2021 PINOT NOIR, Cloudline. Willamette Valley, Oregon

The Willamette Valley is now firmly established as one of the finest regions in the whole of the New World (let alone the USA) for high quality, refined Pinot Noir. This wine even includes 25% from the famous Roserock Vineyard which many believe is the finest enclave for Pinot Noir within the Willamette.

100% Pinot Noir

2021 marked the 20^th anniversary of the launch of Cloud Line Pinot Noir from Oregon. The wine originated from a partnership between Dreyfus Ashby (USA) and the renowned Burgundy house of Joseph Drouhin, who were pioneers in the development of cool climate Pinot Noir in Oregon.

The concept of Cloud Line (from “Day One”) is to offer exceptional value for money as well as a classic style, and in our view hits the bull’s eye. Winemaking is overseen by Véronique Drouhin-Boss – and includes a small proportion of whole berries in the fermentation to enhance colour and fragrance. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for about 12 months of which 15% were new.

Overall, this is medium bodied, silky in nature with ripe and gentle tannins and a rounded mouthfeel. The fruit is pure with bright cherry and blueberry notes, and just a lick of toasty oak.