By Firesteed Cellars
2021 Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley

Vintage Notes
The 2021 vintage began with a cool but dry spring, with bud break occurring right on schedule in April. After a fairly typical spring, bloom took place during an extended period of mixed weather in early June, leading to mixed fruit set, with strong set in our earliest and latest sites and some areas of light set and millerandage where rain occurred during bloom. In late June, a record-breaking heat wave struck the West Coast, but the vines came through the heat in excellent condition and ripened evenly through the remainder of a warm, dry summer. A cooling trend in early September preserved fresh fruit flavors and natural acidity, allowing harvest to unfold over nearly two months. The fruit in 2021 was notable for its delicacy, pristine condition, and balanced acid and tannin profile; the young wines are compelling and immediately appealing.

Winemaking Notes
Our 2021 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.

Tasting Notes
The 2021 Firesteed Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir opens with expressive aromas of blackcap, black cherry, and sarsaparilla, lifted by subtle floral and spice tones. The palate is supple and seamless, showing layers of raspberry liqueur, sweet earth, and fines herbes framed by polished, river-stone tannins. The finish is long and graceful, marked by notes of red rose, sun tea, and lingering freshness; drink 2023-2031.

Wine Analysis
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
pH 3.84
Titratable Acidity: 5.1 g/L
Alcohol: 13.00%
[Information provided by Matador Vino]