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.
The Basalt Block is a seven-acre south facing parcel planted primarily to Pinot noir selections 777 and Pommard.
Crimson in color. 13.1% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, rose petals and earth. Medium body with medium acidity. Light and elegant. Black cherry, iron, tea and soil on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Less fruit forward than I typically expect from Brittan but delicious nonetheless. Charming Pinot Noir that will drink well for another 3-5 years.
My rating: 92 points.
I previously blogged about Brittan Vineyards in A Visit to Brittan Vineyards in McMinnville.