Haden Fig Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley '22

Haden Fig has become one of Oregon’s best independent wineries.  Winemaker and owner Eric Nuccio started his career in wine retail in Washington DC, before moving into the wholesale side in Massachusetts. Firmly entrenched in the wine world, he decided to move to Northern California to attend enology and viticulture school. 
 
His decision on where to pursue his wine career came from his foundational love for old-world wines. Cool-climate wines are his passion, so he decided to move to Oregon, getting a job with the late, great Russ Raney of Evesham Wood. I had the personal fortune of knowing Russ, and he was one of Oregon’s most important figures in the early days of viticulture in the state of Oregon. What a tremendous opportunity Eric had to study under Russ.
 
Being the humble and nurturing person that he was, Russ allowed and encouraged Eric to make his own wine, using the Evesham Wood winery. That was where Haden Fig was born. Upon retirement, Russ sold Evesham to Eric, and he now is the owner and winemaker for both Haden Fig and Evesham Wood. 
 
For this month’s wine club, we decided to feature what we think may be one of the best values in Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. You can tell a lot about the quality of a producer from their Willamette Valley bottling. Eric uses incredible vineyards in this cuvée, with the main focus coming from Eola-Amity Hills AVA where they are located, but also from vineyards such as Illahe and Mahonia, which sit outside his home base. 

The grapes are fermented in small batches, about 1.25 tons, in open-top fermenters, with punch-downs twice a day. The wine is then aged in French oak, mostly old barrels with around 15% new. 
 
We love the 2022 vintage in Oregon, as it offers such balance, yet without compromising richness. The 2022 Haden Fig is starting to sing right now, offering bright notes of wild strawberry and plum, and hints of herbs on the nose. This glides across your palate, with high-toned red fruit notes, good concentration, and a soft coating of tannins. A great everyday Pinot Noir!