2017 Alexana Pommard Clone Pinot Noir

2017 Alexana Pommard Clone Pinot Noir

2017 Alexana Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, Precise and tightly focused, with a backbone of vibrant acidity wrapped in dynamic cherry, pomegranate and dark tea flavors that persist toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2026.  92 Wine Spectator

Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”

Should you find yourself in the Willamette Valley (about an hours drive south of Portland) in Oregon plan a stop to Alexana Winery in the Dundee Hills appellation (a short drive from the towns of Dundee and Newberg). Alexana Winery is also owned by Dr. Revana; the name comes from combining part of his last name and his daughter’s first name, Alexandra. The focus of Alexana is on Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

The property (called the Revana Vineyard) is located in a gorgeous part of this AVA and encompasses 80 acres including the winery and tasting room perched on the edge of hills overlooking parts of their vineyards. Some 55 acres are planted to vines separated into 31 mini blocks in 18 different types of soils. The varietals include 49 acres of Pinot Noir and the remainder planted to Chardonnay and Riesling. The oldest vines on the property date from 2003, planted by the previous owner.