Winemaker Notes
Farmed by Lee & Chancy Croft, this certified organic vineyard was planted with Pommard & Wadenswil clones in 1985 and sits at 380 feet elevation on southeast facing slopes. Bellpine soils characterize the site with silty clay loam and uplifted seabed over sandstone parent material. That marine-influenced soil paired with a microclimate that is metered and less windy than most other spots in the Willamette Valley gives the wines from this site a particular intensity and power without being overly tannic or overripe.
Home of some of the planet’s most amazingly elegant and expressive Pinot noir, the Willamette Valley is a pastoral, mixed landscape of green, bucolic rolling hills, dramatic forestlands and small, independent, friendly wine growers. As a leader in environmental stewardship, the valley has some of the nation’s most protective land use policies, with two-thirds of its vineyards farmed sustainably and over half, organically. While the valley claims a cool, continental climate, and is heavily influenced by the cold, moist winds of the Pacific Ocean, its warm and dry summers allow for the steady, even ripening of Pinot noir.
The potential of Willamette Valley Pinot noir continues to attract the investment of serious growers and winemakers both locally and from abroad, as naturally the finished wines bring accolades from professionals and enthusiasts. With a range of styles from delicate dried cherry, raspberry and hibiscus to stronger notes of truffle, mocha, plum and spice, a fine Willamette Valley Pinot noir is a perfect expression of both character and grace.