Brittan Vineyards Gestalt Block McMinnville Pinot Noir 2018

The Brittan wines are all estate grown and designated by the particular soils underlying the different blocks of vines. Here the underlying basalt reduces crop load to less than one ton of fruit an acre, a miniscule reward for the work involved. The strong Van Duzer winds thicken the skins, punching up tannins. This is an extreme example of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, yet brilliantly realized. Tight, tough and tannic, it’s packed with mountain blackberry fruit, framed with sharp herbs and finished with residual flavors of black tea. Drink date: 2025-2035. Cellar Selection. Score – 95. (Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, Sept. 1, 2021)