Bow & Arrow Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Juicy red cherry and cranberry lead a light, energetic palate, lifted by lively spice and a fresh, crunchy finish. The 2022 Bow & Arrow Pinot Noir is Scott Frank's distinctly un-Burgundian interpretation of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, blending fruit from Arbre Vert, Johan, Hughes Hollow, and South Salem Hills and fermenting it in small lots with approximately 15% whole clusters. Naturally aged for a year with minimal oak influence and bottled at a modest 12.5% ABV, it reflects Bow & Arrow's Loire-inspired philosophy of drinkability, freshness, and an intentionally humble expression of Oregon wine.

Product Details:

• Owner & Winemaker: Scott Frank
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyards: Arbre Vert, Johan, Hughes Hollow, and South Salem Hills
• Fermentation: 1.5 to 3-ton fermenters with approximately 15% whole clusters
• Aging: Approximately one year, primarily in barriques with occasional 500-liter puncheons
• Oak Influence: Minimal
• ABV: Approximately 12.5%

Sensory Description:

Bright cherry and cranberry define the fruit profile, with a lively spicy edge adding lift and definition. Light-bodied and juicy rather than dense or heavily extracted, the palate emphasizes freshness and immediate drinkability. Restrained oak keeps the red fruit clearly in focus, while the modest alcohol and energetic structure contribute to a crunchy, refreshing expression of Pinot Noir with a clean, vibrant finish.

Winemaker's Background:

Bow & Arrow is the work of Owner and Winemaker Scott Frank, who moved from New York to Portland in 2001 and entered the wine business as a grocery-store wine buyer. His growing interest in Oregon wine eventually led to harvest work and, in 2007, a position as assistant winemaker to John Paul at Cameron Winery. Frank launched Bow & Arrow in 2010 and subsequently established a subterranean winery in Northeast Portland, sourcing fruit from a small group of growers whose farming aligns with his approach.

Rather than treating the Willamette Valley exclusively through a Burgundian lens, Frank looks to the Loire Valley for inspiration, emphasizing accessible, refreshing wines and varieties with a long but less celebrated history in Oregon. His philosophy centers on drinkability and low-intervention winemaking while recognizing the Willamette Valley as both a distinguished wine region and a working agricultural landscape. This Pinot Noir applies that perspective to the valley's signature red grape, favoring juicy fruit, modest alcohol, restrained oak, and freshness over weight or overt polish.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled at approximately 13 to 15 degrees Celsius in a Burgundy or medium-sized red wine glass. Its bright red fruit, light body, and fresh structure make it particularly versatile with roast chicken, grilled or roasted salmon, pork tenderloin, charcuterie, mushrooms, lentils, or simply prepared vegetables. A brief chill emphasizes the wine's cranberry and cherry character and reinforces the refreshing style at the heart of Bow & Arrow's approach.