Decanter – 97 Points
No one is naïve about the difficulties and challenges of growing Pinot Noir away from its home in Burgundy (even there, of course, it isn’t easy). Pinot has taken to Oregon’s Willamette Valley with remarkable success, though, and especially to the red-soiled Dundee Hills. This 2021 wine is a fine example of the charm, balance and satisfaction that fine Dundee Hills Pinot can provide. Translucent scarlet in colour, with magnetically attractive raspberry scents, once on the palate the wine is soft-contoured yet energetic, with arresting intensity of fruit. Here the raspberry shades into something more curranty and tenacious, and there are refreshing bitter notes in the finish, too, with a hint of earthiness perhaps derived from the clays of volcanic origin in which the vines grow. The warm edge of cool climate? Perhaps – and it makes for beautiful drinking.
James Suckling – 94 Points
This is bright and red-fruited with savory herbs, cocoa powder and nut shell. Medium- to full-bodied with compact, chocolaty tannins and velvety texture. It is plush, long and polished with attractive cocoa-dusted dark cherry and spicy notes to close.
Wine Spectator – 94 Points
A dynamic, generous red, with expressive raspberry and strawberry flavors highlighted by rose petal and orange zest. Builds tension and richness toward polished tannins.
Description
The 2021 Archery Summit Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is a captivating expression of the terroir and winemaking expertise that defines the renowned Oregon winery. Nestled in the heart of the Dundee Hills, Archery Summit has established itself as a pioneer in producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the region.
In the glass, this Pinot Noir exhibits a brilliant ruby red hue, offering a visual hint at the luscious flavors that await the eager palate. The nose is an enchanting bouquet of red berries, dominated by ripe cherries and raspberries. As the wine breathes, subtle notes of violet, lavender, and a touch of earthiness emerge, adding layers of complexity to the aromatic profile.
On the palate, the 2021 Archery Summit Dundee Hills Pinot Noir delivers a harmonious blend of fruit, structure, and finesse. Silky tannins caress the tongue, creating a velvety texture that enhances the overall drinking experience. Bright acidity provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fruit, ensuring a well-balanced and dynamic wine.
The core of this Pinot Noir is a symphony of red fruit flavors that dance on the taste buds. Juicy cherry and raspberry notes take center stage, supported by subtle hints of cranberry and pomegranate. The fruit profile is vibrant and expressive, reflecting the cool climate and high-altitude vineyards that characterize the Dundee Hills appellation.
As the wine evolves in the glass, secondary flavors come into play, adding depth and nuance. Delicate hints of baking spices, such as cinnamon and clove, mingle with a touch of vanilla from careful oak aging. These subtle spice notes complement the fruit character, contributing to a wine that is both sophisticated and approachable.
The finish is a lingering testament to the wine’s quality, leaving a trail of red fruit and a touch of minerality. The 2021 Archery Summit Dundee Hills Pinot Noir showcases the winery’s commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality that reflect the unique attributes of their vineyard sites.
This Pinot Noir is a versatile companion to a variety of cuisines. Whether paired with grilled salmon, roasted duck, or a simple mushroom risotto, its elegant structure and nuanced flavors make it a standout choice for food pairing.
In conclusion, the 2021 Archery Summit Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is a testament to the skillful artistry and dedication of the winemaking team. It encapsulates the essence of the Dundee Hills, delivering a wine that is both a true reflection of its terroir and a delight to the senses. This vintage is sure to captivate wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, earning its place among the distinguished lineup of Archery Summit’s exceptional Pinot Noir offerings.
**Archery Summit: Crafting Elegance in Oregon’s Dundee Hills**
In the heart of Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley, nestled within the undulating hills of Dundee, lies Archery Summit, a winery that has become synonymous with the art of crafting exceptional Pinot Noir. The journey of Archery Summit is a tale of vision, determination, and a profound commitment to producing wines that capture the unique terroir of the region.
Archery Summit was founded in 1993 by Gary Andrus, a visionary in the world of wine with a passion for cool-climate varietals. Recognizing the potential of the Willamette Valley to produce world-class Pinot Noir, Andrus embarked on a mission to create a winery that would focus exclusively on this noble grape. He sought out the ideal location, ultimately selecting the Dundee Hills for its unique combination of volcanic soils, elevation, and a climate perfectly suited for growing Pinot Noir.
The winery’s name, Archery Summit, is a nod to Andrus’s fascination with archery and his desire to hit the mark in crafting exceptional wines. Under his leadership, the first estate vineyard, the Red Hills Vineyard, was established. Planted with a careful selection of Pinot Noir clones, this vineyard would become the foundation for many of Archery Summit’s acclaimed wines.
Tragically, Andrus passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to shape the winery’s identity. The torch was passed to his son, Justin Andrus, who shared his father’s passion for the land and dedication to producing wines of unparalleled quality. Under Justin’s leadership, Archery Summit continued to expand and refine its vineyard holdings, acquiring additional estate vineyards, each contributing unique elements to the wines.
Archery Summit’s commitment to sustainable and biodynamic farming practices became increasingly evident. The winery embraced environmentally friendly viticulture, recognizing the importance of preserving the land for future generations. The emphasis on terroir-driven winemaking was evident in every bottle, as the wines began to showcase the distinct characteristics of each estate vineyard.
The winery’s cellar, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, became a hub for innovation and precision winemaking. The combination of traditional techniques and modern technology allowed the winemaking team to carefully shepherd the fruit from vine to bottle, preserving the essence of the Dundee Hills in every vintage.
Over the years, Archery Summit has received widespread acclaim for its wines, earning a reputation as one of Oregon’s premier Pinot Noir producers. The portfolio includes single-vineyard wines that highlight the diversity of the estate sites, as well as blends that showcase the artful blending expertise of the winemaking team.
In 2013, the Crimson Ridge Vineyard was added to the Archery Summit portfolio, expanding the scope of the winery’s expression of Dundee Hills terroir. This vineyard, with its high elevation and unique soils, contributes to the complexity and depth of Archery Summit’s wines.
As Archery Summit enters its third decade, the winery continues to evolve, staying true to its roots while embracing innovation. The commitment to excellence and the pursuit of crafting wines that reflect the essence of the Dundee Hills remain at the forefront of Archery Summit’s mission. With each vintage, the winery invites wine enthusiasts to join them on a journey through the vineyards, experiencing the artistry and passion that define Archery Summit’s legacy in the world of Oregon Pinot Noir.
Wine Advocate (WA)
Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers
Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
America’s Leading Wine Magazine and Rating Publication
Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
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Wine Enthusiast (WE)
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The Wine Independent (TWI)
Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
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Burghound (BH)
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Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
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Wine & Spirits (W&S)
Restaurant Trends, Trade Tastings, and Thoughtful Reviews
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The Tasting Panel (TP)
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Vinous (VN)
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Jancis Robinson (JR)
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Jeb Dunnuck began his wine career writing a blog focused on the wines of the Rhône Valley and Southern France. He later joined The Wine Advocate before founding JebDunnuck.com in 2017. His publication focuses heavily on U.S. regions such as California and Washington, as well as France’s Rhône and Bordeaux. Known for a generous palate and bold tasting language, Dunnuck provides hundreds of detailed reviews per release cycle, frequently visiting producers and publishing regional deep-dives.
Decanter Magazine (D)
British Wine Authority Blending Criticism and Culture
Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
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Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
The Tasting Book is an international digital platform that compiles wine reviews from professional critics, sommeliers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world. Launched in Finland, it has grown to feature tens of thousands of wines with reviews from multiple perspectives. Each entry aggregates community feedback alongside professional commentary. Tasting Book is especially valued for its crowd-sourced balance and the ability to compare opinions across tasters. It is widely used by wine professionals, collectors, and auction houses.
