N※N

Wine Of The Month: Burgess "Cygnus" Pinot Gris 2021

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/31 .. of-the-month-burgess-cygnus-pinot-gris-2021.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 16:54 GMT by Forbes
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Burgess Cygnus Pinot Gris 2021: A Fresh Take on Oregon’s Classic White

When a vintage‑specific feature appears in Forbes’ wine column, the wine community takes notice. In the August 31, 2025 edition, the “Wine of the Month” spotlight was turned to the Burgess Cygnus Pinot Gris 2021, a release that quickly became a conversation starter among collectors and casual drinkers alike. Below is a distilled look at the article’s highlights, enriched with additional context from the links that led the writer on a deeper dive into Oregon’s winemaking scene.

A Brief on Burgess Winery

The 2021 Cygnus Pinot Gris comes from Burgess Winery, a family‑owned operation founded in 1974 by brothers John and Tom Burgess. Situated in the eastern Willamette Valley, the estate is renowned for its strict vineyard standards and a commitment to sustainable agriculture. In the Forbes piece, the author describes the Cygnus line as a “boutique estate collection” that showcases the winemaker’s hand‑picked grapes and meticulous fermentation practices. Burgess’s dedication to quality has earned it multiple awards at the Oregon State Fair and a respectable spot on the Wine Spectator 90‑plus list in recent years.

Terroir & Climate: The 2021 Growing Season

The 2021 vintage was noted for its “optimal cool‑climate conditions” that delivered a long, steady ripening period. The Cygnus vineyard sits on a gravelly loam with a thin layer of limestone, providing excellent drainage and a natural mineral boost. The article’s linked vineyard guide explains that the Willamette’s maritime influence—steady breezes, fog, and high humidity—keeps temperatures moderate and prevents early spoilage, giving Pinot Gris its characteristic bright acidity.

In September, the grapes were hand‑harvested at 18.5 °C with a 13.5 % sugar content, a sweet spot that balances fruitiness and freshness. The winemaker noted that the 2021 crop saw slightly fewer wet days than the previous year, allowing the fruit to develop more concentrated aromatics without compromising structural balance.

Winemaking Process: From Grape to Glass

The Forbes article provides a concise walkthrough of the winemaking journey. Here’s what the winemaker shared on the estate’s own website (the link embedded in the original piece):

• Fermentation: The juice was transferred into a large, partially oak‑lined tank to allow for gentle fermentation at 18 °C. This low‑temperature method preserves delicate aromatics while encouraging the development of a clean, vibrant palate.
• Oak Treatment: After primary fermentation, the wine was moved into French oak barrels for a 12‑week maturation period. The barrels, 50 % new, impart subtle vanilla and toasted notes that contrast with the varietal’s bright fruit profile.
• Finishing: Prior to bottling, the wine was filtered to remove any remaining sediment, then chill‑filtered to ensure a pristine finish. The 2021 bottling is capped with a high‑quality screwcap, an approach that preserves the wine’s crispness while offering ease of service.

Tasting Notes & Sensory Profile

In the tasting section, the writer—who had the opportunity to sample the wine—offers a sensory roadmap that can guide both novices and seasoned taster. According to the notes:

• Nose: A bouquet of fresh green apple, crisp pear, and a subtle hint of lemon zest. Subtle floral undertones—violet and white‑flower—add complexity without overwhelming the palate.
• Palate: On the tongue, the wine showcases a balanced acidity that cuts through the fruit's natural sweetness. A touch of apricot and honey emerges as the wine opens, while a faint mineral backbone—perhaps a nod to the limestone‑rich soil—provides depth.
• Finish: Long and lingering, with a mineral finish that invites another sip. The wine’s brightness and clean finish make it an ideal partner for light, aromatic dishes.

For those who prefer to compare, the Forbes article includes a side‑by‑side tasting with the 2019 Cygnus Pinot Gris, which the writer notes leans more towards a “fruit‑forward” profile with less pronounced minerality. The 2021 vintage, however, is described as more “balanced” and “structured.”

Pairing Suggestions & Consumption Tips

One of the article’s strongest points is the practical guidance on what to serve with this wine. The 2021 Cygnus Pinot Gris pairs well with:

• Seafood: Grilled salmon, shrimp linguine, or a delicate tuna tartare.
• Poultry: Roast chicken with herbs or a lightly smoked turkey sandwich.
• Vegetable‑Based: Mushroom risotto, grilled asparagus, or a crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette.
• Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses such as brie or goat cheese; the wine’s acidity provides a sharp contrast that balances richness.

The writer also notes that the wine is “drinkable now but will develop a more nuanced profile in 2‑3 years of cellaring.” This makes it a versatile choice for those who like to serve a good bottle immediately but also enjoy the evolution of a well‑structured white.

Where to Find It & Price Point

According to the Forbes feature, the 2021 Cygnus Pinot Gris is available through a select number of regional retailers and directly from the winery’s online store. The bottle retail price sits at approximately $26.50–$27.50, a competitive range for estate‑grown Oregon whites. The article emphasizes that, at this price point, the wine offers “excellent value for its level of quality,” a claim supported by the wine’s high score from the Oregon Wine Scorecard and the favorable reviews from independent critics.

Additional Resources

The original Forbes article linked to two supplementary resources that broadened the context for readers:

1. Burgess Winery’s Official Site – The website offers detailed production notes, an interactive vineyard map, and a photo gallery of the 2021 harvest. The site also features a “Winemaker’s Corner” blog where John Burgess elaborates on his winemaking philosophy, which underscores the 2021 vintage’s emphasis on terroir expression.
2. Oregon Wine Guide – A partner article that provides a deeper look into the Willamette Valley’s climate, soil variations, and the historical evolution of Oregon’s white wines. This guide helped contextualize why Burgess’s Cygnus Pinot Gris stands out against its regional peers, especially regarding its use of French oak and low‑temperature fermentation.

Bottom Line

The Forbes “Wine of the Month” spotlight on Burgess Cygnus Pinot Gris 2021 delivers a concise yet thorough look at a wine that exemplifies Oregon’s rising status in the global white wine market. By blending precise viticultural practices, careful fermentation, and thoughtful oak aging, Burgess delivers a wine that is both approachable and sophisticated. Whether you’re a wine collector or simply someone who enjoys a glass with dinner, the 2021 Cygnus Pinot Gris offers a compelling blend of fruit, acidity, and mineral nuance—an excellent addition to any cellar or dinner table.