Vireton Pinot Noir 2021

Located in the Willamette Valley of northwestern Oregon, Archery Summit Winery draws on a landscape of volcanic hills and ancient marine soils to craft its Vireton Pinot Noir. The grapes are sourced from a blend of selected parcels across several sub-regions of the valley, allowing for a combination of freshness from cooler areas and ripeness from slightly warmer zones. This climate, characterized by oceanic influence and cool nights, promotes slow ripening, preserving the natural balance between fruit, acidity, and tannic finesse.

The winemaking process for Archery Summit's 2021 Vireton Pinot Noir is not detailed by the estate; however, the wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes from the Willamette Valley, harvested at optimal ripeness, and then fermented in tanks to preserve the fruit and aromatic finesse. Aging then takes place in oak barrels, partly new and partly used, for several months to impart structure, complexity, and a silky texture while maintaining the balance and freshness characteristic of the winery's style.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , raspberry , and plum , supported by floral nuances reminiscent of peony and violet. Spicy touches of sweet pepper, cinnamon, and clove mingle with a light oakiness reminiscent of cedar and vanilla. On the palate, the texture is silky, carried by fresh acidity and fine tannins , with a long finish of sweet spices and juicy red fruit .

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.