Robert Brittan left Stags’ Leap Winery in Napa after 16 years as Winemaker and Estate Manager to fulfill his dream of making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah from unique sites in cooler climates. In 2004 he and his wife Ellen purchased a 128 acre estate in the foothills of the Coast Range in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and shortly thereafter founded Brittan Vineyards. All of the wines made at Brittan Vineyards are estate wines.
Cygnus Block is a three-acre, east parcel in Brittan Vinyeards and was planted in 2008 to the low-yielding Swan Selection of Pinot noir.
Crimson in color. 13.7% ABV. Charming nose of red fruits, flowers and earth. Medium body with perfect acidity. Light, crisp and earthy. Cherry, cranberry, iron and minerals on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Absolutely delightful Pinot Noir that has the structure and fruit to age well. Best over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 94 points.
I previously blogged about Brittan Vineyards in A Visit to Brittan Vineyards in McMinnville.