Sun Break Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Shimmering ruby in the glass with delicate aromatics that rise like mist from volcanic earth, 2022 Sun Break Pinot Noir offers a vibrant, fruit-forward expression with unmistakable depth. Crafted from six Pinot Noir clones sourced from a single, sustainably farmed site in the Eola-Amity Hills, this cuvée captures the heart of the vintage with precision, clarity, and an irresistible balance of structure and charm.

Product Details:

• Varietal: Pinot Noir (Pommard, Wädenswil, Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777)
• Winemaker/ Owner: David Patte
• Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic (non-certified); dry farmed with no herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides
• ABV: 13.1%
• Vineyard: Cortell-Rose Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley; volcanic Jory soils at 525–680 ft elevation; 5 ft x 7 ft spacing; double cordon VSP; north–south orientation; managed by Jessica Cortell
• Fermentation: 46% whole cluster / 54% destemmed in 1.5-ton open fermenters by clone and fermentation type; pied de cuve starter followed by non-GMO cultured yeast; daily foot treading and punchdowns; 11–17 day macerations depending on clone/block
• Élevage: 10 months in older French oak; two bâtonnages; no racking until blending; sulfites added in spring only
• Filtration & Closure: Cross-flow filtered; bottled under guaranteed TCA-free Trefino corks from Spain
• Production: 332 cases
• Bottling Date: August 10, 2023
• Sustainability: One Percent for the Planet member; supports projects providing 74 tons of carbon offsets
• Lab Analysis (as of July 2023):
  • Titratable Acidity: 5.3 g/L
  • pH: 3.53
  • Volatile Acidity (Acetic Acid): 0.52 g/L
  • Free SO₂ at Bottling: 32 mg/L
  • Molecular SO₂: 0.60 mg/L
  • Ethanol: 13.1%

Sensory Description:

Aromas of red bramble fruit, cassis, and cranberry unfold against hints of forest floor and dried thyme. The palate is medium-bodied and fruit-focused, with bright acidity and polished tannins guiding a core of candied red fruits, violets, and subtle spice. Finishes with clean lines and a pleasing persistence, showcasing the energy and varietal clarity of the vintage. Built for versatility and pure drinking pleasure.

Awards & Accolades:

• 90 — International Wine Report / Wine Enthusiast (2024
  

Winemaker's Background:

Sun Break Wines is a small, family-run winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, founded by David Patte, a French-American winemaker who honed his craft through Oregon harvests, formal studies at Chemeketa, and a lifetime immersed in wine culture on both sides of the Atlantic. Drawing inspiration from his Rhône Valley roots and a deep respect for nature, David produces small-lot Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, vermouth, and sparkling cider using traditional methods and sustainably farmed grapes and apples. With practices ranging from dry farming and non-tillage to renewable energy use and carbon-neutral shipping, Sun Break is committed to both terroir expression and environmental stewardship.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 55–60°F in a Burgundy-style Pinot Noir glass to highlight its fresh fruit character and floral nuances. A short decant of 15–30 minutes helps open its savory tones. Pair with roast chicken, cedar-planked salmon, lentil and beet salad, or mushroom flatbread. For optimal enjoyment, pour 5-oz servings and let the wine evolve slowly with air.

2023 Sun Break Pinot Noir delivers elegance, lift, and site-driven clarity, a finely tuned expression of Eola-Amity Hills terroir and exceptional value in the glass.