Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting notes: The 2021 Failla Willamette Valley Pinot Noir deftly combines fruit and earthiness. Bright and aromatic with notes of pomegranate, orange zest, bright cherries, and dried herbs along with dried earth, woodsy notes and hints of minerality. Serve it with a grilled, well-marbled ribeye.

Producer: Failla is the project of winemaker and farmer Ehren Jordan, focusing on cool climate sites on the Sonoma Coast and world class vineyards in Oregon. With 34 harvest under his belt, Ehren has now paved an influential path in the California winemaking world with his long resume of notable winemaking and viticulture jobs, leading to the honor of Winemaker of the Year in 2008 and continual high scores from critics. Marcassin, Neyers Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars (winemaker for 18 years), and of course his own labels, Failla (established in 1998) and Day (established in 2011), all make up his versatile journey. 

Vineyard and Winemaking: Sourced from Chehalem Mountain, Seven Springs, Bjornson, and Eola Springs vineyards. Chehalem Mountain Vineyard was established in 1968 by Dick Erath and is one of the most historic and esteemed vineyards in the valley. Planted by Oregon legend Al McDonald in 1984, Seven Springs Vineyard is situated among Douglas fir trees on a bed of volcanic soil, is Biodynamic and dry farmed. Planted in 2006 the Bjornson vineyard is a certified-sustainable vineyard situated on classic Jory soils in the heart of the Eola-Amity Hills. Eola Springs Vineyard was planted in 1972, faces west/southwest in the windy Van Duzer corridor and is deal for Pinot Noir due to warm days, cool nights, and volcanic Jory soil.