By Violet Vines
2021 Estate Origin Block Pinot Noir

The Wine
The 2021 vintage from the Violet Vines estate vineyard benefited from an exceptional growing season, culminating in a highly balanced wine with moderate acid and subtle tannins.

Vineyard Notes
The Violet Vines estate is comprised of 88 acres in the Coast Range foothills of the McMinnville AVA. Although 25 acres are now under vine, the original estate vineyard - planted in 2008 - included about three acres of Pinot Noir (777, 115, and Pommard). Vines were planted between 600 and 650 feet above sea level, facing southwest, primarily in marine sedimentary soils. The vineyard exists in a microclimate that is cooler and drier than surrounding areas, which results in lower yields with concentrated fruit flavors.

Vintage Notes
With the exception of record heat very early in the growing season, 2021 was an idyllic growing season throughout the Willamette Valley. The warmth and minimal-to-no precipitation led to a fantastic balance of acidity and exceptional, concentrated flavor.

Winemaking Notes
The fruit was harvested on October 7th at 23.8 Brix. All of the fruit was destemmed and spent two days in a cold soak to extract color from the skins. Fermentation was completed in small, one-ton bins and took about 30 days to complete, including extended maceration to extract even more color. French oak barrels were used for aging. The blend, which was not filtered or fined, was created in December 2022 after spending 11 months in a barrel.

Technical Data
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Clones: 777, 115, Pommard
Aging: 11 months in oak, 4% new oak
Bottling Date: December 2022
Release Date: December 2022
pH: 3.50
Titratable Acidity: 5.3 g/L
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: Violet Vines 2021 Estate Origin Block Pinot Noir (McMinnville)
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 11/01/2023
Reviewed By: Michael Alberty
Tasting Notes: A distinctly floral nose, with fresh rose petals and lilacs blending with blueberries, red apples and a bit of cinnamon. The wine's mouthfeel is smooth and supple, with enough tannins and acidity to give a sense of balance to copious amounts of cherries and boysenberries. The wine spent 11 months in French oak, only 4% new.

Wine: 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Grown Origin Block
Score/Rating: 91
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2029
Review Date: 01/2024
Reviewed By: Eric Guido
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Grown Origin Block slowly unfolds in the glass as violet and lavender florals give way to worn leather suggestions and dried strawberries. This is silky and soothing with juicy acidity enlivening its tart wild berry fruits, and dark inner florals resonate throughout. Hints of sour citrus and clove linger as the 2021 finishes with medium length and a gentle grip.

Wine: 2021 Violet Vines Pinot Noir Origin Block
Score/Rating: 91
Suggested Drinking Window: 2023 - 2030
Review Date: 09/17/2023
Reviewed By: Audrey Frick        
Tasting Notes: Pouring a dark, youthful red, the 2021 Pinot Noir Origin Block is fleshy and full-bodied, with forward notes of toasted cedar, scorched earth, mocha, and spiced red plum. The palate fills with meaty red cherry, sweet tannins, a coating mouthfeel, and attractive floral notes on the finish. It’s an opulent and luxurious red to drink over the next 5-7 years.

Wine: Violet Vines Pinot Noir McMinnville Origin Block 2021
Score/Rating: 91
Review Date: 03/15/2023
Reviewed By: Claire Nesbitt, Deputy Tasting Editor
Tasting Notes: Pretty nose of lavender, thyme, wild strawberries, currants and orange zest. It's fresh with excellent energy, tight tannins and gentle spice notes at the end. Drink or hold.