Brittan Vineyards
Cygnus Block Pinot Noir 2018
McMinville
Winemaker Robert Brittan, a wine industry veteran with the experience of over 45 harvests, has always had a passion for Pinot noir; a love affair that began in the 1980’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 northern Willamette Valley.
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.
Vineyard
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.
Winemaking
The aim at Brittan Vineyards is to remove the hand of the winemaker during wine production. With this, minimal fuss and movement are trademarks of Robert’s style, producing wines of varietal complexity and nuance. After whole cluster pressing, the must ferments in barrel. Elevage occurs over 12 months in 25% new French oak.
Vintage
The 2018 vintage started cool and wet in February and March, which led to a more “normal” budbreak in April. The season quickly accelerated and was warm and dry beginning in May. Summer brought very warm, dry weather through August, which put pressure on the vines and produced fruit of great depth and concentration. September was dry but more moderate and allowed the fruit to reach full maturity by the end of the month.
Tasting Note
Always brimming with sweet red fruits, the Cygnus shows red plum, red cherry and even a hint of strawberry in the 2018 vintage. The ample fruit is supported by a judicious use of oak, lending just a hint of vanilla and baking spices to the nose. As with all our Cygnus Block Pinots, the 2018 expresses a wonderful clarity of fruit and site.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
Appellation
McMinville
Farming
Practicing Organic
Alcohol
14.1%
Suggested Retail Price
$60
