Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir

Characterized by the winemaking process that focuses on pure fruit expression, the wine opens with aromas of blackberry, cherry and raspberry accented by subtle savory spice and vanilla. Indicative of the warm and even growing season, the palate is rich, coating and leads to juicy flavors that mirror aromas with the addition of dark chocolate and mocha that flow into soft, round finish with balancing acidity. The stylistic vision of this wine is to capture pure Pinot Noir fruit with beautiful depth and structure through whole cluster fermentation and carbonic maceration. Our winemaking philosophy demands attention to detail from vineyard to bottle. The vineyards for this wine are chosen to complement this unique style of wine. The whole grape clusters (including the stems) are gently conveyed into stainless steel tanks that have been filled with CO2 gas. Yeast is then added and the lid closed tightly to exclude any excess oxygen. Pressing takes place when aromatic and taste characters are ideal and tannins are still gentle. After pressing, fermentation finishes over a 7 – 10 day period in stainless steel tanks. The pH is monitored closely during malolactic fermentation until the desired balance is achieved. Our most versatile Pinot Noir for food pairing, this wine lends itself well to sweet and tangy BBQ dishes, sushi, spicy Asian and Indian dishes, wood-fired flatbreads, gourmet burgers and salmon. Try serving slightly chilled on a warm summer evening.