Martin Woods Pinot Noir 2018, Havlin Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Martin Woods Winery is hidden in the oak-forested foothills of Oregon’s Coast Range, within the cool-climate McMinnville AVA, just outside of the city of McMinnville, ground zero for the Willamette Valley wine community. Havlin Vineyard is situated amidst one of the latest ripening neighborhoods in the Willamette Valley – the Van duzer Corridor serves as an “air-conditioning” pathway through a low gap in the Coast Range where marine air enters from the ocean and cools the Willamette Valley. Grapes in the Van Duzer develop thick skins and retain bright acidity as a result of the consistent wind. Shallow, marine sediments with intrusions of ironstone at Havlin Vineyard provide stress to the vines, making for a sparse canopy with lots of sun exposure and airflow. The end result is Pinot noir with restrained fruit and structure-driven character. Winemaking: Picked October 16, 2017 at 23.3 brix, 3.19 pH. open top 1.5 ton fermenters with 20% whole clusters/whole berries layered in. combination of pumpovers and punchdowns, starting after 1 week. Peak temp, 79 F. 17 days total on skins. Pressed to Barrel, without settling. Aged 22 months (initial 12 months on lees) in both Oregon (50%) and French (50%) 228L barrels, less than 5% new oak. Racked twice over 22 months and bottled Unfined/Unfiltered on September 4, 2019. Tasting notes: dusty earth and pronounced spice, wild herbs, bright cranberry and cherry – medium frame with vibrant freshness and length – resolved and integrated tannin structure – classic, cool-climate pinot noir.