Mirabai Vineyard Pinot Noir, Kelly Fox Wines, Dundee Hills, Oregon 2021

Kelly Fox Wines, Dundee Hills & McMinnville 

The beautiful and historic Durant Vineyard was planted in 1973 by the Durant family, who continue to both live there and farm there. They are wonderful people, and it’s a dream come true to make wine from their vineyard. Durant Vineyard is on the southern slopes of the classic Dundee Hills neighboring Domaine Drouhin. The Dundee Hills for a very long time has been referred to as the “heart of the wine country”. Though the soil there is  volcanic with silt, clay, and loam (“Jory”), the Lark Block, the source of my Durant Chardonnay, is from a block of vines planted on a small parcel of unusual ancient marine soil in 1991. Just across the gravel road from the Lark Block is their olive orchard, and if you haven’t tried Durant olive oil, I highly recommend it. I love that olive trees border this block within the vineyard, too. Some of you know how much I love working with flower essences and with vines bordering trees. The olive flower essence is cited to “bring peace, regeneration, and restored balance” to the weary and exhausted. The Lark Block is planted to Dijon 76, known in Burgundy for producing nervy, finely-balanced, and elegant Chardonnay.

Light-to-medium, youthful, cool-toned red with blue and deep pink undertones. It’s eye-catchingly brilliant in the glass and transparent. True to the 2021 vintage, the nose is deliciously heady, this one full of Hood strawberries (the best-scented of all, I think), soft minerality, and a hint of spices and tea. The mouth is the same and carried on the classic Dundee Hills silk and finishes long

Grape: Pinot Noir

Biodynamic