2021 Kenney Pinot noir
On the nose, cocoa and wafts of minerality aromas. There is a generous potpourri of dark berry layers, hints of baked cobbler, and laced with savory and dusky spices. Gorgeous texture and polished tannins.
A delicate and structured compilation that is delightful now and will continue to develop in the cellar. We honored Mike McNally's mother, Claire Kenney with this bottling.
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 114, Wadenswil, and Pommard 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 28% new French oak to an alcohol of 13.1%
Case production 206
Beautiful now, this wine will develop in the cellar for years.
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal | Pinot noir |
| Varietal Composition | 95% Dijon 114
3% Wadensvill
2% Pommard |
| Appellation | Yamhill-Carlton |
| Vineyard | Fairsing Vineyard |
| Harvest Date | 09/10/2021 |
| Acid | 6.4 |
| PH | 3.41 |
| Aging | 10 months in 28% new French oak |
| Alcohol | 13.10% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 08/25/2022 |
| Cases Produced | 206 |
"Aromas of freshly picked red cherries and strawberries with herbal notes. Medium-bodied. The palate displays tart, crunchy red fruit and chalky tannins. Crisp acidity and a flavorful finish." Drink or hold.
92 Points, Jamessuckling.com
Fairsing Vineyard is managed sustainably in Oregon’s Willamette Valley 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 wine career in the Central Valley of California.
Robert attended the University of California at Davis, graduating with a degree in Fermentation Science in 1981. While in California, Robert crafted wines for Far Niente Winery, St. Andrews Vineyard and Stags’ Leap Winery. After a 16 year career with Stags’ Leap Winery as Winemaker and Estate Manager, Robert and wife Ellen Brittan headed north to fulfill a dream of making Pinot noir and Syrah from unique sites in a cooler climate.
Since moving to Oregon, Robert manages his own vineyard and crafts wines for Brittan Vineyards while serving as consulting winemaker for select vineyards in the Northern 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 distinctive to the property. Robert’s enthusiasm for the varied exposures, geology, micro-climates, and selections across Fairsing Vineyard is reflected in his site-expressive wines.
