Carlton Hill
2021 Carlton Hill Estate Pinot Noir

$55

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TASTING NOTES

2021 JAMES SUCKLING 92 POINTS
2021 – Notes of cherries, dried strawberries, licorice and moist earth, with a medium body and racy acidity. Juicy and crunchy with a polished tannin structure. Flavorful finish, Drink or hold-92 points

Just when you think you have seen everything, Mother Nature has a way of throwing a curve ball. The 2021 vintage provided once in a lifetime events, hopefully. First and foremost, following a very dry and cool spring, the last week in June brought us the heat dome from hell. Between June 26 and the 29th, temperatures soared, ranging from 106 degrees to a day where we reached 117 degrees here on the Hill. The Willamette valley was actually hotter than Death Valley. 

Thankfully, due to our eastern exposures and the early stage of grape development, we did not suffer any scald in our clusters. Small and compact, cluster development continued unabated despite receiving less than 0.5 inches of rain over the course of the summer. Fortunately, September brought us cool nights and near perfect conditions for harvest.  In essence, the 2021 Oregon vintage was a testament to the resilience of the vines. It produced richly concentrated and structured wines, despite the challenges of heat and drought.

Harvest itself took place over the course of three days. The first pick commenced on September 10 and concluded on September 26. By picking fruit over this extended period, we were able bring grapes into the winery which had the widest range of flavors, acidity and phenolic development. We were rewarded in the end for this approach.  Aged for 11 months in 30% new French oak, the 2021 Estate Pinot Noir was put in bottle with a finished PH just over 3.60 and an alcohol level of 13.8. When all was said and done, the 2021 vintage brought us wines that are vibrant and age worthy, with good acidy and ripe tannins to frame the final product. As is the case with all of our wines, the 2021 Estate Pinot Noir should only get better with some time in bottle. Enjoy!  165 cases produced/40% whole cluster. – David Polite

2018 JAMES SUCKLING 93 POINTS
The 2018 Carlton Hill Estate Pinot Noir shows ripe-berry and floral aromas with some roses and lavender. Its medium-bodied with a medium, round texture that’s formed by firm tannins. Fresh and vivid. This shows energy and focus. Drink in 2023.  

2018 WINE ENTHUSIAST 91 POINTS

Dark and rich, the black cherry fruit approaches the flavors of cassis. At first a bit high-toned with a sharp attack, this gently softens out into a lingering finish with chewy tannins. Some 40% was fermented with whole clusters, and 20% was aged in new oak.

2018 VINOUS – JOSH RAYNOLDS 91 POINTS

Bright ruby. Pungent aromas of dark berries and kirsch, along with hints of licorice and candied flowers. In a deep, lush style, offering sappy black raspberry and cherry cola flavors that pick up a spicy nuance as the wine opens up. The spicy note drives a persistent finish framed by dusty, slow-building tannins. 40% whole clusters and 20% new French oak.  91 points