2024 La Forêt Pinot Noir Blanc

La Forêt is precisely what it sounds like: the edge of a dense, pristine Douglas fir forest at the western boundary of Seven Springs Vineyard. This northwestern-facing block naturally receives less sunlight than just about anywhere else at the estate, an effect augmented by towering trees surrounding the vines. The vineyard’s dearth of light, and therefore phenolic ripeness in its Pinot Noir, would be a problem for traditional, red Pinot Noir. Not so here. As is done in the Coteaux Champenois, where conditions are too marginal to consistently ripen red grapes, fruit is instead picked for acidity and clarity, with the wine pressed early to avoid bitter qualities from the skins. As such, this parcel gives us the opportunity to make a unique wine. What a treat it is to spend time here and be in awe of the intelligence of nature.

La Forêt, both the place and the wine, are an enchanting lens through which to view Pinot Noir.  Warming aromas of apple of apple butter and Maldon on toast balanced by a cool stoniness play well on the palate, which is flush with energy, almost pulsating on the teeth with just persistent, mouthwatering zest and a hint of spritz. Uniquely textural, this wine’s allure lies in its juggling act of firm structure, delicacy, and refreshment, things that only the king of red grapes — even as a white wine — can provide.