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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It's been awhile since we've put out an update, things have been busy! We hope everyone is beating the heat right now! Although oppressive, this warm weather is treating the grapes just right. The vines over at Jesse Estate Vineyards recently showed the first signs of veraison - which is when the clusters turn color and the vine pumps them full of sugar. Veraison is the last major step before harvest, based on averages harvest comes 30-45 days after veraison hits. That said, it looks like the 2018 harvest will come in at the end of September! We're looking forward to working with more great fruit from Jesse Estate!
With that, we're happy to share that we are crushing this year at Laurel Ridge winery. We are fortunate that they had space open up at the last second for us to move in to. Interested in participating in a crush? We may need help processing fruit, so if you'd like to get your hands dirty then let us know! Reply back to this email with your contact info and we'll stay in touch!
However - we are not pouring out of their tasting room, instead we are working with Urban Decanter in Forest Grove to pour our wines on Sunday and by appointment. The details have to be finalized with the OLCC, but we should be cleared hot come October.
In keeping with our slogan "wine with a mission" we are donating 15% of our sales from the Memorial Day weekend to the Returning Veterans Project!
The Returning Veterans Project is a non-profit based out of Portland, OR with a mission to provide free, confidential mental and physical health services to post-9/11 war zone veterans, service members, and their families in Oregon and Southwest Washington. RVP also hosts regular events for Veterans as well as clinics and other services. They are a fantastic organization that deserve recognition for their efforts. We are proud to support them and their mission!