Illahe Pinot Gris 2023, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Illahe Vineyard is an 80-acre, south-facing hill slope that was purchased in 2000 and first planted in 2001 with 22 acres of Pinot Noir. Today the vineyard has seven varieties and 50 acres of Pinot Noir with 60 acres planted. Illahe Vineyards also uses estate fruit from the Glenn Creek Vineyard in West Salem. Illahe Vineyards is one nine vineyards situated in the Mount Pisgah area. In this prime grape-growing region, 92.1% of the soil is comprised of silty clay loam – unique to this area only. “We press off this pinot gris right after picking and ferment 50% in a 1600 gallon French oak cask and 50% in stainless steel. The wine stays on the lees throughout fermentation. This, along with the large oak cask, gives the wine more texture and is a nod to a more Alsatian style.” Tasting notes: The aromatics of the gris jump out of the glass with notes of sweet grass, honey crisp apple, animal cracker, lemon, ginger, honey, dried apricot and a hint of salinity. Our wooden foudre helps give this gris has lovely texture with centered acidity and rich juicy mounthfeel.