By Firesteed Cellars
2022 Willamette Valley Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir

Vintage Notes
A classic, elegant Oregon vintage, the 2022 growing season began with a cool, wet spring. Vines emerged from dormancy in mid-April, when a few nights of frost at budbreak caused concern about diminished yields, though vines generally rebounded well. A cool June pushed bloom to the summer solstice, coinciding with a warming event that produced complete flowering and an excellent fruit set characterized by generous cluster size. July, August, and September were warm and dry, with ample soil moisture carried over from spring rains supporting steady vine growth. Favorable weather continued through late October, allowing for extended hangtime and flavor development while maintaining balance until harvest began in mid-October.

Winemaking Notes
Our 2022 Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir continues the Firesteed tradition of a consistent, fruit-driven style, achieved with gentle techniques in the cellar and imagination in the vineyard. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts propagated from cellars in Burgundy, pressed during the final days of fermentation, and racked immediately upon completion of malolactic fermentation.

Technical Details
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
pH: 3.85
TA: 5.0 g/L

Tasting Notes
The 2022 Firesteed Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir opens with generous aromas of black cherry, cola, and dark plum, underscored by savory notes of black licorice and cured meat. The palate is broad and structured, with flavors of wild plum, cassis, and mission fig layered over fine, mineral-driven tannins. A long, grounded finish reveals hints of red clay and warm spice, suggesting a wine built for both near-term enjoyment and graceful deployment. Drink through 2029.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]