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Vintage Overview

 

Our committment to vintage driven wines means our wines reflect the growing season of each year. We feel this is an honest and organic approach to winemaking that produces expressive and exciting wines. We offer Tyson’s insights on current and past vintages as a guide to exploring our wines.

2009 Vintage

Reminiscent of the 2006 and 2003 vintages, 2009 presented us with another full and forward vintage. Harvest commenced early, Sept 26, and went to the 12th of October. All of the Pinot noir was off the vine by the 7th of October. The late pickings were mature and the early pickings demonstrate a freshness that translates into amazingly drinkable wines. The combination of the two elements brings us a delightful and layered vintage that has both a serious and fun side.

Fermentation revealed bright acidity, classic Pinot noir color, and lean tannin structure. The ester profile leans toward high tone sweeter fruit supported perfectly by vibrant and youthful acidity. Extended barrel time brings polish and balance to the wines. 2009 will demonstrate ‘drink now’ tendencies along with strong age worthy potential, and looks to be another distinct Oregon vintage.  

2008 vintage

An amazing growing year led to an exceptional Oregon vintage which is already being categorized as one of the best on record. Harvest began late which is always a good sign. Earliest picking for Crowley came October 14th and the last October 28th. All of the numbers we look for as a gauge of ripeness looked good. Acids were firm, ph’s were in a stable range, and sugars were perfect. Of course at this stage you are excited but it got even better.

Once in the fermenter, amazing color began to extract into the juice, soft tannins began to form and flavor profiles seemed layered and complex. Suddenly it appeared we may be getting everything we want out of the 2008 vintage. Needless to say that sentiment did hold true and indeed after 18-20 months in barrel the wines remained fresh and exciting and complex. Once in bottle and into maturity the 2008 wines strike a perfect balance between powerful and graceful and seem to be extremely age worthy while also approachable.