Description

Phelps Creek Cuvée Alexandrine Pinot Noir 2021

This estate-grown wine is 100% Pinot Noir, crafted from a meticulous blend of Pommard, Dijon 115, and Dijon 777 clones. The fruit is sourced from the winery's westernmost vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA, situated at 1,200 feet elevation on steep, south- and east-facing slopes of ancient volcanic soil. The 2021 vintage was a "wild ride" for the region, marked by an extreme heatwave in June that paused vine development, followed by explosive growth. However, the critical cool nights during the mid-September harvest helped preserve the grapes' natural acidity, resulting in a wine of intense flavor and structural integrity.

Visually, this Pinot Noir presents a brilliant, clear ruby hue. The nose is complex and layered, offering a rich bouquet of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and wild strawberries, complemented by savory and earthy notes of leather, tobacco, and toasted spices. On the palate, this is a dry, medium-bodied wine with a polished and textured mouthfeel. Flavors of succulent raspberry, cherry clafoutis, and black tea are supported by a backbone of "zingy" and "crunchy" acidity and firm, brawny tannins. The finish is long and firm, leaving impressions of chalk, crushed stone, and orange peel.

The winery is LIVE certified for sustainable wine-growing, emphasizing careful fruit yield management and environmental stewardship. Crafted under the direction of fourth-generation Burgundian winemaker Alexandrine Roy, the winemaking employs traditional techniques. Each vineyard block is fermented separately with native yeasts and then aged for 11 months in French oak barrels. Only the finest 13 barrels were selected for this final cuvée, ensuring a representation of the vintage's absolute best quality.

For food pairings, this wine pairs exceptionally well with cedar-plank grilled salmon; the wine's earthy and spice notes complement the smoky flavors of the fish, a classic Pacific Northwest combination. It is also an excellent match for roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction, where the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the meat while mirroring the fruit profile. This elegant Pinot Noir has been well-received by critics, earning 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and 92 points from James Suckling, cementing its status as a high-value alternative to Premier Cru Burgundy.