Holocene, Apocrypha Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2023

Overview of the Wine
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.

Holocene is a brand that was created by wine masterminds Todd and Carrie Alexander in 2015. It is a small, family-owned brand with two generations of dedicated staff running the operations. Holocene’s wines are crafted using organic practices and the unique soil types that are in Willamette Valley. Their mission is to craft wines that are delicious, fresh, age-worthy, and are true reflections of the location and vintage. 

Winemaker
Todd Alexander

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This Pinot Noir, made by Todd Alexander, is from two Chehalem Mountain sites, both organic and dry-farmed. It is made with 100% whole-cluster and features an extended elevage of 19 months. A tad boisterous and riper on the nose, with deep violet tones, black bramble fruits and a note of five spice. The whole cluster shows through on the palate, as a savoury framing holds up early-season, crunchy blackberries, deep forest floor notes, and chopped mint, wild lavender, and juniper. An ageworthy Pinot Noir from the northern reaches of the Willamette Valley. 

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Apocrypha's aromatic combination of spice and fruit won me over instantly. It smells like a homemade batch of black cherry jam that's been laced with chunks of ginger. The additional nutmeg and eucalyptus aromas only enhanced that impression. The wine's bracing acidity is the equal of its borderline grippy tannins. Tart blackberry, cinnamon and orange zest flavors are Apocrypha's closing act. Enjoy 2026-2039.

97 Points - Owen Bargreen
The outstanding 2023 ‘Apocrypha’ was aged for 9 months in 25% new French oak and saw 100% whole cluster fermentation. This is lush, round and rich on the mouth with serious texture, tannin and mouthfeel. Dense red and dark fruits collide with salty minerals and volcanic stony accents on the palate. A stunning wine that is already drinking well, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. 

Product size: 750ml