00 Wines 'VGR' Very Good Red Pinot Noir 2021
(Willamette Valley, Oregon) - [IWR 96] [JD 93]

About the winery:

• Chris and Kathy Hermann of 00 Wines (Double Zero) set out to produce the next great American Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley. Using the premier cool climate Chardonnay fruit in the US, and time honored artisanal white Burgundy techniques, 00 Wines has created something rare that is being set in a class alongside the greatest white wines in the world.
• They use the Black Chardonnay method of reducing premature oxidization by exposing whole cluster Chardonnay grapes to oxygen before fermentation. This causes the “must” (grape juice) to turn a dark brown or black color. During fermentation the brown pigment falls out, and what is left has extraordinary depth and texture and is more protected against oxidation in the bottle. This method is being used in Burgundy (producers like Coche-Dury and Roulot) and now in Oregon to protect the wines from premature oxidization, and potential ruination later, as the wines are aged. Using this Burgundian methodology is both daring and inspired!
  
• The red wines are no less interesting and rare. Sourcing fruit from iconic vineyards like Shea and Hyland, the Pinot noirs begin with a painstaking process of hand clipping berries from the cluster as opposed to more traditional destemming. This process leaves the pedicels (the piece of the stem that attaches to the berry) intact and gives fragrance and spice to the resulting wine. Once destemmed, the berries are fermented in small amphora (terra cotta fermenters used in ancient times for winemaking): an uncommon practice that, in tandem with the hand-destemming, creates wines that have fragrance and texture not achievable through contemporary techniques.

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points - International Wine Report: 
"Grapes coming from Shea, Hyland, and Richard Hermann vineyards are combined for the 2021 VGR Pinot Noir by 00 Wines. Boasting a glistening light to medium ruby core with a light pink rim in the glass, the nose pops with outstanding notes of crushed strawberry, bright red raspberry, mountain huckleberry, dried thyme, and wet earth. Tannins are sweet and rounded, while the acidity is perfectly in sync. The rounded and enveloping finish covers the whole palate from top to bottom. 534 cases produced. Highly recommended." (Mar 2023)