Winemaker Notes
The 2001 Croft is a selection of Pinot Noir Pommard clone from a specific block, located at the entrance of the Croft vineyard where the fruit shows more intensity. Wines from the Croft Vineyard typically display a robust composition and tannin structure, making this wine a strong candidate for aging. Although it is approachable now, it will continue to round out and will benefit from another 6 months of bottle age. With cellaring, it can be enjoyed for the next 6 years. In addition to black fruits, this wine also shows very attractive red berry and cherry aromas and flavors, all delightfully complemented by smoky, toasty notes, and a hint of flowers and coffee. Bright acidity agreeably counterbalances the sweet attack of the fruit, while the structure of the tannins promises a chewy mouthful. Think steak and grilled vegetables or grilled ahi tuna as enjoyable food pairings for this full-bodied Pinot Noir.
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.