills, in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, this Pinot Noir comes from vineyards planted in volcanic soils rich in red basalt, which promote a slow and even ripening of the grapes. The cool climate, marked by oceanic influences and significant temperature variations, helps preserve aromatic finesse and natural acidity. The vines, carefully cultivated with mindful attention to soil balance, express a distinct territorial identity, combining elegance, depth, and a precise expression of the hilly terroir.

The Pinot Noir grapes from Dundee Hills are harvested at optimal ripeness, then destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks with pump-overs or punch-downs to extract color and structure. After pressing, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, some of which are new, for extended aging to refine the tannins and develop aromatic complexity, before blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of fresh red fruit , black cherry , and raspberry , complemented by delicate floral touches reminiscent of rose and violet . Spicy nuances of sweet pepper and clove mingle with subtle oak, featuring hints of vanilla and cedar . On the palate, the wine is silky smooth, supported by lively acidity and fine tannins , offering an elegant texture and a long, precise, and harmonious finish.

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.