Holocene Memorialis Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Holocene Pinot Noir Memorialis is a blend of 777, Pommard and 115 clones from MonksGate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and it saw about 20% new French oak for 16 months prior to bottling. 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.
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.
Review:
The 2021 Pinot Noir Memorialis is more complete and layered, with beautiful ripe cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as spice box, dried, smoky herbs, and savory flower-like aromas and flavors. Textured, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, it has the fruit and texture to shine even today yet the density and structure to evolve for 10-12 years as well.
- Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
Villero is undoubtedly one of the most important vineyards in Castiglione Falletto in terms of quality and exposure.
The soil is clayey and calcareous, with a south and southwest exposure. The combination of exposure and soil give us a structured and powerful Barolo, with a deep aromatic profile. The tannins are smooth and soft, thanks to long maceration.
Barolo Villero is a long-lasting wine, capable of reaching its full potential even many years after the harvest.
Wine Production
Villero is distinguished by a careful selection of grapes, perfect destemming, long macerations with submerged cap.
Tasting Notes
Clear bright ruby colour with very light garnet red reflections; intense and persistent aroma of red fruit with notes of plum and cherry. A pleasant aroma of wood is noticeable after the fruity aroma, anticipating the full taste of a great wine suitable for long lasting life. A succulent, rich, full-bodied and pleasant taste emerges after the woody one, with the presence of slightly ripe red fruit
Food Pairing
Thanks to its viscosity and body, Barolo is the ideal wine to combine with elaborate dishes such as truffle dishes, meat dishes, pasta with porcini mushrooms, game, and aged cheeses. Villero is also perfect with dry pastries or chocolate.
Review:
This Villero shows sterness and class at the same time. The nose is focused on cherrystone aromas, Parma violets, pomegranates and slightly earthy notes. The attack is dry and austere, with firm, dusty tannins soaked in licorice and tar, enhanced by a bright, juicy and polished blood-orange finish. This is a Barolo to discover over the years, even though it’s ready to drink now.
-James Suckling 95 Points