Sun Break Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

There’s something special about wines that reflect the land with absolute purity—no interference, no shortcuts, just the vineyard speaking through the bottle. That’s the ethos behind Sun Break Wines, a producer crafting small-batch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with intention, integrity, and the kind of vibrancy that only the Eola-Amity Hills can provide. Sourced from the dry-farmed Cortell-Rose and Royer Vineyards, these wines are deeply expressive, allowing the volcanic soils, cool maritime winds, and meticulous organic farming practices to shine.

Product Details:

• Varieties: Pinot Noir (four styles) & Chardonnay
• Region: Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Vineyards: Cortell-Rose Vineyard (Pinot Noir); Royer Vineyard (Chardonnay)
• Farming: Dry-farmed, no herbicides, no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
• Winemaking:
  • No added sulfites during fermentation or the first months of élevage
  • Pinot Noir fermented with both whole-cluster and destemmed grapes
  • Neutral oak aging for 10 months
  • Lees stirring (bâtonnage) for added texture
  • No racking until final blending
• ABV: 13.1%

Sensory Description:

This is Oregon Pinot Noir in all its nuanced, soulful complexity. Depending on the cuvée, you’ll find variations of bright cranberry, wild raspberry, tangerine zest, and savory earthiness. Hints of sage, forest floor, and leather add intrigue, while a whisper of bruschetta with olive oil and sea salt lends a mouthwatering finish. The wines are balanced, medium-bodied, and texturally compelling—delicate yet persistent, structured yet effortlessly drinkable. Meanwhile, the J Marie Chardonnay from Royer Vineyard is a stunner in its own right, bursting with citrus, white peach, white flowers, and a mineral-driven edge that lingers on the finish like lemon curd on fresh pastry.

Winemaker’s Background:

These wines are the passion project of Jessica Cortell, a renowned viticulturist who farms for some of Oregon’s top estates—Seven Springs, Medici, Antica Terra, and more. When she selected Cortell-Rose Vineyard as her own, she did so with precision: volcanic Jory soils, exposure to the cool Van Duzer winds, and a mix of six Pinot Noir clones that give the wines their remarkable depth. Sun Break Wines is the only producer using all six clones from this site, making these bottlings truly one of a kind.

Serving Suggestions:

For the best experience, serve the red Pinot Noirs with a slight chill—just 15-20 minutes in the fridge enhances their freshness and energy. They shine alongside duck breast, mushroom risotto, or a roasted beet salad, bringing out their layered complexity. The J Marie Chardonnay, with its bright citrus and mineral-driven depth, pairs beautifully with seared scallops, grilled peaches, or a wedge of alpine cheese. Whether you’re sipping on a warm summer evening or enjoying a cozy winter night by the fire, these wines deliver pure Oregon magic in every glass.