Roserock Drouhin Pinot Noir 2021

Roserock is the Oregon estate of Maison Joseph Drouhin, the Burgundy house, planted in the Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley. The site sits on Jory soil, a deep volcanic clay loam weathered from basalt, which drains well and gives Pinot Noir its dark red fruit and a fine mineral thread. The Van Duzer Corridor funnels cool Pacific air across the vineyard in the afternoons, and the wide swing between warm days and cold nights preserves natural acidity and slows sugar accumulation. The estate is LIVE and sustainably farmed. After fermentation the wine spends 18 months in French oak barrels, a portion new, where slow oxygen transfer through the staves softens the tannins and adds a light spice and vanilla frame without covering the fruit. The wine is medium ruby. The nose leads with red cherry, raspberry and cranberry over forest floor and a touch of clove. The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity, silky tannins and a savoury, earthy finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees in a large glass. It is a natural match for roast duck, mushroom dishes and salmon.