Sun Break Wines 'Nicolette' White Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

White Pinot Noir remains one of Oregon’s most intriguing rarities, and the 2025 Sun Break Wines 'Nicolette' White Pinot Noir is a striking example of why. Crafted from dry-farmed Pinot Noir grown at the acclaimed Björnson Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, this limited-production Blanc de Noirs transforms red grapes into a luminous, mineral-driven white wine. With only 121 cases produced, Nicolette showcases the purity, precision, and vibrant energy of the 2025 vintage while highlighting the remarkable versatility of Pinot Noir.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir (Wädenswil Clone)
• Alcohol Content: 12.4% ABV
• Production: 121 Cases
• Bottling Date: March 2, 2026
• Vineyard: Björnson Vineyard
• Farming Practices: Dry farmed, no-till, no herbicides, no synthetic fertilizers, no pesticides
• Certifications: LIVE Certified, Salmon-Safe Certified
• Harvest Date: September 4, 2025
• Harvest Method: Hand-picked
• Pressing Regime: Champagne-style Blanc de Noirs tiered whole-cluster pressing without rotation to minimize color, phenolics, and bitterness
• Fermentation: Slow 14-day tank fermentation in a naturally cool cellar
• Aging: 6 months in neutral oak puncheons and barrels
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Filtration: Cross-flow filtered before bottling
• Closure: Guaranteed TCA-free Trefino cork from Spain
• Titratable Acidity: 6.2 g/L
• pH: 3.18
• Volatile Acidity: 0.11 g/L
• Free SO₂ at Bottling: 15 mg/L
• Accolades: Previous vintage awarded 91 Points by International Wine Report (September 2025)
• Winemaker & Owner: David Patte
• Sustainability Commitment: Member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of all sales to the Pacific Forest Trust

Sensory Description:

The 2025 Nicolette Blanc de Noirs is intensely aromatic and beautifully lifted, opening with fragrant notes of rose petals, lemon curd, and white nectarine. The palate is bright and energetic, showcasing layers of citrus, stone fruit, and delicate floral character supported by vibrant acidity. Early harvesting preserves freshness and tension, while six months of aging in neutral oak adds subtle texture without overshadowing the wine's purity. The finish is mouthwatering and persistent, marked by a distinctive oyster shell minerality that lingers gracefully long after each sip.

Winemaker's Background:

Sun Break Wines is a small, hands-on Oregon winery dedicated to crafting expressive wines that reflect both vineyard character and sustainable farming practices. Owner and winemaker David Patte oversees every aspect of production, from vineyard sourcing and winemaking to operations and administration, with support from his wife Elizabeth and a small seasonal harvest team. The winery's commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond the vineyard through its participation in 1% for the Planet, supporting conservation efforts through donations to the Pacific Forest Trust.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the 2025 Sun Break Wines 'Nicolette' White Pinot Noir chilled at 45–50°F in a white wine glass. Its vibrant acidity and mineral character make it a natural pairing for oysters, sushi, ceviche, shrimp, fresh salads, goat cheese, charcuterie, and light appetizers. It also shines alongside spicy Thai dishes, Vietnamese cuisine, and other flavorful dishes where its freshness and citrus-driven profile provide balance and refreshment.