BRITTAN VINEYARDS OREGON WINE TASTING WITH SPECIAL GUEST ROBERT BRITTAN Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - 7:30 PM and ALL the Brittan Wines in the store on SALE!!
"The First Duty of wine is to be Red...the second is to be a Burgundy"
Harry Waugh
And if you are not a red Burgundy the second-best thing would be a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir as they make some of the most age worthy and high-quality wines from Pinot Noir in all the world today.
I have been doing serious scientific research with wines over the last 23+ years here at Wine Watch and one of my best discoveries I have made is Oregon Pinot Noir. We host blind tastings at the Wine Bar with the world’s great wines and at the last few grand cru red Burgundy events we threw in a California Pinot Noir and a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir along with the finest of the old world. At the end of the day the Cali wine came in first and Willamette came in second. If we were looking at solely at price... there is no better value in the world of collectible Pinot Noirs than what is being grown in the Willamette Valley today. The best can age for decades in your cellar and the price on some of the newest wines is still in the range of $50 per bottle.
I remember my trip to Oregon in the summer of 1994 for the IPNC (International Pinot Noir Celebration) this is one of the best wine parties that I have ever attended. The festival is limited to 500 attendees as it is hosted by McMinnville College and that is all they can accommodate in their lecture facilities. I remember not only were the quality of the wines at the highest level but the people in attendance were some of the most passionate Pinot Noir lovers that I had ever come across. And although winemaking began in the 19th century in this state it is only recently that its potential has been recognized by the rest of the world.
It was in 1979 when serious wine producers started to look at the potential of this area as Eyrie Vineyards' 1975 South Block Pinot Noir placed in the top 10 of Burgundy-style wines at the Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiades, and was rated the top Pinot Noir. This send the news around the wine world and shortly after Robert Drouhin, head of Burgundy's legendary Maison Joseph Drouhin, was visiting America's west coast promoting the Drouhin Burgundies. The California wine industry was just starting to receive its first recognition back then, but there was little if anything going on in Oregon. Robert's first visit to the Northwest and its earliest vineyards left him with the impression that it quite possibly would be Oregon, not California, that would ultimately prove to be the best place to grow the great grape of Burgundy - Pinot noir.
Inspired by his trip to Oregon and the results of 1979 tasting that was held in Paris, where, for the first time, the best new Oregon Pinot noirs were tasted in competition with the finest Burgundies. Robert decided to hold his own blind tasting in 1980 at the Drouhin cellars in France, with several of the best Oregon Pinot noirs going up against the finest Drouhin Grand Crus. It was a Drouhin Grand Cru that took first place this time, but an Oregon wine (the now legendary 1975 Eyrie Vineyards South Block) placed 2nd by a very narrow margin with the French experts. News of this tasting brought the first widespread international attention to Oregon Pinot noir.
After a few years time Robert's daughter Véronique just graduated with an advanced degree in enology from the University of Dijon, and wanted to expand her experience by working in Oregon. Véronique interned with Adelsheim Vineyards, Bethel Heights, and Eyrie for the 1986 vintage. Later on, Robert mentioned to David Adelsheim that it might be interesting to buy a piece of land in Oregon, to see what it might produce. What started as a passing thought began its transformation into reality when Adelsheim phoned the Drouhins in Beaune not long thereafter to tell them of a property that was for sale that they might be interested in. The rest is history and with one of Burgundies foremost wine producing families moving to Oregon the writing was on the wall that this wine producing region would soon get its much deserved recognition as one of the world's premier Pinot Noir growing regions.
Today, the state of Oregon in the United States has established an international reputation for its production of wine. Oregon has several different growing regions within the state's borders which are well-suited to the cultivation of grapes; additional regions straddle the border between Oregon and the states of Washington and Idaho. Wine making dates back to pioneer times in the 1840s, with commercial production beginning in the 1960s.
American Viticultural Areas entirely within the state include the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, Umpqua Valley, and Rogue Valley AVAs. Parts of the Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla Valley, and Snake River Valley AVAs lie within Oregon. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are the top two grapes grown, with over 67,918 short tons (61,614 t) harvested in 2016. As of 2016, Oregon wine makers produced over 3.3 million cases combined.
30,435 acres (12,317 ha) 424 67,918 short tons (61,614 t) 3,390,958
Currently there are over 900 wineries in Oregon and a bustling tourism industry has developed around wine tasting. Much of the tourism focuses on the wineries and tasting rooms in and around the Yamhill Valley southwest of Portland.
One of my more recent Oregon wine discoveries are the wines of Brittan Vineyards. We have been buying these wines every year since the 2016 vintage and we had a great virtual tasting with Robert Brittan that featured the 2017 and 2018 vintage wines that got me so excited I ordered all the magnums that were available! Magnums sell slow and age better than the 750ml format so I am not disappointed to still have a few in stock.
Join us as we welcome Robert Brittan to South Florida for a tasting of current releases as well as some older vintages wines from one of Oregon's top wineries. The fee for this tasting which includes dinner is $195 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
Brittan Vineyards Oregon Wine Tasting
with Special Guest Robert Brittan
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
7:30 PM
2022 Brittan Vineyards Estate Chardonnay McMinnville
2022 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Mcminnville
2021 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate McMinnville
2021 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Heritage Block Mcminnville
2021 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Cygnus Block McMinnville
2021 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Basalt Block Mcminnville
2019 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Cygnus Block McMinnville
2018 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Gestalt Block McMinnville
2017 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Basalt Block McMinnville
2016 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir The Puncheon Mcminnville
Menu
Selection of Cheese and Charcuterie
Tuna Poke with Coconut, Lime and Toasted Almonds Served over Jasmine Rice
Crispy Pork Belly with Blueberry BBQ Served over Country Grits
Duck Confit with Cherry Pinot Noir Reduction and Mixed Root Vegetable Risotto
Epoisses and Raspberry tart
The fee for this tasting which includes dinner is $195 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463. Please let us know when you make your reservations if you have any food allergies or aversions and chefs Toni and Dani will be happy to accommodate you.
A bit about Brittan Vineyards:
It took years to find the ideal site on which to grow Pinot Noir but after an exhaustive search, Brittan Vineyards began on an 128-acre hillside in Oregon in December 2004. The soils are a mixture of glacial deposits and volcanic material, with a predominant presence of broken basalt.
At that time, there were 18 acres of existing vines. However, close to 50% has subsequently been re-planted in order to fine-tune the viticultural practices and improve the clonal and rootstock combinations. This included one of the first plantings of the Swan clonal selection of Pinot Noir in Oregon.
After dropping all of the crop in 2005 to allow the vines to get better established, the first two Pinot Noirs from the mature vines on the property came from the 2006 vintage, a total of 720 cases.
In the spring of 2008, an additional 3.5 acres of Pinot Noir were planted, which are now in production— the rocky soils and low water retention often means that it takes five years for a vine to get into production.
In addition to the Pinot, 4 acres of Chardonnay and 1.5 acres of Syrah have been planted. These are two varietals that benefit greatly from a cool growing climate.
“We have east, south and west exposures to choose from on a cool, windy site on the edge of the Coastal Range. As a result, I believe I have found a site where I can grow unique wines, wines that truly speak of this place.” - Robert Brittan
Robert Brittan left Stags’ Leap Winery in Napa after 16 years as Winemaker and Estate Manager to fulfill his dream of making Pinot Noir and Syrah from unique sites in cooler climates. His winemaking career began in his dorm room at Oregon State University, where he was a physics and philosophy major.
Being both geeky and broke, he soon realized that alcohol was an attractant to co-eds, so he began his career in fermentation sciences in order to get a date. He ultimately completed his education at UC Davis and moved to Napa Valley, where he made wines for Far Niente, Saint Andrews and Stags’ Leap Winery.
With 45 years of experience growing grapes and making wine, he brings a significant amount of viticultural and winemaking knowledge to Brittan Vineyards. He has always had a passion for Pinot Noir, and hopes that with the fruit from the Brittan estate vineyard in the foothills of the Coastal Range, he can bring a new voice to the McMinnville AVA, and help form the style and definition of Pinot Noir from this recently designated winegrowing region.
In addition to his own wines, Robert is also the winemaker for several other brands, to include: deLancellotti, Fairsing and Winderlea. As a result, Robert is now making wines from all six of the sub-AVA’s of the Willamette Valley and has learned first hand that Pinot Noir lends itself to many wonderful interpretations, depending on the soils and microclimates where it is grown.
Ellen has always had a passion for food and wine, so after spending the first twenty years of her career working in Financial Services, she finally decided to give up the corporate world to do something she would do even if she didn’t get paid to do it.
After working in a lovely little family winery in Yountville, she joined Rudd Winery in Oakville, where she had the wonderful opportunity to launch and manage a new luxury wine brand for Leslie Rudd. In the course of her ten years with the Rudd Group, she also was involved in the group’s other food and spirits related projects, to include Dean & DeLuca, Edge Hill Winery, Distillery No. 209, PRESS Restaurant and Oakville Grocery. It was a dream come true to be immersed in a world of gourmet food and luxury wine and spirits.
Having grown up in Seattle, studying French and Spanish Language & Literature at the University of Washington, she longed to return to her North West roots, so needless to say she was thrilled to be joint owner of the beautiful Brittan Vineyards winery in McMinnville.
While Robert oversees the vineyard and winemaking, Ellen manages the business operations for Brittan Vineyards. In addition, Ellen has worked as General Manager for the Carlton Winemakers’ Studio and as the Director of Wine Education at Linfield College. In order to give back to a wine community that has been so welcoming and supportive, she has also served as Chair of the Oregon Wine Board, President of the Oregon Winegrowers’ Association, and Chair of the International Pinot Noir Celebration. She currently sits on the board of Visit McMinnville and is a member of the Linfield Wine Education Advisory Council.
All the older vintages of Brittan Wines in the store on SALE!
2022 BRITTAN VINEYARDS ESTATE CHARDONNAY MCMINNVILLE
Price: $54.00 Your Price: $47.52
TASTING NOTES The nose of our 2022 Chardonnay, the first vintage sourced exclusively from the estate, draws you in with a stylish flintiness and aromas of sweet Meyer lemon, pea tendrils, and a hint of honeysuckle. Scents of Asian pear carry through to the palate, mingling with lemon curd, yellow peach, and brioche. This sleek, taut, acid driven wine evolves in the glass and will continue to develop with cellaring.
VINEYARD NOTES The Brittan Vineyard lies just 12 miles southwest of McMinnville, tucked into the foothills of the Coastal Range. The original 18 acres were planted in 2001, but due to the challenging nature of this site and limited topsoil, only eight acres survived. Since 2004 when Robert and Ellen purchased the vineyard, it has been an ongoing rehabilitation project: replanting, retraining, and learning the unique landscape that has become Brittan Vineyard.
2022 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR ESTATE MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $117.00 Your Price: $102.96
2022 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR ESTATE MCMINNVILLE
Price: $54.00 Your Price: $47.52
The Brittan Estate Vineyard lies just 12 miles southwest of McMinnville, tucked into the foothills of the Coast Range. The original 18 acres were planted in 2001, but due to the challenging nature of this site and limited topsoil, only eight acres survived. Since 2004 when Robert and Ellen purchased the vineyard, it has been an ongoing rehabilitation project: replanting, retraining, and learning the unique landscape that has become Brittan Vineyard.
2021 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR ESTATE MCMINNVILLE
Price: $54.00 Your Price: $47.52 Quantity in Stock: 18
Vineyard notes: The Brittan Estate Vineyard lies just 12 miles southwest of McMinnville, tucked into the foothills of the Coast Range. The original 18 acres were planted in 2001, but due to the challenging nature of this site and limited topsoil, only eight acres survived. Since 2004 when Robert and Ellen purchased the vineyard, it has been an ongoing rehabilitation project: replanting, retraining, and learning the unique landscape that has become Brittan Vineyard.
Vintage notes: The 2021 vintage, despite some challenges, produced wines with intensity and richness. A mild winter was followed by a warm and dry spring. Summer brought warm temperatures with occasional heat spikes, including the June heat dome that caused some stress in the vineyard. Yields were significantly lower than normal, with some blocks producing less than one ton per acre. Harvest began on September 17 and continued into early October, resulting in wines with good balance and acidity.
Tasting notes: Our 2021 Estate Pinot Noir entices with aromas of juicy fruit, pomegranate, pie cherry and warm spice. On the palate, sweet baking spices, blackberry seed and brambly flavors mingle with silky tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a long and satisfying finish. Pairs well with salmon, pork tenderloin with berry sauce or Eggplant Parmigiana. Drink now though 2038.
2021 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR CYGNUS BLOCK MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $162.00 Your Price: $142.56
2021 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR CYGNUS BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $76.50 Your Price: $67.32
The three-acre, east facing Cygnus Block was planted in 2008 to the low-yielding Swan Selection of Pinot noir (the only single-selection block on the property). Unlike the rest of the vineyard, rows here are planted in an east/west orientation giving the block a different exposure to the sun and reducing the influence of the Van Duzer winds, which are channeled through the rows instead of across them. This block’s unique aspect, orientation, and selection create fresh, balanced, seamless wines brimming with red fruits.
2021 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR HERITAGE BLOCK MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $162.00 Your Price: $142.56
2021 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR HERITAGE BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $76.50 Your Price: $67.32
The 3.5 acre Heritage Block, situated on the small southeast facing ridge above Gestalt, is planted to the Calera, Mt. Eden, Swan, Pommard and Wädenswil selections of Pinot noir, the ‘heritage’ selections of California and Oregon. Shallow volcanic soils sit atop ancient basalts and, at higher elevations, a thin layer of compacted marine sediments. The vines are more protected from the Van Duzer winds than Basalt and should enjoy additional hours of ripening as well. While still early in the block’s evolution, we expect profound, generous wines full of rich, dark fruit.
2021 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR BASALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $162.00 Your Price: $142.56
2021 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR BASALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $76.50 Your Price: $67.32
The Basalt Block, a seven-acre south-facing bowl at the heart of our hillside vineyard, is planted primarily to Pinot noir selections 777 and Pommard. This part of the vineyard has the most exposure to the ancient, fractured marine basalts that underlie the entire property.
Direct interaction between vine roots and base geology produces the truest expression of site: in our case, savory, mineral-driven, red
fruited wines with pronounced acidity
2020 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR GESTALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00
VINEYARD NOTES The Brittan Vineyard lies just 12 miles southwest of McMinnville, tucked into the foothills of the Coastal Range. The original 18 acres were planted in 2001, but due to the challenging nature of this site and limited topsoil, only eight acres survived. Since 2004 when Robert and Ellen Brittan purchased the vineyard, it has been an ongoing rehabilitation project: replating, retraining and learning the unique landscape that has become the Brittan Vineyard. The Gestalt Block Pinot noir comes from the part of the vineyard that is more southwest facing and atop younger, more compact intrusion basalts. It takes the brunt of the wine that blows across the vineyard, resulting in a wine with structure and fine acidity. The selections of Pinot noir planted in this block include 777, 667 and 115.
2019 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR CYGNUS BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00 Quantity in Stock: 26
VINEYARD NOTES The Brittan Vineyard lies just 12 miles southwest of McMinnville, tucked into the foothills of the Coastal Range. The original 18 acres were planted in 2001, but due to the challenging nature of this site and limited topsoil, only eight acres survived. Since 2004 when Robert and Ellen Brittan purchased the vineyard, it has been an ongoing rehabilitation project: replating, retraining and learning the unique landscape that has become the Brittan Vineyard. The three acre, southeast facing Cygnus Block was planted in 2008 to Swan selection, a selection of Pinot noir they believe was brought in from Burgundy around the 1880s and planted in California.
(97 points) The 2019 Pinot Noir Cygnus Block offers tremendous aromatic definition and layering: bursts of lavender, bergamot and botanicals give way to a core of mixed berry preserves, and each return to the glass brings a new alluring fragrance. Its generosity is echoed on the palate, which is packed with floral fruit. It has a support of grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity and a fantastically detailed, energetic finish. It’s a beautiful Willamette Valley Pinot Noir that embodies power and grace. (EB) Wine Advocate
2019 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR GESTALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $69.00 Your Price: $60.72 Quantity in Stock: 16
(98 points) The 2019 Pinot Noir Gestalt Block is a stunning Pinot Noir that was reticent and wound in an earlier tasting but has blossomed into a kaleidoscopic beauty. Its perfume is heavenly and changes with each return to the glass: violet and graphite give way to red cherry and pomegranate preserves, which in turn segues to nuances of tobacco leaves, bitter orange and woodsmoke. The palate is equally compelling, its deep core of fruit streaked with touches of iron and haunting floral perfume. It has a frame of powdery tannins, focused acidity and a very long, latent finish with a detailed fan of earthy accents. It deserves several more years in bottle to unwind and will be long-lived. Wine Advocate
2018 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR BASALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $133.50 Your Price: $117.48 Quantity in Stock: 9
2018 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR BASALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00 Quantity in Stock: 10
(96 Points) The 2018 Pinot Noir Basalt Block is tense and earthy, with broody aromas of crushed red cherries, blackberries and plums and ever-shifting accents of shiitake, fir needles, dark chocolate, licorice and violet. The light-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with delicately styled, saline-driven fruit at this stage and a very long, ethereal finish. Although it feels youthfully coiled, it blossoms beautifully over several days, suggesting it will benefit from several years in bottle and be long-lived in the cellar. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2018 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR GESTALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $133.50 Your Price: $117.48 Quantity in Stock: 9
2018 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR GESTALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $60.00 Your Price: $52.80 Quantity in Stock: 12
The Gestalt Block, a two-acre parcel planted primarily to Pinot noir selection 115, occupies the southwest flank of our hillside. The vines here are planted in shallow topsoil underpinned by a young, dense layer of intrusion basalt, and yield less than one ton of fruit per acre. The small, thick-skinned berries (a product of the Van Duzer winds) produce wines with a dark fruit core and pronounced phenolic intensity that showcase the essence of the vintage.
VINTAGE NOTES The 2018 vintage started cool and wet in February and March, which led to a more “normal” budbreak in April. The season quickly accelerated and was warm and dry beginning in May. Summer brought very warm, dry weather through August, which put pressure on the vines and produced fruit of great depth and concentration. September was dry but more moderate and allowed the fruit to reach full maturity by the end of the month.
TASTING NOTES This year’s Gestalt Block Pinot Noir showcases the essence of the 2018 vintage, with intense concentration, serious structure and chewy, drying tannins. You’ll find notes of graphite, pencil shavings, thyme, sage and a hint of vanilla on the nose, leading to elderberry, black currant, choke cherry and cacao on the palate. Decant if opening now or lay down for long-term development. Drink now through 2038
2018 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR CYGNUS BLOCK MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $133.50 Your Price: $117.48 Quantity in Stock: 9
2018 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR CYGNUS BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00 Quantity in Stock: 4
(97 points) "The ‘Cygnus Block’ is a southeast facing site in the Brittan Estate Vineyard that was planted in 2008 to Swan selection, a selection of Pinot Noir they believe was brought in from Burgundy around the 1880s and planted in California. Once on the nose this takes on wonderfully stony tones alongside black tea, blood orange zest, huckleberry and salty undertones. The palate is complex and delicious with a seriously good range from red and dark fruits to wet stone, Umami and citrus fruits. Delightful to savor in its youth, be sure to give this at least a one hour decant if enjoying anytime soon. Drink 2021-2038. (EB) Wine Advocate
2017 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR CYGNUS BLOCK MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $127.50 Your Price: $112.20 Quantity in Stock: 3
2017 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR CYGNUS BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $63.75 Your Price: $56.10
TASTING NOTES The trademark red fruits of Cygnus Block Pinot noir are in good supply this vintage, including the bright sweetness of red currants, Amarena cherries, red plum and a hint of raspberry alongside more savory notes like black tea, bergamot, licorice, and baking spices. The wine wraps-up with bright acidity, lingering juiciness, and a long, elegant finish
VINEYARD NOTES The Brittan Vineyard lies just 12 miles southwest of McMinnville, tucked into the foothills of the Coastal Range. The original 18 acres were planted in 2001, but due to the challenging nature of this site and limited topsoil, only eight acres survived. Since 2004 when Robert and Ellen Brittan purchased the vineyard, it has been an ongoing rehabilitation project: replating, retraining and learning the unique landscape that has become the Brittan Vineyard. The three acre, southeast facing Cygnus Block was planted in 2008 to Swan selection, a selection of Pinot noir they believe was brought in from Burgundy around the 1880s and planted in California.
VINTAGE NOTES Akin to the prior three vintages, 2017 provided a consistently warm growing season for the vines at our estate vineyard, resulting in generous (for us) average yields approaching two tons per acre. Springtime flowering and fruit set, while delayed by a cool and wet winter, were even across the blocks and dry conditions at harvest meant little to no pressure from disease. The resulting wines are full bodied yet retain the mineral notes and taut core of acidity that have become the hallmarks of Brittan Vineyards.
BOTTLED:DECEMBER 2018 CASES PRODUCED:260
2017 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR BASALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE MAGNUM
Price: $127.50 Your Price: $112.20 Quantity in Stock: 4
2017 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR BASALT BLOCK MCMINNVILLE
Price: $63.75 Your Price: $56.10 Quantity in Stock: 1
TASTING NOTES With a nose of dark, sweet fruit, fresh fennel, anise, tobacco, breakfast tea, sandalwood and wet stone, the 2017 edition of our Basalt Block Pinot noir is true to form. Notes of dark cherry, blackberry, cola, sweet spice and minerality on the palate lead to a long, bright and crisp finish.
VINEYARD NOTES The Brittan Vineyard lies just 12 miles southwest of McMinnville, tucked into the foothills of the Coastal Range. The original 18 acres were planted in 2001, but due to the challenging nature of this site and limited topsoil, only eight acres survived. Since 2004 when Robert and Ellen Brittan purchased the vineyard, it has been an ongoing rehabilitation project: replating, retraining and learning the unique landscape that has become the Brittan Vineyard. The Pinot noir for the Basalt Block predominately consists of the Pommard selection, blended with clonal selecions 667, 777, 115 and Swan. The vines are planted on Riparia Gloire, 3309 and 101-14 rootstocks.
VINTAGE NOTES Akin to the prior three vintages, 2017 provided a consistently warm growing season for the vines at our estate vineyard, resulting in generous (for us) average yields approaching two tons per acre. Springtime flowering and fruit set, while delayed by a cool and wet winter, were even across the blocks and dry conditions at harvest meant little to no pressure from disease. The resulting wines are full bodied yet retain the mineral notes and taut core of acidity that have become the hallmarks of Brittan Vineyards.
PRODUCTION NOTES The fruit for the 2017 vintage was picked in late September and early October. The wine was aged in French oak, 15% new, for 12 months. BOTTLED:DECEMBER 2018 CASES PRODUCED:343
2016 BRITTAN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR THE PUNCHEON MCMINNVILLE
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00 Quantity in Stock: 1
Each vintage, Robert Brittan ferments small lots of Pinot noir from each of our single blocks in open-top “puncheons,” custom-built 500L
French oak barrels standing on end with one of their heads removed. The final cuvée is meticulously assembled from these lots, producing a complex and intriguing wine of great depth, complexity and longevity.
VINTAGE NOTES
2016 was the third vintage in a row in the Willamette Valley where flowering started earlier than normal, and the weather remained warm
throughout the growing season. After a warm summer, the last ten days of the growing season gave us beautiful days in the low 70’s,
making for an easy and unhurried harvest. The grapes exhibited ripe flavors, but with more restraint and elegance as we get better and
better at handling warmer growing conditions.
TASTING NOTES
The 2016 Puncheon Pinot Noir expresses notes of blueberry, raspberry, herbal blackberry and dried cherry alongside white pepper, baking
spice, blood orange zest and fennel. This complex, savory wine is beautifully balanced with firm, bright acidity and an elegance and
roundness on the palate. Ripe fruits and a complex earthiness linger in the long finish.