Pinot Noir Estate Selection Willamette Valley 2019

Description of the Erath Winery

Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley in Oregon, Domaine Erath is a pioneer in the production of high quality Pinot Noir in this region renowned for its ideal climate for this delicate grape variety. Founded on a passion for winemaking and respect for the terroir, Erath is committed to expressing the uniqueness of its vineyards through wines that reflect the authenticity and complexity of the Willamette Valley. Viticultural precision and a careful approach to winemaking allow Erath to produce elegant and expressive Pinot Noirs.

Description of the Cuvée Erath Pinot Noir Estate Selection Willamette Valley

The Cuvée Erath Pinot Noir Estate Selection is a meticulous selection of the estate's best lots of Pinot Noir, sourced from specific vineyards in the Willamette Valley. This wine is a tribute to Erath's ability to capture the essence of the terroir through a demanding grape variety. The Estate Selection is characterized by its finesse, elegance and depth, providing a tasting experience that highlights the exceptional quality of Oregon Pinot Noir.

Aromas of the Cuvée

This cuvée presents a complex and nuanced bouquet, with aromas of cherry, raspberry and plum, accompanied by floral notes of rose and violet. Subtle touches of damp earth, leather and spice, along with the delicate integration of oak, add to the wine's richness and complexity, providing a rich and inviting aromatic palette.

Characteristics of the Cuvée

• Grape variety: Pinot Noir
• Profile: A wine of remarkable elegance, with a fine tannin structure and refreshing acidity which brings balance and length. The Estate Selection vintage is renowned for its silky texture and lingering finish, which demonstrate the attention paid to every detail of its production.
• Aging Potential: Well designed to be enjoyed young for its freshness and fruitiness, this Pinot Noir also has good aging potential, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify over time.

Pairings with this Cuvée

Erath Pinot Noir Estate Selection Willamette Valley pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from delicate white meats to wild mushroom dishes and mild cheeses. Its elegance and finesse make it an excellent choice for special occasions or to complement a refined meal.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...). In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.