Fall Release Bressay Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
2021

Winemaker’s Notes

I consider our Bressay Estate Pinot Noir the qualitative equivalent of the Finn & DuMOL Estate Vineyard bottlings, and in fact, this is my personal favorite Pinot of this great 2021 vintage. It’s also the wine my French winemaker colleagues feel the most affinity with. The small two-acre parcel that comprises this limited bottling sits in a privileged spot on the mid-slope of our Bressay Estate (Bressay is the Shetland, Scotland, island of my fishing/crofting forefathers, population 360). The wine is quite unique in our portfolio, being mostly red fruit focused which is enhanced by our use of 30% whole clusters in the fermentation tank. This ancient technique lifts the wine’s aromas, broadens its texture and preserves its energy and drive. The wine will be irresistible to sample this Fall but will develop great complexity over the next decade. The wine of the vintage for me.

Bright effusive aromatics that run the entire spectrum of red to blue to black fruits amongst notes of pepper, thyme, pine needle and orange zest. Mostly supple red fruits on the palate: akin to fresh raspberry and ripe strawberry, then focused minerals and vibrant acidity. It’s a deeply textural wine with multiple layers and generosity. The finish is expansive, supple and full of bright energy, with a long lingering echo of flavor. Drink between late-2023 and 2031.

Andy Smith