2021 Pinot Noir West Block
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- Certified Organically Grown
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- Harvest date: October 7, 2021
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- Grapes at harvest: Brix 22.5, pH 3.06, TA 7.5 g/L
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- Finished wine: Alcohol 12.8%, pH: 3.33, TA: 6.1 gr/liter
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- Barrel aged 11 months in French oak, 40% new barrels
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- Cases produced: 190
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- Bottled unfined August 30, 2022
The West Block at Bethel Heights is a fiveacre section planted in 1977 to own-rooted Pinot noir of the heritage Wädenswil selection. These are the oldest Pinot noir vines at Bethel Heights, and some of the last remaining own-rooted Pinot noir vines in the Willamette Valley.
WINEMAKER NOTES
The West Block continues to have the healthiest of the original ungrafted vines at Bethel Heights, standing tall and imposing along the northern border of the property. Notoriously late ripening, in 2021 we had to wait until mid-October to pick the West Block under grey skies that looked heavy with rain, and yet the fermentations yielded wines of bountiful candied red fruits, the succulent acidity this block is known for, and a purity and persistence that is unmatched anywhere else on the property.
ACCOLADES
96 Wine Advocate
"The 2021 Pinot Noir West Block takes some coaxing to reveal scents of cranberry, rhubarb and pomegranate with nuances of tobacco, dried earth, bitter orange and Angostura bitters. The medium-bodied palate is silky and energetic, with an intriguing touch of bitterness reminiscent of amaro carrying the long, layered finish. This has notable detail but will require more time in bottle to unwind. "
MORE DETAILS
PDF Fact Sheet
| Alcohol | 12.80% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
