Antiquum Little Bud Pinot Noir 2024

Antiquum Farm Little Bud Pinot Noir 2024 This exceptional wine is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, representing a comprehensive overview of the estate's diverse clonal selections. Formerly known as the "Juel" cuvée, it has been renamed "Little Bud" after proprietor Stephen Hagen's son's nickname. The 2024 vintage in the Willamette Valley yielded fruit of remarkable depth and invigorating freshness, benefiting from a balanced growing season that allowed for optimal physiological ripeness while retaining crucial acidity. Sourced from a wild, high-elevation vineyard south of Salem, the terroir is characterized by thinner soils at the upper reaches that impart bright, lifted aromatics, while the lower, deeper soils contribute a grounded, fleshy richness to the final wine. In the glass, the wine displays a brilliant, deep ruby core that fades to a vibrant magenta rim, with a medium-plus viscosity that hints at its generous texture. The nose is highly expressive and evocative, leading with primary aromas of fresh cranberry, ripe wild strawberry, and crushed violets, beautifully lifted by a subtle flicker of orange zest. As the wine opens, secondary notes emerge, revealing a complex undercurrent of black cherries, star anise, and a delicate dusting of cinnamon and vanilla derived from its careful oak maturation. On the palate, this is a decidedly dry, full-bodied Pinot Noir that masterfully roams between brightness and depth. It fills the mouth with a luxurious, fleshy richness and flavors of dark cherry and soft milk chocolate, all perfectly counterbalanced by a solid dose of refreshing, mouth-watering acidity and finely grained tannins that carry through to a long, warming finish. Antiquum Farm is renowned for its pioneering regenerative and organic farming practices, utilizing a grazing-based viticulture system where sheep, geese, and chickens manage the vineyard floor, eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers or tractors. Winemaker Sam Ecenia employs a thoughtful approach in the cellar, combining fruit picked from all four corners of the site on a single harvest day with a small portion of later-picked clusters. The fermentation incorporates a measured jolt of whole-cluster inclusion for added spice and structure, followed by aging in a modest sheen of new French oak to round out the mouthfeel without masking the terroir. For food pairings, this wine's robust texture and bright acidity make it an incredibly versatile companion at the table. It pairs beautifully with a classic cedar-planked Pacific Northwest salmon, where the wine's fruit and subtle spice echo the savory char of the fish. Alternatively, serve it alongside a dry-aged ribeye steak topped with roasted porcini mushrooms; the wine's earthy undertones and fleshy tannins will effortlessly cut through the rich, marbled fat of the beef. While major critic scores from publications like Wine Advocate or Wine Spectator have not yet been published for this newly released 2024 vintage, Antiquum Farm consistently garners high praise, "Little Bud" offers a profound, terroir-driven experience that drinks well above its price point in the premium Willamette Valley category.