Wine Description
Given to Fly is a dry, estate-grown reserve Oregon Pinot Noir selected from four Block 1 barrels that made us stop mid-tasting, with dark cherry, dark berries, earth, subtle florals, baking spice, and cocoa. Juicy red fruit and firm, refined tannins move through a layered palate into a long, rising finish - depth that never turns heavy, and structure with wings.
Naming Inspiration
Inspired by Pearl Jam's "Given to Fly." The name reflects the balance at the heart of this reserve Pinot Noir - depth and structure through the palate, then freshness carrying the wine upward through a long, rising finish.
Studio Notes
- From the vineyard: Estate Pinot Noir from Block 1 at Compris Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Planted in 2000 on volcanic Jory soil at approximately 300 to 500 feet elevation. The reserve was selected from four expressive barrels - two Pommard, one Dijon 777, and one Dijon 115 - for a final blend of 50% Pommard, 25% Dijon 777, and 25% Dijon 115. LIVE Certified and farmed with organic principles.
- In the cellar: The fruit was fully destemmed and received a four-day cold soak before native fermentation. The reserve blend aged for 21 months in four 228-liter Cadus and Mercurey French oak barrels, with one barrel new. The extended élevage gave the tannins time to integrate and the wine's quieter details time to emerge.
- Tech at a glance: 13.4% alcohol, TA 5.7 g/L, pH 3.68, 0 g/L residual sugar, 100 cases produced
Tasting Notes
Style at a glance: Dry; Medium-bodied; Firm, refined tannins; Long, lifted finish
Aroma: Dark cherry, dark berries, dusty earth, subtle floral notes, baking spice, and cocoa
Palate: Juicy red fruit brings energy to a layered, structured palate, with dark cherry, earth, and warm spice gathering through the middle. Firm, refined tannins carry a subtle thread of cocoa and coffee into a long, expressive finish that feels lifted rather than weighty.
Pairs well with: Roast duck, lamb loin, beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin, wild mushroom pasta, and aged Comté.
Open it for: A dinner worth lingering over, an evening that deserves an unhurried bottle, or anytime you want Pinot Noir with depth, structure, and lift.
Bottle Details
Release Date
January 2024
Alcohol %
13.4%
AVA
Chehalem Mountains
Reviews
“This is a rich and wondrous Pinot Noir where blackberry and pomegranate flavors coat the palate, seasoned by marjoram and thyme notes. The tannins are beginning to loosen their grip while the wine's acidity remains bright. And the aromas of Bing cherries, lilac and straw are no slouch, either. Partial proceeds from this label are donated to charitable causes so that others may fly high. — Michael Alberty”
“Dried strawberries and red cherries with hints of sandalwood, spices and wet earth. Layered and compact with a medium to full body and polished tannins. Succulent finish. Drink or hold. Glass stopper.”
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Given to Fly: Reserve Pinot Noir
94 Points, Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
Deep but lifted, black cherry, cocoa, dusty spice, long rising finish.
