Bold and evocative, a classic Brittan Pinot noir. Violets and licorice spice pop on the nose before an initial burst of fresh red fruits. Then a deep-dive to blueberry jam, transitioning to blackberries picked right from the vine, hanging on remarkably long through the creamy, lightly savory finish. - Marcus
2015 vintage notes
96 points Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection: "Sourced from a 2008 planting of the Swan clone, rare in Oregon, the new vintage is significantly riper than the 2014. Fermented and aged in 30% new French oak, it shows more of the sweet barrel spices than its stablemates, along with cured meats and muted notes of rock. Tart blackberry and cherry fruit carry the precisely defined core. The wine is stylish, powerful and supremely detailed. This quality at this price is a bargain."
"The three acre, southeast facing Cygnus Block was planted in 2008 to Swan selection, a selection of Pinot noir they believe was brought in from Burgundy around the 1880s and planted in California.
The 2015 Cygnus Block Pinot noir was picked on September 14, 2015 after two weeks of crips, fair weather the was perfect for developing pure fruit flavor and an elegant structure. The wine was fully de-stemmed into 2-ton stainless steel tanks, cold soaked for 3 days, then fermented at moderate temperatures with gentle cap management in an effort to preserve the purest expression of fruit. After 24 days, the wine was gently pressed and then racked into French Oak barrels, including 20% new wood, where it completed malolactic fermentation.
The 2015 Cygnus Block Pinot noir showcases delicate notes of violet and antique rose, alongside cracked pepper and anise. The rich palate rolls with bright cranberry and pie cherry, along with darker tones of blueberry. The elegance and silkiness of the finish is incredibly long and utterly delicious." - the winery