Rocky Mountain High
Climate change continues to challenge growers and winemakers to find conditions that allow them to manage over ripeness and create wines of balance. Producers in many regions in the American west are seeking higher elevations as a source for freshness. In Colorado, Ben Parsons’ Ordinary Fellow wines take this concept to the extreme – he is making wines from vineyards growing at nearly 2,000m above sea level.
While the Colorado wine industry is still young, Parsons has been involved since the early days and he continues to lead the way. The Ordinary Fellow, Pinot Noir 2021 is a breath of fresh mountain air. From the American frontier but Old World in style, this bright, ruby-colored wine is lithe, crunchy and delicious, with aromas of fresh mint, crushed stone and raspberry. The palate is fresh, energetic and zesty with flavors of candied orange peel, watermelon, basil, white strawberries and early-season raspberry. For lovers of fresh red fruit, the Pinot Noir from The Ordinary Fellow is anything but.