2021 Fairsing Pinot noir 1.5
Harvested September 14, 2021, this combination of Pommard, Dijon 114, 115, and Wadenswil was barrel fermented 10 months in 20% new French oak before bottling August 25, 2022 with a final alcohol of 13.4%.
The 2021 Fairsing Vineyard Pinot noir represents the entire 42-acre vineyard and contains fruit from across cascading hillsides and deep intervening draughts.
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 Pommard, Dijon 114, Dijon 115, and Wadenswil 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 20% new French oak to an alcohol of 13.4%
Case production 547
Beautiful now, this wine will cellar beautifully for years.
New barrels:
Mercurey, Francois Freres, Seguin Moreau, St Martin
Remainder:
Once, twice and thrice filled barrels from various cooperages w emphasis on Allier, Troncais, Nevers, and Vosges forests.
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal | Pinot noir |
| Varietal Composition | Pommard (50%), Wadenswil (10%), Dijon 115 (15%) and Dijon 114 (25%) |
| Appellation | Yamhill-Carlton AVA |
| Vineyard | Fairsing Vineyard |
| Designation | Pinot noir |
| Harvest Date | 09/16/2021 |
| Acid | 6.5 |
| PH | 3.42 |
| Aging | 10 months, 20% new French oak |
| Alcohol | 13.40% |
| Volume | 1.5 liter |
| Bottling Date | 08/25/2022 |
| Cases Produced | 1 |
94 Points - JamesSuckling.com:
Impressive, complex, spicy aromas with vibrant red cherries at the core, leading to a very smoothly arranged palate that carries a fresh, lithe and juicy feel. Long, succulent and handsomely defined finish. Drink or hold.
- May 2019
Fairsing Vineyard is managed sustainably in Oregon's Yamhill-Carlton American Viticulture Area (AVA) with 38 acres of Pinot noir and two acres of Chardonnay in production. 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.
No pesticides or persistent herbicides are utilized on our 170 acre site.
Our vineyard has a diverse ecosystem, including 80 acres dedicated to a Certified Family Forest. The site is a micro watershed with numerous streams supplying Chehalem Creek. Green reserves adjacent to the vineyard blocks are maintained to enhance biodiversity.
Robert Brittan completed his education at UC Davis and moved to Napa Valley, where he crafted wines for Far Niente, Saint Andrews and Stags’ Leap Winery. After a 16 year career 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.
