Rose & Arrow’s excellent second release marks a return to a more classically styled vintage in the Willamette Valley. Under the watchful eye of Winemaking Consultant Louis-Michel Comte Liger Belair, Felipe Ramirez has crafted a beautiful range of Pinot Noir that is fully articulate of their place. Tasting in February, we were particularly struck by the precision and transparency in the wines, bright Pinot Fruit illuminating dark basalt volcanic minerality to create a remarkable line-up of wines that exist in the interplay between strength and beauty.
Together with Louis-Michel, Pedro Parra remains on board as the geological consultant, helping the team to refine their searches for the specific seams of rocks that will yield the most interesting characteristics. Much as in Burgundy, these plots are often tiny, and invariably they are highly specific.
Read MoreToday they farm over 60 hectares of land dotted across five of the seven AVAs. The majority of the harvest goes into a separate project called Chapter 24. Only the very finest spots, just over two hectares, less than 4% of the harvest, are what produce the 100-350 case cuvees that make up the thrilling Rose & Arrow range. These plots, generally east facing on volcanic soils from the mid slopes, are those which provide the ethereal aromas, textures and flavours that the project is looking to unearth.
In winemaking terms, the techniques are almost identical to those practiced in Louis-Michel’s Vosne Romanee domain, yet the aim has never been to produce Burgundy from Oregon - more to allow Burgundian thinking to shape the way one might produce the very finest wines from the Basalt soils of the Willamette valley. The results are both staggering and genuinely individual; combining the unmistakable elegance and finesse of Comte Liger-Belair winemaking, with deeply volcanic mineral cores and finely tailored, effortless finishes.
The second release features six wines, two each of Village, Articulate and then Prime Expression. For more information on any of the wines and full tasting notes please visit our website.
Owing to the very limited quantities available these will be sold on a strict allocation basis. If you would like to register your interest, please contact your account manager. Pricing below is listed under bond exclusive of duty and VAT. The minimum order value for free delivery in mainland UK is £300.00 including VAT, otherwise charged at £18.00.