The record heat of the 2021 growing season in Oregon's Willamette Valley confronted growers and winemakers with two fundamental questions:
Firstly, can our dry-farmed vines hold up through record-breaking heat, and secondly what is the result on both quality and style? The answers to the above questions are exciting.
The now infamous "Heat Dome" of 2021 pushed June temperatures in many vineyards well above 110 Fahrenheit. But, to the surprise of many, the deep root systems of the vines sustained them during the extreme heat.
The harvest period itself was warm, but not unusual for recent years. The grapes were in good condition at harvest, with near-ideal grape chemistry.
Most notably, the colors and flavors of the 2021 vintage will likely place them in the history books as one of the most exciting vintages to ever come out of Oregon's Willamette Valley.
These wines are both concentrated and rich, yet soft and silky. The alcohol levels are moderate and the acids could be described as bright but balanced.
The 2021 vintage is one for the ages.
Louis Skinner
