The 2021 Vintage is unique. In mid-June, just after fruit-set in the Willamette Valley, the entire Pacific Northwest experienced a heat dome that rocked temperatures into the hundred and teens for three days in a row. Unheard of for our area, to say the least. It had rained just before, and so the vines at our vineyards all came through undamaged, and thankfully the fruit had no sunburn. This was because the heat spike came at one of two points in fruit development when the vine responds to cues from the environment by thickening the skins of the grape, and June weather in the hundred-teens points to the need for very thick skins. The ensuing weeks were warm to hot, but not extreme in any way, and then into the start of August the weather shifted and we had a very pleasant and cool end to the summer, preserving acidity and juiciness, and keeping alcohols low. The result is a vintage with extremely expressive aromatics, intense tannic structure, great acidity and dense flavors.
The tannic profile for the reds says that this is a vintage to cellar for its best enjoyment. Savory and intense, the wines are starting to open up and (with food and air) show some “early” intrigue, but this is August of 2024, and we would absolutely suggest holding. Of recent vintages these wines remind us most of 2017, which is an excellent reminder that some things are absolutely worth the wait.
Of the Pinot Noirs, the best options for an early look at the vintage is probably either the Durant or the Heritage No. 17 Durant. Both will want the whole day open, so I recommend opening early in the morning and getting a bit of air into the wine. I would still recommend giving the wine plenty of time to open up whenever you begin enjoying it. I would not recommend decanting at this time. I also feel that the Block 11 Fir Crest offers an enjoyable(must like tannins) look at the vintage as well as the Heritage No. 19 Whistling Ridge. I would really suggest cellaring time of reasonable significance for the Long Acre bottling and Pumphouse Block bottling. The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir offers a more available look at the vintage in quality but is, in my opinion, in need of 2-3 more years of cellaring time at this point (8/2024).
For the whites, the added phenolic presence means texturally profound and serious wines, a fantastic vintage for white wines. From the Chardonnays to Pinot Gris and the Whistling Ridge Field Blend the 2021 whites show a terrific density and weight. The Chardonnays can be delicious at this time, but I really recommend holding them for a few years at least. And 2028-2040 would be my target. The “Psycho Killer” bottling from a single 820L foudre of Temperance Hill, and the Richard’s Cuvee Whistling Ridge in particular will be absolutely fantastic wines in 7-10 years (posted 8/24). The Whistling Ridge Pinot Gris is a wonderful version of this grape, raised in a single Acacia foudre, and should be aged for 8-10 years. While the years in between may not be a bad time to open this Pinot Gris, I feel that waiting for 2031 will be definitively rewarded.
The Whistling Ridge Field Blend is a denser than normal bottling, and while it’s a “serious” wine, I feel like it’s in need of time at this point rather than it’s usual joyful self. Hold please.