J.C. Somers Vintner 2021 Pinot Noir, Abbey Ridge Vineyard, Dundee Hills

J.C. Somers Vintner 2021 Pinot Noir, Abbey Ridge Vineyard, Dundee Hills

Item Number: 19401

UPC: 0-860003270820

Country: USA
Region: Oregon
Sub Region: Willamette Valley
Appellation/AVA: Dundee Hills
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vineyard Designation: Abbey Ridge Vineyard
Vintage: 2021
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Elevation: 500-700 feet

If the Willamette Valley had vineyard crus, Abbey Ridge in the Dundee Hills would surely be classified as a grand cru. Planted in the rich red soil by Bill and Julia Wayne in 1976, Abbey Ridge stands as one of Oregon's oldest producing vineyards. At 500-700 feet, it is one of the highest vineyards in the Dundee Hills, resulting in a relatively late harvest. This unique position yields fruit with naturally high acidity and exceptional aging potential.

At Abbey Ridge, only organic sprays are used. The moisture levels in this dry-farmed vineyard are managed through a strategic system of cover crops and tilled areas. By adjusting the mowed height of the cover crops based on rainfall, the soil retains the right amount of water for the vines. The deep roots of the older vines draw water from deep within the soil, making irrigation unnecessary—a significant advantage in an area where water is becoming increasingly scarce. Jay is a member of The Deep Roots Coalition (DRC), which is an advocacy group for the production of wine sourced exclusively from non-irrigated vineyards. He has been sourcing fruit from Abbey Ridge since 1993.

The J.C. Somers Vinter Abbey Ridge Pinot Noir is not an exuberant wine. Classical and restrained, it is truly a beautifully balanced Pinot Noir that will provide immense pleasure with 5+ years of age.

Reviews

  • Wine Enthusiast
    Rating: 95 (11/1/2023)
    (Editors' Choice) This wine's bright red boysenberry aromas and hyacinth aromas join with an earthy scent similar to wet wicker drying in the sun. A wall of sweet red cherries is breached by a battering ram of lemon, while brawny tannins offer support. If the Willamette Valley had grand cru vineyard designations, Abbey Ridge would have one. Bravo.
  • Paul Gregutt's Northwest Wine Guide
    Rating: 94 (1/12/2024)
    This young wine has great grip and concentration, with a mid-palate that is absolutely bursting with cherry fruit. One quarter of the barrels were new with medium to light toast, adding a proportionate frame of butterscotch around the core fruit. The richness is immediately obvious, and the layering suggests more development through the finish over time. I’d hold off a bit and drink this starting in the back half of the ‘20s.