Description

Brooks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Our approach to winemaking is simple. We seek natural balance in the vineyard and cellar to show the true expression of terroir in our wines. We are passionate about organic and biodynamic farming; as we believe it not only creates better wines, but these important practices help keep our earth alive and ecosystem intact.

2023 Vintage:

The 2023 growing season kicked off with a late budbreak, reminiscent of 2011. Following budbreak, a sudden shift to warm, dry weather marked the season, with only one June rain event.

Ideal summer weather prevailed until a brief hot spell in August. Harvest commenced in late August, progressing smoothly until rains in September, which delayed picking but alleviated drought stress.

Overall, fruit quality remained excellent, with balanced acidity and moderate sugars. While rain disrupted harvest timing, some fruit still met the 100-day bloom-to-harvest rule, suggesting no significant quality differences pre- and post-rain. 2023 wines will have beautiful concentration, exceptional freshness, and flavors.

Vinification:

Sourced from a diverse collection of Willamette Valley vineyards, Muska-Bement, Muska, Crannell, York Hill, Fayetta, Eola Springs, Five Points, Hyland, Yamhill, and Temperance Hill, this wine reflects the character and complexity of the region. All fruit was hand sorted and 100% destemmed prior to fermentation with native yeast.

The wine was aged for 9 months in French oak and gently filtered using cross-flow filtration before being bottled on June 20, 2024. By the numbers: pH 3.51, total acidity 6.1 g/L, and alcohol 13.5%, with a total production of 3,800 cases.

Brooks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Ruby red with garnet tinges
• AROMA: Red cherry, thyme and strawberry layered with notes of rose petal, forest floor, and a touch of baking spice
• TASTE: Red currant, iron, cranberry, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon bark
• FINISH: Long and energetic, marked by freshness, purity of fruit, and a graceful, polished texture
• ABV: 13.5%