Hawks Cove 2017 Pinot Noir, Momtazi Vyd., Willamette Valley

In biodynamic* farming and grape growing, insects, farm animals and wild animals all play a role in maintaining the balance of nature throughout the farm and vineyards. The hawk's role is to keep rodent populations in check so bees, worms, insects and microbes can carry out their important work. So you will see perches for these raptors in the vineyards inviting them to play their part. The result is healthy, richly endowed grapes like the ones sourced for this 2017 Hawks Cove Pinot Noir.

The Dijon clones grown in this single vineyard block are perfectly suited to the cool Willamette Valley climate that in 2017 extend the growing season, allowing long hang time and complex flavor development while retaining, vibrant, lively acidity.

The health of these biodynamically grown grapes allowed the winemaker to provide minimal intervention as the fermentation took place spontaneously with wild native yeasts. A gentle pump over and state-of-the-art Pulsair tanks provided ideal maceration of the skins for up to 14 days. It aged in just 5% new barrels for 11 months  to provide just a kiss of French oak and it was racked once before bottling.

This wine shows the sweet and sour flavors of Ranier cherries and red currants, bright notes of strawberry, raspberry and cranberry with a crunchy, vibrant mouthfeel and an undertone that's savory of black tea and humus. The finish is long and tantalizing, begging you to take another sip. Pair this with wild salmon, grilled duck breast, pork medallions and your favorite mushrooms.

This was a limited bottling made for our Wine Express customer. We have a special discounted price on it that we hope to retain for as long as we can. Don't miss it!

*A UCLA study published in the Journal of Wine Economics in 2016, of wine reviews in the Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Wine Advocate showed that "“eco-certified” wines scored significantly higher (an average of 4.1 points higher) than other wines and that reviews used more positive words about them."