2018 Isabel Pinot Noir
Reflecting the softer side of the Bjornson Vineyard, the 2018 Isabel selection is an elegant expression of Pinot Noir, with a sensual, gracefulness framed by a hearty, enduring fabric of powdery tannins. "This has plenty of oak spice that will integrate nicely into the ripe, red and dark cherries in the next couple of years. There's a wealth of fresh, fine tannin on offer here with such supple, elegant and powerful style. Impressive. Try from 2023."
Awarded 94 Points by James Suckling
This barrel selection honors Mark's grandmother Isabel, who homesteaded on the plains of North Dakota, was a school teacher, renowned cook, and award-winning pie maker. The proceeds from her three-acre vegetable garden saved the family farm during the Great Depression and paid college tuition for Mark's mother and uncle.
Isabel (standing) and her sister Margaret Duffey.
The fruit was gently de-stemmed, cold soaked for four days, then gradually allowed to warm up prior to fermentation. The fruit was pumped over once a day at the onset of fermentation and then punched down once per day until dryness. It was then settled for 2-3 days prior to being racked to a variety of French oak barrels for ageing.
2018 was the seventh in a string of warm vintages at Bjornson. It was defined by a very dry summer, which made for small clusters and a relatively small crop. July was hot, leading to the first signs of veraison in early August, but our reliable evening maritime winds kept night-time temperatures cool throughout July and August, preserving acidity in the fruit as it ripened. September finally brought a couple of welcome rain events that refreshed the vines and kept them active through the final ripening period.
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Varietal Composition | 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir. |
| Appellation | Eola-Amity Hills |
| PH | 3.54 |
| Aging | 11 months in French oak |
| Fermentation | native |
| Residual Sugar | 0 |
| Alcohol | 14.20% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Cases Produced | 250 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
Awarded 94 Points by James Suckling
"This has plenty of oak spice that will integrate nicely into the ripe, red and dark cherries in the next couple of years. There's a wealth of fresh, fine tannin on offer here with such supple, elegant and powerful style. Impressive. Try from 2023."
www.JamesSuckling.com
Bjornson Vineyard is part of a scenic 107-acre farm, located in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley. The vineyard is situated on a primarily southwest aspect ranging from 450' - 550' elevation with volcanic soils, and planted with 28 acres of wine grapes. We are committed to generating renewable energy, farming sustainably and making wine with minimal handling so that each bottle fully expresses our exceptional terroir.
