2021 Dardis Pinot noir
The Dardis Pinot noir crafted from fruit on the west side of Fairsing honors Mary Ann McNally’s paternal grandmother, Hannah Dardis.
The Dardis bears a signature deep garnet color and alluring aromatics of wood spice and forest floor.
This Pinot noir showcases firm velvety tannins that frame savory and ripe dark fruit flavors. On the palate baked berry flavors mingle and flow through to an expressive finish.
Drink now through 2034.
VINTAGE
The 2021 growing season was 8% warmer than normal, however temperatures in the critical months of fruit development and ripening were normal to slightly below average.
Although the Willamette Valley experienced record-breaking heat in the June, we received rain just prior to the heat event which hydrated the vines and prevented damage.
Bud break occurred in the third week of April and bloom began on June 4. Veraison was observed on August 12 with harvest for our Pinot noir program beginning September 14.
HARVEST
After 100 days of drought, a welcome and rejuvenating rain arrived September 18, one day after harvest of the full vineyard was complete.
ELEVAGE
This combination of Dijon 115 and 114 selections barrel fermented in French oak sourced from a variety of coopers with an emphasis on the Troncais and Allier forests.
Total elevage was ten months in 30% new French oak to an alcohol of 14%
Case production 336
Stylish and well-integrated now, this beauty will develop in the cellar for years.
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal | Pinot noir |
| Varietal Composition | 95% 115
5% 114 |
| Appellation | Yamhill-Carlton |
| Vineyard | Fairsing Vineyard |
| Harvest Date | 09/09/2021 |
| Acid | 5.9 |
| PH | 3.59 |
| Aging | 10 months in 30% new French oak |
| Alcohol | 14.00% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 08/25/2022 |
| Cases Produced | 336 |
"Even Dr. Who would love this Dardis. Its aromas of marionberry pie, earth, and crushed brick dust are followed by flavors of blackberry tea and lemon-flavored jelly babies. The Dardis' tannins are as impressive as its bright acidity. Only a time machine could tell for sure, but you should be able to enjoy this wine from 2025-2036". - M.A.
93 Points and Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast
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, the American Tree Farm System and are signatories of the Willamette Valley Oak Accord.
A veteran of the wine industry since the early 1970’s, Robert Brittan began his career in the Central Valley of California. Robert attended the University of California at Davis, graduating with a degree in Fermentation Science in 1981.
Robert attended the University of California at Davis, graduating in 1981 with a degree in Fermentation Science. His early work includes crafting wines for St. Andrews Vineyard and world-class Cabernet and Chardonnay for Far Niente Winery.
in 1988 Robert joined Stags’ Leap Winery and served as winemaker and general manager for the 240 acres of vineyards, gardens and wilderness that make up the historic Napa site.
In 2004, eager to focus on cool climate vareitals, Robert moved from California to Oregon wine country. In addition to managing his own vineyard and crafting wines for Brittan Vineyards, Robert is the consulting winemaker for select vineyards in the Willamette Valley.
A firm believer that wines are much more compelling as they age, Robert is committed to a minimalist winemaking style and partners with exceptional vineyard sites to craft wines that cellar beautifully.
Since 2012, Robert and his team have been crafting wines for Fairsing that are expressive and distinctive to the property. Robert’s enthusiasm for the varied exposures, geology, micro-climates, and selections across Fairsing Vineyard is reflected in his site-driven wines.
