2019 Sylvanus Estate Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton 750 ml

The Sylvanus name and its terroir are intertwined: Founders Lisa McDonald and Christian Eddleman named their estate from the frontiersman who named Moores Valley, the niche of Yamhill-Carlton that their vineyards call home today.

It’s an especially pretty part of the Willamette Valley, tucked up into the Coast Range on the western edge of the AVA. Douglas Firs abound, and the terrain is more rugged and wild than the more famous areas near Shea Vineyard or Gregory Ranch. But Moores Valley is more than just a pretty face: The proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes for a longer growing season than farther inland, and the unique topography of the valley creates a rain shadow that leaves it drier as well—perfect conditions for growing Pinot Noir with long hang-times for rich, bold flavors.

The 2019 vintage in Oregon presented Pinot Noir producers with a near-ideal growing season that many consider among the finest in recent memory. The year began with a wet winter that replenished soil moisture, followed by a warm, dry spring that encouraged even budbreak across vineyard sites. Summer brought consistent temperatures without the extreme heat spikes that can stress vines, while cool nights preserved the natural acidity that defines great Oregon Pinot Noir. 

Harvest conditions proved exceptional, with clear skies and moderate temperatures allowing growers to pick at optimal ripeness without the pressure of impending weather changes. The extended hang time that many vineyards enjoyed resulted in fully developed flavor compounds while maintaining the bright acidity and elegant tannin structure that collectors associate with Oregon's best expressions.

Sylvanus has a mix of Pinot Noir clones planted in their estate vineyard to build complexity, and Pommard, 777, 115, and Mt Eden all made it into this bottling. The winery picks each one separately to ensure perfect ripeness, vinifying them individually before putting together the blend for the final wine. After 10 months in 40% new French Oak, the Pinot was polished to perfection, and now five years in the cellar has allowed it to blossom. Don’t miss it.