Antica Terra 'Botanica' Pinot Noir 2023 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The 2023 Botanica Pinot Noir is a layered expression of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, shaped by a thoughtful blend of vineyard sites selected for aromatic complexity, textural depth, and structural clarity. Antica Terra sources fruit from a range of cool-climate vineyards, many influenced by the Van Duzer Corridor, where marine air and persistent winds moderate temperatures and extend the growing season. This climatic interplay allows Pinot Noir to ripen slowly, preserving acidity while building nuanced flavor.

Soils across the contributing sites vary from volcanic basalt to marine sedimentary formations, each adding a distinct dimension to the final blend. Volcanic soils contribute lift, mineral tension, and spice, while sedimentary soils lend breadth and supple texture. Rather than emphasizing a single site, Botanica is designed to explore how disparate elements—place, vine age, and microclimate—can be woven into a cohesive, expressive whole.

Winemaking
Antica Terra approaches Pinot Noir with an almost philosophical commitment to observation and intuition, allowing each lot to evolve independently before blending. Fruit is harvested by hand and fermented in small lots, often with a significant proportion of whole clusters, depending on the character of the vintage and vineyard. Native yeast fermentation is favored, encouraging complexity and a sense of place.

Extraction is gentle and closely monitored, prioritizing aromatic clarity and texture over sheer power. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with restrained use of new oak to support, rather than overshadow, the wine’s intricate profile. Each barrel is evaluated individually, and the final blend is assembled with precision, resulting in a wine that feels intentional yet alive. Minimal intervention throughout the process ensures that Botanica remains transparent, expressive, and true to its origins.

Tasting Notes
The 2023 Botanica opens with a translucent ruby hue, immediately signaling finesse and energy. Aromatically, it is captivating and complex, unfolding in layers of wild strawberry, red cherry, and pomegranate, interwoven with floral notes of rose petal and peony. Subtle savory elements—dried herbs, orange peel, and crushed stone—add depth and intrigue.

On the palate, the wine is both delicate and commanding, with a silken entry that gradually builds in intensity. Red fruit flavors are vibrant and precise, framed by lively acidity and fine-grained tannins that provide structure without weight. A mineral-driven core lends focus through the mid-palate, while savory and spice notes emerge toward the finish. The impression is one of balance and tension, with a long, resonant finish that echoes red fruit, floral lift, and subtle earth.

Food Pairings
Botanica shines alongside thoughtfully prepared dishes that mirror its elegance and complexity. It pairs beautifully with roast duck, herb-crusted pork, and grilled salmon, as well as mushroom-forward dishes such as porcini risotto or lentil stews. The wine’s acidity and savory nuances also complement Mediterranean-inspired fare, including roasted vegetables, olive oil–based dishes, and mild spices.

Cheese pairings include soft, earthy selections such as Brie, Chaource, or young goat cheese. Serve at approximately 55–58°F, and consider a gentle decant to allow the wine’s aromatics and texture to fully unfurl.

Cellaring & Longevity
While the 2023 Botanica Pinot Noir is compelling in its youth, it is built with the structure and balance to evolve over time. Early drinking emphasizes freshness, aromatic lift, and energy. With cellaring, the wine will gain savory depth and secondary complexity, revealing notes of forest floor, dried flowers, and spice.

Properly stored, this wine should drink beautifully over 8–12 years, offering both immediate charm and the reward of patience. Botanica stands as a refined, cerebral expression of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir—layered, intentional, and quietly profound.