Brooks 2021 'Ara' Riesling, Willamette Valley

Item Number: 17612

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: Oregon
Sub Region: Willamette Valley
Appellation/AVA: Willamette Valley
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2021
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 12.5
Residual Sugar(g/L): 7.74 g/l
pH: 2.99
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Case Production: 225

About the Wine: Ara is the name of a constellation and is one of the very first riesling labels Jimi Brooks created after founding Brooks in 1998. Jimi’s passion and interests in mythology and astrology often were shown through the creation of his first wines.

Vineyard Notes: This all comes from Brook's Estate in Yamhill.

Vintage Notes: Rain events at the beginning of bloom diminished yields, and a dry summer was punctuated with unprecedented heatwaves. The timing worked in their favor since the heat happened pre-veraison, and the vines handled it well. Harvest started in early September, but lower temperatures across the state allowed for a long and measured harvest season, with harvest extending into mid-October. There was no disease, the sugars were high, acids were balanced, and the flavors were great. 2021 will undoubtedly rank as one of the top Oregon vintages.

Winemaking Notes: Crushed straight to press, fermented in stainless steel tanks, and bottled in May of 2022.

Tasting Notes: A stunningly dry and bright Riesling with riper notes of star fruit and apple, zippy acidity, and a lemon meringue pie finish.

Reviews

  • Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 94 (9/17/2023)

    Taking things up another gear or two, some petrol notes shine through the 2021 Riesling Ara, half of which comes from Brooks estate and the other half from the slightly warmer Yamhill-Carlston District AVA. Slightly deeper straw-colored, the wine offers a touch more tropical fruit, with notes of white grapefruit, lime candy, and green apple. Long on the palate, with harmonious kiss of sweetness, it has laser-like acidity but great balance and is pure and vibrant, with a great finish. This would be out of this world with Thai food and spicy papaya salad. Drink it over the next 6-8 years.