{"id":8190,"date":"2025-10-10T14:34:47","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T18:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wtso.com\/blog\/?p=8190"},"modified":"2025-10-13T15:52:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T19:52:47","slug":"back-from-the-frost-how-lachini-vineyards-turned-a-freeze-into-falls-best-pinot-noir","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wtso.com\/blog\/back-from-the-frost-how-lachini-vineyards-turned-a-freeze-into-falls-best-pinot-noir\/","title":{"rendered":"Back from the Frost: How Lachini Vineyards Turned a Freeze into Fall\u2019s Best Pinot Noir"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the heart of Oregon\u2019s Chehalem Mountains, the 2022 growing season began with uncertainty for Lachini Vineyards<\/a>. Over Easter weekend, a sudden and severe freeze swept through their estate, wiping out the primary buds on the vines. For a moment, the vintage hung in the balance. But nature, like great wine, can be surprisingly resilient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just weeks later, secondary and even tertiary buds emerged, a rare phenomenon that signaled recovery and perseverance, both in the vineyard and in the hands that tend it. Although yields were drastically reduced, with less than 1.25 tons per acre harvested, the resulting fruit was nothing short of extraordinary: small clusters, concentrated flavors, and vibrant, natural acidity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lachini Family Estate Pinot Noir<\/a> from this vintage is more than a bottle, it\u2019s a story. Crafted from a blend of Pommard, Dijon, Wadenswil, Swan, and a prized suitcase clone, this wine offers a layered expression of the Chehalem Mountains \u2013 dark cherry, wild herbs, spice, and black tea, supported by elegant structure and seamless balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aged in 30% new French oak, fermented with native yeasts, and bottled unfined, this wine remains a pure and thoughtful expression of site and season. With its round texture, lifted aromatics, and a long, food-friendly finish, it\u2019s easily one of the best wines for fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2022 release<\/a> is a vivid reminder that challenge in the vineyard can yield beauty in the glass.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"93
“Its medium ruby-blue hue fades to a delicate red-tinged rim. The nose is vibrant, unfolding layers of crushed raspberries, wild blueberries, and orange zest, intertwined with hints of cinnamon, dried violets, and fresh thyme. The palate is smooth and refined, offering a lively interplay of red berry compote, subtle floral undertones, and bright acidity that carries through to the finish.” \u2013 93 Rating, International Wine Report<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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If You Like Lachini, You\u2019ll Love These Wines from Chehalem Mountains & Beyond<\/b><\/h2>\n

Lachini\u2019s estate Pinot Noir<\/a> reflects the clarity and elegance of the Chehalem Mountains AVA, and for those drawn to this style there are several other wines worth exploring:<\/span><\/p>\n