Dec 30, 2022
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iOTA Cellars
| Owner(s) | Lynne Pelos, Perry Pelos, Don Sandberg, Johana Sandberg |
| Web site | www.iotacellars.com |
| Link to this site |
iOTA Cellars is a new name on the Oregon Pinot Noir scene. The name, iOTA, refers to small quantity, reflecting the winery’s commitment to small yields, small lots, and small case production. In 1999, Don and Johanna Sandberg moved to Oregon from Minnesota, purchased land in 2000, and began a commercial winery in 2006. The pair have been making wine on a non commercial basis since 2002, initially from purchased grapes and then from their own beginning in 2004. The 2007 wine is the second commercial vintage.
Like a number of Oregon winemakers, Johanna gained her basic winemaking knowledge at the NW Viticulture Center in Salem, Oregon along with well-known winemakers Tina Hammond (Privé) and Laura Volkman (Laura Volkman Wines). She interned with the Casteel family at Bethel Heights and Bryce Bagnall when he was the winemaker at Witness Tree. The estate Pelos Sandberg Vineyard (PSV) consists of 11.5 acres in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA planted to Dijon 667 and 777, Pommard and Wädenswil clones. The vines are farmed sustainably and non-irrigated. Grapes have been sold to Beaux Frères, Bergström Winery and EIEIO & Company, but most recently only Rex Hill and Big Table Farm.
Articles About iOTA Cellars
Checking In On Small Wineries in the Willamette Valley (11.9 9/5/2017)
Large Review of 2009 & 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs With a Few from 2008 & 2011 (9.7 5/9/2012)
Oregon Blockbuster to Beauty Movement (9.20 2/26/2013)
Recent Sips of Oregon Wines: Pinot Amore´ (10.1 12/11/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (9.34 12/17/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Willamette Valley Wines (11.5 6/25/2017)
Small Sips of Oregon Pinot (8.6 11/29/2009)
Reviewed Wines
2015 iOTA Phyllis Eola-Amity Hills Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 71 cases, $22. Named in
honor of Lynne Pelos’ mother. Aged 6 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderately light pink color in the glass. A savory styled Rosé featuring aromas and flavors
of strawberry, citrus peel and herbs. Crisp, clean and refreshing.
Score: 89.
Reviewed September 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 iOTA Duke’s Family Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Chardonnay
12.5% alc., $35. Barrel
aged and fermented with limited lees stirring. (Note, the 2016
Chardonnay will be the first from Pelos Sandberg Vineyard).
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Bright
aromas and flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, straw and herbs in a food friendly style.
Score: 90.
Reviewed September 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 iOTA Not One iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
14.2%
alc., 658 cases, $28. A blend of barrels not used in the flagship or whole cluster bottlings. Aged 11
months in French oak barrels, 7% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry,
Asian 5-spice and smoky timber. Rich and fully flavored, with a satisfying core of cherry fruit and
welcome t n’a balance. A smoky, barnyard character is noted upon pouring the wine, but this tends
to largely resolve over time in the glass. This rustic barnyard note is typical of Pinot Noir from this
vineyard. A very good value.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 486 cases, $40. The winery’s
flagship bottling. A selection of barrels including all four of the
clones in the Pelos-Sandberg Vineyard: Pommard,
Wädenswil, Dijon 777 and 667. Aged 11 months in French
oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Appealing aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and pipe smoke. Plush in
the mouth with a serious extract of fresh black cherry and black
raspberry fruit flavors accented with spice and a subtle smoky signature.
Plenty to discover in this wine with many nuances, commendable
harmony and an inspiring finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $40. 15% whole
cluster.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose will wow you with hi-tone aromas of black cherry,
spice and tobacco oak. Somewhat immature, with fresh black cherry fruit flavors underlain with notes of earth
and iron. A modest smoky barnyard thread plies the background. There is the slightest bit of alcoholic warmth
on the finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Whole Cluster Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 94
cases, $44. Four barrels of 100% whole cluster Pinot Noir. 25% each of Pommard, Wädenswil, 777 and 667
clones. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the
glass. Exotically perfumed with aromas of dark berries, spice, sweet smoke and oil can. More intensely
flavored with a more profound attack than the flagship bottling, offering flavors of purple and black berries,
spice, mushroom, smoke and earth. Velveteen in texture, with snappy acidity and a very long, sweet cherry
finish. Much more rounded and inviting when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked
bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., $40. 15% whole
cluster.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Embracing aromas of red cherry, spice, sandalwood and smoke are
repeated in the charming flavors on the mid weight palate. Noticeable mouth presence, length and finishing
persistence with balanced acidity, a vivacious character and a deft touch of oak. The most balanced wine in
this vertical lineup. Drink now to 20/25.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2012 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
4.2% alc., $42. 100% destemmed.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A nice fusion of black cherry and dried herbs lifts the nose.
The sappiest wine in this vertical tasting, with a plethora of dark fruits, but lacking a bit of vibrancy. The finegrain
tannins lead to a dry finish that reveals a slight hint of alcoholic warmth. Drink now to 2022.
Score: 90.
Reviewed September 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2012 IOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 577 cases,
$42. Pommard, Wädenswil, 777 and 667 clones. Aged 10 months in 3-year-air-dried French oak barrels and
an additional 12 months in bottle.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Amazingly fragrant with
aromas of dark berry, cassis, plum, black cherry and espresso leaping from the glass upon opening. Mid
weight + core of well ripened dark berry fruit with some smoky oak in the background. Soft tannins and a fruitfilled
finish ramp up the pleasure. The wine has plenty of oak overlay, but an equal amount of luscious fruit.
Score: 91.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., $38. 10% whole
cluster.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very attractive penetrating aromas of dark cherry, strawberry, spice
and pennyroyal. Impressive concentration and ripeness in this very cool vintage, featuring black cherry, dark
raspberry and plum fruit flavors with a subtle smoky note and a grand finish. The wine’s juicy acidity and
polished tannins make for perfect drinking perfectly now but will last to 2025.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2011 IOTA Pelos-Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 767 cases, $38. 11.5-acre vineyard planted to
Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 667 and 777 clones. The vineyard, first planted
in 2002, sits at 300 to 500 feet elevation, and is dry farmed. The family run
winery was established in 2006. Johanna Sandberg is co-winemaker and
owner. The wine contains all four planted clones. Aged 10 months in 3-year, airdried
French oak barrels and an additional 10 months of bottle aging. Unfined
and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color and unfiltered appearance
in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh black cherry pie glaze, Christmas spice,
and earthy flora. Full, deep and plush on the palate with remarkable flavor
intensity in this cool vintage. The flavors of black cherry and black raspberry are complimented by a touch of
smoky oak. The tannins are nicely balanced and the finish is noticeably persistent and aristocratic, urging you
to take another sip.
Score: 93.
Reviewed December 18, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc. 100% de-stemmed.
·
Light ruby red color with a slight orange tinge in the glass. A second bottle tasted was darker garnet with no
bricking. Aromas of cherry, tobacco and cigar box. Light to mid weight in style with a core of cherry, raspberry
and cranberry fruits framed by bright acidity and gossamer tannins interacting in harmony. The signature
barnyard note is evident. The wine has a healthy finish, a satiny texture, and not much tertiary character so
should hold to 2022.
Score: 89.
Reviewed September 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2010 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 402cases, $38. Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 667,
777 from six estate vineyard blocks. Aged 10 months in 47% new French oak
barrels and an additional year of bottle aging before release. Unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Intense black
cherry, plum and spice aromas with a hint of toasty, cedary oak. Discreetly
concentrated flavors of smoky black cherry and dark raspberry fruit robed in
balanced, dry tannins, finishing with an infusion of black raspberry jam on toast.
There is a little more oak talking at present than I prefer, but this should integrate
further with another year in bottle. Good.
Reviewed February 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 476 cases, $36. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 777
and 667. The wine was aged for 10 months in 45% new 3-year air-dried French
oak barrels and aged an additional year before release.
·
Medium plum-garnet
color in the glass. Enticing aromas of freshly picked dark berries with a hint of
oak (cigar box and toast). Inviting mid palate richness offering flavors of
blackberries, marionberries and plum with a subtle note of tar and brier.
Admirable finesse with a refreshing cut of acidity on the moderately long finish.
Very good.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2007 iOTA Cellars Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 345 cases, $42. Aged 10 months in 50% new
third year air-dried French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple
color in the glass. Aromas of black raspberries, cherries and strawberries
with overtones of herbs and smoky oak. Medium-weighted core of darker stone
fruits flanked by an oaky, herbal tone that persists on the long finish. Tasted
twice. Decent.
Reviewed November 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2015 iOTA Phyllis Eola-Amity Hills Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 71 cases, $22. Named in honor of Lynne Pelos’ mother. Aged 6 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light pink color in the glass. A savory styled Rosé featuring aromas and flavors of strawberry, citrus peel and herbs. Crisp, clean and refreshing. Score: 89. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 iOTA Duke’s Family Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Chardonnay
12.5% alc., $35. Barrel aged and fermented with limited lees stirring. (Note, the 2016 Chardonnay will be the first from Pelos Sandberg Vineyard). · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Bright aromas and flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, straw and herbs in a food friendly style. Score: 90. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 iOTA Not One iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 658 cases, $28. A blend of barrels not used in the flagship or whole cluster bottlings. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 7% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, Asian 5-spice and smoky timber. Rich and fully flavored, with a satisfying core of cherry fruit and welcome t n’a balance. A smoky, barnyard character is noted upon pouring the wine, but this tends to largely resolve over time in the glass. This rustic barnyard note is typical of Pinot Noir from this vineyard. A very good value. Score: 90. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 486 cases, $40. The winery’s flagship bottling. A selection of barrels including all four of the clones in the Pelos-Sandberg Vineyard: Pommard, Wädenswil, Dijon 777 and 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Appealing aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and pipe smoke. Plush in the mouth with a serious extract of fresh black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors accented with spice and a subtle smoky signature. Plenty to discover in this wine with many nuances, commendable harmony and an inspiring finish. Score: 93. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $40. 15% whole cluster. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose will wow you with hi-tone aromas of black cherry, spice and tobacco oak. Somewhat immature, with fresh black cherry fruit flavors underlain with notes of earth and iron. A modest smoky barnyard thread plies the background. There is the slightest bit of alcoholic warmth on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Whole Cluster Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 94 cases, $44. Four barrels of 100% whole cluster Pinot Noir. 25% each of Pommard, Wädenswil, 777 and 667 clones. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Exotically perfumed with aromas of dark berries, spice, sweet smoke and oil can. More intensely flavored with a more profound attack than the flagship bottling, offering flavors of purple and black berries, spice, mushroom, smoke and earth. Velveteen in texture, with snappy acidity and a very long, sweet cherry finish. Much more rounded and inviting when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., $40. 15% whole cluster. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Embracing aromas of red cherry, spice, sandalwood and smoke are repeated in the charming flavors on the mid weight palate. Noticeable mouth presence, length and finishing persistence with balanced acidity, a vivacious character and a deft touch of oak. The most balanced wine in this vertical lineup. Drink now to 20/25. Score: 93. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2012 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
4.2% alc., $42. 100% destemmed. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A nice fusion of black cherry and dried herbs lifts the nose. The sappiest wine in this vertical tasting, with a plethora of dark fruits, but lacking a bit of vibrancy. The finegrain tannins lead to a dry finish that reveals a slight hint of alcoholic warmth. Drink now to 2022. Score: 90. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2012 IOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 577 cases, $42. Pommard, Wädenswil, 777 and 667 clones. Aged 10 months in 3-year-air-dried French oak barrels and an additional 12 months in bottle. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Amazingly fragrant with aromas of dark berry, cassis, plum, black cherry and espresso leaping from the glass upon opening. Mid weight + core of well ripened dark berry fruit with some smoky oak in the background. Soft tannins and a fruitfilled finish ramp up the pleasure. The wine has plenty of oak overlay, but an equal amount of luscious fruit. Score: 91. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., $38. 10% whole cluster. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very attractive penetrating aromas of dark cherry, strawberry, spice and pennyroyal. Impressive concentration and ripeness in this very cool vintage, featuring black cherry, dark raspberry and plum fruit flavors with a subtle smoky note and a grand finish. The wine’s juicy acidity and polished tannins make for perfect drinking perfectly now but will last to 2025. Score: 92. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2011 IOTA Pelos-Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 767 cases, $38. 11.5-acre vineyard planted to Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 667 and 777 clones. The vineyard, first planted in 2002, sits at 300 to 500 feet elevation, and is dry farmed. The family run winery was established in 2006. Johanna Sandberg is co-winemaker and owner. The wine contains all four planted clones. Aged 10 months in 3-year, airdried French oak barrels and an additional 10 months of bottle aging. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color and unfiltered appearance in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh black cherry pie glaze, Christmas spice, and earthy flora. Full, deep and plush on the palate with remarkable flavor intensity in this cool vintage. The flavors of black cherry and black raspberry are complimented by a touch of smoky oak. The tannins are nicely balanced and the finish is noticeably persistent and aristocratic, urging you to take another sip. Score: 93. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc. 100% de-stemmed. · Light ruby red color with a slight orange tinge in the glass. A second bottle tasted was darker garnet with no bricking. Aromas of cherry, tobacco and cigar box. Light to mid weight in style with a core of cherry, raspberry and cranberry fruits framed by bright acidity and gossamer tannins interacting in harmony. The signature barnyard note is evident. The wine has a healthy finish, a satiny texture, and not much tertiary character so should hold to 2022. Score: 89. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2010 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 402cases, $38. Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 667, 777 from six estate vineyard blocks. Aged 10 months in 47% new French oak barrels and an additional year of bottle aging before release. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Intense black cherry, plum and spice aromas with a hint of toasty, cedary oak. Discreetly concentrated flavors of smoky black cherry and dark raspberry fruit robed in balanced, dry tannins, finishing with an infusion of black raspberry jam on toast. There is a little more oak talking at present than I prefer, but this should integrate further with another year in bottle. Good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 iOTA Pelos Sandberg Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 476 cases, $36. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 777 and 667. The wine was aged for 10 months in 45% new 3-year air-dried French oak barrels and aged an additional year before release. · Medium plum-garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of freshly picked dark berries with a hint of oak (cigar box and toast). Inviting mid palate richness offering flavors of blackberries, marionberries and plum with a subtle note of tar and brier. Admirable finesse with a refreshing cut of acidity on the moderately long finish. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2007 iOTA Cellars Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 345 cases, $42. Aged 10 months in 50% new third year air-dried French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black raspberries, cherries and strawberries with overtones of herbs and smoky oak. Medium-weighted core of darker stone fruits flanked by an oaky, herbal tone that persists on the long finish. Tasted twice. Decent. Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »