2018 Sullivan Pinot noir 1.5
Enticing rose petal and hints of spice on the nose with summer fruit flavors engaging the palate. Gorgeous depth, supple tannins and a generous finish mark this Sullivan Pinot noir.
A compilation of Dijon 777 (75%), Wadenswil (15%), and Pommard(10%), this wine barrel fermented in French oak sourced from the Billon, Sirugue, and Cadus copperages with emphasis on the Troncais and Allier forests.
Total elevage was 10 months with 22% new French oak before bottling in August 2019 with a final alcohol of 13.4%.
A Fairsing team favorite, this wine will continue to develop in the cellar through 2031.
93 Points - James Suckling
Vintage
The early months of the 2018 growing season were mild and drier than normal, followed by a cool and wet March. Bud break began in mid-April with warm temperatures that accelerated growth.
We observed bloom in mid-June and the summer continued as one of the driest in recent history.September cooled down nicely which allowed the sugars and acids to hold steady while the flavors developed to their full potential.
Harvest
Our early fall weather was ideal with rain waiting until October providing a prolonged harvest window. We harvested select Dijon 777, Wadenswil, and Pommard blocks under blue skies September 26, 2018.
Elevage
This wine entirely barrel fermented in French oak sourced from the Billon, Sirugue, and Cadus cooperages with emphasis on the Troncais and Allier forests. Total elevage was ten months with 22% new French oak. Bottling occurred August 28, 2019 with final alcohol 13.4%
Case production 346
Exceptional now, this wine will cellar well through 2024.
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Varietal | Pinot noir |
| Varietal Composition | Dijon 777 (75%), Wadenswil (15%) and Pommard (10%) |
| Appellation | Yamhill-Carlton AVA |
| Vineyard | Fairsing Vineyard |
| Harvest Date | 09/19/2018 |
| Acid | 6.6 |
| PH | 3.38 |
| Aging | 10 months new French oak |
| Alcohol | 13.40% |
| Volume | 1.5 liter |
| Bottling Date | 08/28/2019 |
93 Points - JamesSuckling.com
"A very impressive sense of fruit purity on the nose here with a super fresh and juicy feel. This offers such attractive, fresh red-berry flavors and lithe, juicy tannins run long, fresh and lively. Really upbeat purity here. Drink or hold." JamesSuckling.com - January 2020
Fairsing Vineyard is managed sustainably in Oregon’s Yamhill- Carlton American Viticulture Area (AVA) with 38 acres of Pinot noir and five acres of Chardonnay in production.
The vineyard is nestled inside an 80-acre Certified Family Forest distinguished by biodiversity, varied topography, and panoramic views of the Northern Willamette Valley.
Fairsing Vineyard is a certified member of the Low Input Viticulture and Enology (LIVE) Association, the Salmon Safe program and the American Tree Farm System.
Wine maker Robert Brittan's extensive winemaking experience ensures Fairsing Vineyard wines reflect the abundant beauty and complexity of the estate.
Robert Brittan completed his education at UC Davis and moved to Napa Valley, where he crafted wines for Far Niente and Saint Andrews among others. After 16 years with Stags’ Leap Winery as Winemaker and Estate Manager, Robert headed north to fulfill his dream of making Pinot noir and Syrah from unique sites in cooler climates.
With over 40 years experience tending grape vines and crafting wines, Robert is the consulting winemaker for select vineyards in the Northern Willamette Valley.
Since 2012 Robert and his team have been crafting wines for Fairsing that are distinctive and expressive of the property. Robert's enthusiasm for the varied exposures, geology, micro-climates, and selections across Fairsing Vineyard is reflected in his site-driven wines. Robert feels Pinot noir and Chardonnay lend themselves to many wonderful interpretations, depending on the soils and microclimates where they are grown.
