Holocene, Memorialis Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2022

Overview of the Brand
By now, everyone knows that the Willamette Valley is an amazing place to grow Pinot Noir. When I relocated from Napa Valley to partner up with Force Majeure Vineyards, I knew I also wanted to start a project where I could focus attention on a varietal and growing region that I loved. Part of the excitement of being in the Pacific Northwest is the ability to have access to so many amazing vineyards and so much diversity, along with the opportunity to push boundaries and try new things – something that is becoming increasingly difficult in other growing regions. 

We partner up with a few very small, diverse and amazing vineyards in the Willamette Valley, sourcing fruit from these dry-farmed sites that emphasize low yields, sustainable practices and produce outstanding fruit.

The wines are crafted in the same way I have been making wine since I was carrying it out at Bryant Family Vineyard in the Napa Valley — utilizing very low-impact, non-industrial techniques, native yeasts, little extraction and little new oak, and never filtering or fining. This allows a real sense of place to show through in the wines that is often dimmed when too much manipulation is undertaken.

Our first vintage was 2015, and was released in early 2017. As production is currently extremely small, the best way to get the wines into your hands is to join our mailing list at the “Mailing List” link above to receive an allocation when we have a release. We release wines once per year, and they will be sold on a first come, first served basis, shipped straight to your door.

Sustainable.

Winemaker
Todd Alexander

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Holocene Memorialis Pinot Noir is a blend of 777, Pommard and 115 clones from MonksGate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. It is always the lighter and more feminine of the two Holocene wines, with red fruits, white flowers, dried herbs, mushroom and forest floor aromatics, bright acidity and a lithe texture, long finish.

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast
100% whole-cluster fermented, this aromatic set of briary and brambly red fruit makes me want to dab it on my pulse points. Leathery tannins and crisp acidity join forces with tangy flavors of raspberries and rooibos tea with a lemon wedge. Enjoy 2024–2037.

94 Points - James Suckling
Very aromatic, with dried flowers, nutmeg, wild mushrooms and red berry fruit. It’s silky, creamy and spicy, very elegant, with a medium body and fine, precise tannins. 100% whole cluster. Drink from 2025.

Product size: 750ml