Lingua Franca AVNI Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Winter was extremely cold, with a historic ice storm that left the region without power for two weeks. It remained cool and wet throughout early spring, but warmed up in time to have a major heat dome event at the end of June with record-breaking 47°C temperatures. The resiliency of our non-irrigated soils, having fractured basalt as both an insulator as well as source of stored water meant that our vines had almost no negative effect and remained verdant all the way through. The heat event reduced mildew pressure from a wet spring and the harvest proceeded with fruit in perfect balance and excellent, moderately cool conditions.

Over 70% of the fruit this vintage comes from the Lingua Franca Estate (30% upper blocks, 40% lower). The remaining 30% is sourced from our best neighbouring vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, including Hope Well, elevating the complexity while retaining the round, savoury character of this cuvée.

94 Pts. "Elegant yet dynamic, this multi-layered red reveals detailed cherry and red plum flavours that are laced with savoury forest floor and mineral flavours, which build intensity toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2031."
- Tim Fish

Hand-harvested, the grapes were fed by bin into medium sized stainless steel and cement tanks and fermented spontaneously with 18% whole cluster fruit.The wines aged 16% new and 84% old French oak barriques for 12 months and 4 in tank prior to bottling. 9% of the total, Ponzi Heritage Pommard clone from LSV Block 23 was fermented using 100% whole cluster carbonic fermentation.