Region: Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

Vintage: 2019

Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

History: John Grochau was first introduced to wine and the winemaking landscape in his early 20’s, while racing bicycles for a French team in the Loire Valley. After 10 years in restaurants and 4 years working in wineries, he started Grochau Cellars in 2002. The goal has always been to make wines that are balanced, textured and expressive of place. Inspired by the diversity of the Willamette Valley’s soils and microclimates, we source grapes from 15 different vineyards. While Pinot Noir is our focus, we are always pushing in new directions and exploring new varietals that include, Gamay Noir, Melon de Bourgogne and Trousseau. We constantly experiment with new fermentation and aging techniques to create unique expressions of a varietal, or to bring some subtle nuance to a larger cuvée.

Winemaking: A relatively mild and early winter was followed by a wet, yet warm spring. The growing season saw a few mild frosts during late April, but started off warmer than average, moderating through mid-vintage with fewer than average heat spikes and near record precipitation during June and July. The vintage with be remembered for the early rains in September and the rapid cool down into October, which challenged harvesting decisions.

Tasting notes:

Dark red fruits, generous acids and a fine grain tannic structure.