Some Monk Talked, 22yo Brandy

<< Previous wine    Next wine >>

Ransom Wines & Spirits was founded by Tad Seestedt. Originally from a farm in the NY Finger Lakes, Tad moved to New York City and corporate America but soon felt a strong pull back to his farming roots. He embarked on a 2,000-mile journey west, following the Oregon Trail to a farm in Sheridan where he established a winery and distillery. Located in the renowned Oregon Willamette Valley, Ransom operates on a forty-acre organic farm in the foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range. Barley has been planted since 2008. Ransom’s commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, and respect for terroir is evident in its operations. The farm has been certified organic since 2011, and the distillery received organic certification in 2021. Ransom Spirits are distilled in a hand-hammered, direct-fired French alembic pot still, with all cuts made by taste and smell rather than automation. This traditional method preserves the aromatic intensity and body of the carefully selected raw materials. Ransom mashes and ferments base wort weekly in small batches, sourcing local and organic grains where possible, including barley grown on their own farm.

WHAT MAKES THIS SPIRIT UNIQUE?

This particular bottling, distilled from the remarkable 1999 vintage and aged for 22 years in 100% neutral French oak, showcases the unique character of the Eola-Amity Hills’ Cattrall Vineyard—one of Oregon’s oldest organic vineyards. Planted in 1978 and certified organic since 1990, this vineyard produces not only extraordinary wines but also remarkable brandy.

MASH BILL:

100% Pinot Noir

DISTILLATION INFO:

This unique brandy was distilled from Willamette Valley Pinot Noir grapes using a direct-fire French Alembic pot still in 1999. It was then aged in French oak barrels that had previously held Pinot Noir.

PRODUCTION:

480 bottles

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

Cattrall Vineyard, located in Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley, benefits from the region’s ideal climate and soil conditions. The vineyard sits on well-drained, volcanic soils that provide excellent drainage and nutrient balance, essential for premium grape growing. The cool, temperate climate of the Willamette Valley, characterized by its mild summers and cool, wet winters, creates an extended growing season that allows the grapes to develop complex flavors and balanced acidity. This combination of soil and climate contributes to the distinctive character and quality of the wines produced at Cattrall Vineyard.

TASTING NOTES:

In the glass, the brandy reveals a burnished mahogany hue, with rich aromas of toffee, cocoa nibs, and Seville oranges, complemented by a distinctive rancio note that comes with age. The palate is resinous, offering a complex mix of apothecary spices and cigar box notes with impressive weight.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

40% ABV

UPC CODE:

23221001000749