The Basalt Block is a seven-acre bowl facing south in the centre of the Brittan estate in the foothills of the McMinnville appellation. All of the Brittan single-block wines have an aromatic intensity, and this one is effusive with dark violets, truffle, and classic boysenberry. The palate is built on a spine of marine salinity, which is spry, airy, and full of energy: fresh Oregon blackberries, sweet raspberries and a savoury dusting of dried herbs. Minerality wins out, though, and this wine combines a streak of wet stone, sea salt and a brisk acidity into the finish.
96 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Feb 2025)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Basalt Block is scented of pomegranate and cranberry with nuances of aniseed, mushroom and earth. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with layers of spicy fruit. It’s structured by dusty tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long, latent finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in the cellar.
94 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Dec 2024)
You should linger over this balanced and tasty treat. It smells like a marionberry pie cooling on a window sill, joined by notes of wildflowers and salted chocolate ganache. In a gearshift, the wine's flavors are tarter, with crisp acidity highlighting not-quite-ripe raspberries punctuated by a bitter arugula note.
94 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast (Jul 2024)
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