2023 Prelude
Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir ∞ Chehalem Mountains AVA
61 cases produced. $34
Named for Franz Liszt’s “Symphonic Poem No. 3: Les Preludes” and sourced from the Bells Up vineyard, this is the newest edition of our fuller-bodied rosé. A harmonious blend of Heritage clone Pommard (40%) and Dijon clones 113 (40%) and 667 (20%) soaked on skins for 48 hours, then lightly pressed prior to fermentation. The wine then underwent a malolactic ferment to smooth its acidity and soften its mouthfeel, then aged 6 months in tank. The resulting full-bodied, highly complex Rosé features evenly balanced acid and fruit, making it equally suitable for enjoying with or without food.
The Vineyard
The first estate wine we ever made — back in 2017 — Prelude Rosé features dedicated estate Pommard and Dijon clone 667 from our 2014 planting with Dijon clone 113 from our 2016 planting.
The Weather
The 2023 growing season was yet another reminder that the Willamette Valley can be full of surprises. An unseasonably cool and wet winter and early spring delayed budbreak until the very beginning of May — about 2 weeks later than normal. Summer was warmer than average and dry as usual… But the real surprise came in early September, when we realized that harvest in the Northern Willamette Valley (where our estate vineyard is located) would actually be three weeks earlier than we anticipated! This resulted in one of the shortest growing seasons we’ve experienced in our 12 harvests in this region.
TECHNICAL NOTES