2017 Pinot Noir | Howitzer | Willamette Valley, Oregon

The Hussites of Bohemia were the first medieval army to emply gunpowder in the 1420's. Mostly farmers, they armored their wagons and chained howitzers between them to create hasty field fortifications. This strategy led the Bohemian revolution which repelled five Papal invasions. Ultimately, the Hussites inspired the Reformation and influenced the shaping of colonial America.

Tasting notes: Open up a salvo of hickory, anise, and cherry cola with undertones of strawberry rhubarb. The American oak comes on strong when it is first unleashed, let it calm down and explore the aromas as they change in real time in your glass. The acids and tannins battle over your palate leaving a viscous foray that coats the mouth. Pomegranate extends in to a long savory finish.

Winemaker notes: Every year I choose a particular lot of grapes and dedicate it to the Howitzer and Trebuchét blends. These two wines come from the same lot, but are drastically different on the palate. The difference is that Howitzer is the "press-run" and Trebuchét is the "free-run". What this means is that once the fermentation ends I siphon off all of the free standing wine and separate it. This is the unpressed "free-run" that ultimately becomes Trebuchét. The skins are then sent to press, and all of the wine that is pressed out ultimately becomes Howitzer. I treat Howitzer with about 20% whole cluster to get some soft stem tannin in the wine. This gives Howitzer more body and mouth feel. I also give it heavier toasted oak for a smoky characteristic as well.

Process: Hand picked and sorted pommard, wädenswil, 777, and 115 clones. A six day cold soak between 10°-13°C, punched down or pumped over daily. Inoculated with active AMH fermenting must. Pressed with 20% whole cluster grapes. MLF fermented with OMEGA LAB. Aged on the lees with heavy and medium fire toasted American oak. Stirred in barrel to provide a full flavor and aroma profile. Unfined, polish filtered. 

176 cases produced 
13.5% ABV
750ML
pH: 3.6