Brittan Vineyards Cygnus Block Pinot Noir 2018 (94 WE)
Complex from the get-go, this marries brambly red fruits to light streaks of caramel, toasted hazelnuts and buttery toast. It’s made from the unusual Swan clone, a California import that dates from the 1800s. Robert Brittan planted three acres of it in 2008 at his estate vineyard. The flavors are unique and persistent, with underlying minerality and lovely texture.
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Brittan Vineyards
Brittan Vineyards Cygnus Block Pinot Noir 2018
McMinville
The three-acre, east facing Cygnus Block was planted in 2008 to the low-yielding Swan Selection of Pinot noir (the only single-selection block on the property). Unlike the rest of the vineyard, rows here are planted in an east/west orientation giving the block a different exposure to the sun and reducing the influence of the Van Duzer winds, which are channeled through the rows instead of across them. This block’s unique aspect, orientation, and selection create fresh, balanced, seamless wines brimming with red fruits. The Cygnus Block is characterized by its eastern exposure, exclusive Swan Clone plantings (Cygnus being the Latinized Greek name for Swan), and east/west orientation, reducing the effect of the Van Duzer corridor.
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Brittan Vineyards
Willamette Valley
Winemaker Robert Brittan, a wine industry veteran with over 45 harvests under his belt, has always had a passion for Pinot noir; a love affair that began in the 80’s when he made several vintages under his Britt Hill label with fruit from Carneros. In 2004, Robert decided to leave Stags’ Leap Winery in Napa and start a Pinot noir project in the cool climate of the North Willamette Valley.
