2022 Pinot Noir Alpine Cuvee
Compton 2022 Alpine Cuvée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
93 points, Cellar Stocker
"Fermented 50% whole cluster, this wine was subsequently aged 18 months in French oak (30% new). The aromas bring notes of coffee, fresh herb, spice, and dark cherry. Medium-bodied, textured, well-balanced fruit flavors follow. It has a pleasingly plump feel. Black tea notes accent the lengthy finish. Best after 2028. 13.0% alcohol. Screwcap. 138 cases produced."
Alpine Cuvee blends Pinot Noir from Oregon State University’s Woodhall III Vineyard established in 1976 in Alpine, Oregon, and BoVine Vineyard planted in 2008 just a few miles East. Located in the banana belt of the Willamette Valley, these dry-farmed vineyard sites are southern sloped and feature a relatively warm mesoclimate within the hillsides. Soil series are Jory, Bellpine, Hazelair and Dupree. Our Southern Willamette Valley vineyards have moderately deep, well drained soils derived from colluvium sedimentary rocks, formed when Oregon was under sea 12 million years ago. Weathered Volcanic soils of Basalt and Jory were brought to the Willamette Valley from ancient lava ows from eastern Oregon.
The 2022 growing season in the Willamette Valley got off to a late start with a worrisome
frost. Fortunately the cold spring gave way to a longer growing season with a
moderate summer and dry fall. We were rewarded with great fruit quality and higher than expected yields at mid-October harvest time.
