Academie Apprivoise Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, USA 2024

Académie’s Apprivoisé 2024 is a seriously exciting new Oregon Pinot Noir from a project with extraordinary Burgundy pedigree. Crafted by Thomas Savre alongside Dominique Lafon and Bertrand de Villaine, it combines the perfume and finesse of great Pinot with the depth and energy of the Willamette Valley. Red cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry and rose petal lead into layers of savory herbs, forest floor, spice and subtle earth, while vibrant acidity and beautifully polished tannins give the wine impressive structure and length. Native fermentation and 45% new French oak add complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Only 2,028 bottles were produced, making this a genuinely rare release from one of the most exciting new names in American wine. Burgundy collectors should be paying very close attention.