Notes from Crowley:

"Vineyard info: Four Winds was planted in 1990 to Pommard clone Pinot Noir (4.374 acres). Elevation is 800 feet and south facing. Own rooted and dry farmed.

Appellation and soil: This vineyard is located in the McMinnville Coast Range. The soils have a volcanic origin, primarily Saum, related to Nekia with a strip of Jory running through the edge of the vineyard. They are made up of a rocky base of weathered basalt that was covered by wind-blown (colluvial) loam, which was derived from eroded basalt higher up in the coast range. As compared to other appellations in the Willamette Valley, these soils are uniquely shallow for wine growing with low total available moisture. The resulting wines have pronounced leanness and mineral tones.

General info: 2021 was a vintage defined largely by heat spikes and late rain. Each element left an indelible impression on the wines and combined for a unique yin and yang that has the wines both deft and bold, intense and spare, and full of intrigue that only the magic of vintage variation can provide.

In the glass this wine shines translucent red with amber hued edges. Herbs and dried flowers greet the nose, then give way to black cherry and watermelon. As it opens up, traces of pencil shavings give this wine incredible aromatic intrigue. On the lighter side (as is Four Winds’ signature) this wine drinks feminine and expressive right away. A candied core of orange peel and raspberry reduction are encapsulated by Earl Grey and chewy tannins. The 2021 Four Winds Pinot has a long life ahead of it."