Holocene, Apocrypha Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2021

 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.

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
By now, everyone knows that the Willamette Valley is an amazing place to grow Pinot Noir. When Todd Alexander relocated from Napa Valley to partner up with Force Majeure Vineyards, he knew he also wanted to start a project where he could focus attention on a varietal and growing region that he 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.

Apocrypha Pinot Noir tends to showcase the blue and black end of the fruit spectrum, along with a brambly, floral, dried sage and thyme profile, higher acid than the Memorialis and more power.

96 Points - International Wine Report
Another phenomenal Pinot Noir from Todd Alexander, the 2021 Apocrypha, is also fermented with 100% whole cluster, which gives it lovely structure, spice tones, and tannin to an otherwise very light-featured vintage. I truly believe that this will help these wines age for 12-15 years with proper cellaring, and it will be fun to see if I’m proven correct. Dark plum, boysenberry, Christmas spice, crushed peppercorn, and forest breeze are all present in the glass. While the firm tannins, perfect acidity, and medium to full body finish the wine nicely. Just 140 cases made. Highly recommended.

Product size: 750ml