Holocene, Sidereal Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2023

Overview of the Brand
The Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.

We value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.

We are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.

Sustainable.

Winemaker
Todd Alexander

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Monk's Gate Vineyard Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The inaugural release of SIDEREAL – a wine with gorgeous transparency, minerality, lift, energy and freshness. This wine is all about finesse and elegance. It comes from a small, single vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, is comprised of 100% Pommard clone and was vinified with 100% whole clusters, hand-sorted.  Élevage took place in mostly neutral French Oak barriques for 14 months. Unfined and unfiltered. It is drinkable right out of the gate. 

97 Points - Owen Bargreen
The 2023 Holocene Sidereal Pinot Noir from Ribbon Ridge is composed entirely of the Pommard clone, fermented with whole clusters from a tiny seven-acre site. The bouquet offers vibrant aromas of red plum and wild raspberry, interlaced with hints of dried rose, saffron, and citrus rind. On the palate, layers of tart cherry and blood orange unfold, framed by mineral tones of flint and subtle earthy nuances of truffle and damp moss. The texture carries both concentration and finesse, with polished tannins that glide effortlessly. A thread of saline minerality underscores the wine, giving it a lifted, mouthwatering quality that extends through the finish. Another wine that will age gracefully over the next 10-15 years. Highly recommended.

97 Points - Owen Bargreen
The 2023 Holocene Sidereal Pinot Noir from Ribbon Ridge is composed entirely of the Pommard clone, fermented with whole clusters from a tiny seven-acre site. The bouquet offers vibrant aromas of red plum and wild raspberry, interlaced with hints of dried rose, saffron, and citrus rind. On the palate, layers of tart cherry and blood orange unfold, framed by mineral tones of flint and subtle earthy nuances of truffle and damp moss. The texture carries both concentration and finesse, with polished tannins that glide effortlessly. A thread of saline minerality underscores the wine, giving it a lifted, mouthwatering quality that extends through the finish. Another wine that will age gracefully over the next 10-15 years. Highly recommended.

94 Points - Decanter
From a small parcel in Ribbon Ridge, this Pinot Noir sees 100% whole-cluster fermentation, yielding upright aromatics of amaro herbs, smoky rose petals, rosehip oil, and rich, ripe strawberry flesh. The palate is incredibly textured, and built to age, ripe red brambles, spiced chicory root and black tea give this wine a structured finish that will age wonderfully.

94 Points - Vinous
The 2023 Pinot Noir Sidereal is understated in the glass. Nuances of chalk dust and dried sage meet spiced blood orange on the nose. The palate is silken with savory red berry fruits riding a wave of cooling acidity as tactile mineral tones inform the close. The 2023 leaves a trace of sour citrus, and edgy tannins resonate through the long and youthfully tense finale. 

Product size: 750ml