Dauntless Winemaker Update - 2015 Pinot Noir

2014 was an unprecedented year for Oregon wine with ideal growing conditions that delivered a record amount of exceptional, well balanced fruit. In fact, 2014 was the hottest year on record, and delivered 39% more fruit than 2013.

Now that 2015 is in the books it looks like it will surpass the legendary 2014 vintage in heat, yield, and balance; producing another exceptional vintage that will define the future of Oregon viticulture. 2014 & 2015 could be the beginning of a string of great, once in a lifetime, vintages! 

2015 yielded ten barrels for Dauntless Wine; all of it out of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The Chehalem is known for its volcanic soil layered with ocean sediment; this combination has a tendency to bring out dark fruits with peppery aromas. We are aging two barrels of Pinot clones 667, Pommard, 115, and 777 and eight barrels Wädenswil; which will compliment each other well. Wädenswil brings structure with black fruit notes; while 667/Pommard is smoky, meaty, and overlaid with dark fruit. These two are frequently paired together, and we're excited to see how they express themselves in 2015! 

We're tentatively planning to produce two vintages of Pinot Noir from our 2015 harvest. A Pommard blend, as well as a vintage of single clone Wädenswil. In the meantime, enjoy one of our 2014 Pinot Noir vintages, which is available through pre-sale.

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