Privé Vineyard

Articles About Privé Vineyard

Reviewed Wines

2019 Privé Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $55. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Well-ripened fruit aromas of blackberry and boysenberry. There is a hint of VA. Mid-weight plus and fruit-driven in style, offering flavors of blackberry and cassis with subtle floral, spice, earth and oak notes framed by nubile tannins. The finish offers good juiciness and modest length. This wine pushes the ripeness envelope. Score: 88. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Privé le nord Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $65. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of black cherry and baking spices. Much more giving than le sud at this stage, offering all the best qualities of the Privé style. Refined and polished, with welcome tannic support and impeccable harmony, The typical Pommard black cherry sumptuousness is on display. An uplifting and bright wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared because of the spot-on balance. Score: 94. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Privé le sud Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $75. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of wild blackberry, earthy flora and a touch of oak spice. Mid-weight in style, with a core of earth-kissed purple and black berry fruits that persist through a very long finish. Wellintegrated tannins and complimentary acidity. There is a very subtle herbal savoriness in this wine Still young and brooding, but much better when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Probably way too early to review this wine. Score: 92. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Privé Joie de Vivre Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 288 bottles. · An excellent young wine from one of the best vintages of the decade. Moderate garnet in color, with penetrating aromas of cherry, spice and rose petal infused with a compliment of oak. Gracious and satisfying on the palate with plenty of black cherry goodness. Impeccably balanced with a ridiculously long finish. This wine is impressively open and giving at such a young age. The wine was retasted December 31, 2021, 7 months after the previous tasting and was one of my most memorable drinking experiences of 2021. The wine was beautifully composed with a core of gorgeous black cherry goodness, perfect harmony and a finish that would not quit. It was extraordinary when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle indicating a long life ahead. Score: 95/99. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Privé le nord Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Darker and riper fruits are featured compared to le sud in this vintage. Aromas and flavors of black cherry and black berry that entice over time in the glass. Well-proportioned tannins and acidity add harmony and the finish goes on and on. Superb when tasted the next day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Privé le sud Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A bit of oak-driven mocha aroma and flavor on opening dissipates completely by the following day. Love the aromas of black cherry and Dr. Pepper. Very sleek in the mouth with elegant power, offering voluptuous flavors of black cherry and ripe strawberry, framed by gentle tannins. The dark cherry hangs around on the finish for what seems like a minute. Great in every way when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Two bottles tasted on different occasions with consistent results. Score: 96. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Privé le nord Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.,∼200 cases, $65. Le Nord is the north block of the Privé Vineyard at 600 feet elevation. 100% Pommard clone, 100% destemmed. The wine was aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.

Note: Mark and Tina Hammond only produce 950 cases annually, specializing in Pinot Noir from their 2-acre vineyard, but also offering Syrah and Pinot Noir Port. Wines are available to a member’s list only. The Privé Vineyard was originally planted in 1980 and then grafted to Pommard clone in 1998 by the Hammonds after they acquired the vineyard in 1995. The label was launched in 2001. Other Pinot Noir bottlings include Le Sud (from the south block of the vineyard) and Joie De Vivre (a limited, reserve). Pricing varies with length of time one is on the member’s list. Etched magnums are available. Visits to the winery are welcome by appointment (minimum order of 6 bottles requested). Visit www.privevineyard.com. This is one of my favorite producers of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley.

· Moderate garnet color in the glass. The wine is reserved upon opening, revealing its charms slowly over time in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherry, rose petal and spice tantalize. Middleweight in style, with flavors that replicate the aromas with a dusting of oak. Plush in the mouth, with balanced tannins, and an exceptionally long finish of black cherry goodness. Considerably more giving when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Best to give this beauty another 3 to 5 years in the cellar. Score: 93. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Privé Joie de Vivre Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 300 bottles. · A lighter wine in this vintage, but plenty of oak-kissed red cherry and spice aromas and flavors. Very seductive in demeanor with a finish that won’t quit. Considerably more giving when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle predicting a long life ahead for this wine. Score: 93. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Privé le nord Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc. · Pleasing aromas and flavors of dark Bing cherry with a dusting of oak. Silky in the mouth with inviting elegance, offering good cherry-driven length on the palate and on the finish. May need a few more lengths for optimum enjoyment. Fine, but not exceptional. Score: 92. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Privé le sud Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Joyous aromas of dark cherry, earthy flora and oak-driven toast. Sensuous and feminine in style, with a core of black cherry and marionberry fruit flavors dressed by a modicum of oak. Even more appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle predicting age-ability. Score: 92. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Privé Vineyard Le nord Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $65. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of Bing cherry and rose petal. Very similar to Le sud but with a bit more extraction and dusting of oak. Middleweight styled, with seductive elegance, offering flavors of dark red and purple berry fruits with a pinch of spice. Juicy, with inviting harmony and a generous cherry-driven finish. Wait a year or two on this wine for full enjoyment. Score: 93. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Privé Vineyard Le sud Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $75. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherry, bakery and underbrush. Sleek and silky in the mouth in an elegant and lacy mid weight style, displaying flavors of dark red and black cherry and blueberry with a dusting of toasty oak. The finish is striking with waves of pure cherry righteousness. Still young and showing barrel dress, showing much better oak integration when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Give this wine a year or two. Score: 93. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Privé Vineyard Joie de Vivre Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 300 magnificently etched and signed bottles, $105. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The very deep cherry aroma is complimented by gracious oak. A step up in hedonism, offering a mid weight charge of darker cherry and purple berry fruits that saturate the palate. Plush and expansive in the mouth, yet still feminine in demeanor, with valued inherent structure. The texture is seductively smooth and the finish is ridiculously long. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, my notes say “Mind-boggling!” Score: 95. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $59. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is highly rewarding, featuring hi-tone aromas of fruit jam, spice box, rose petal and toast. Expansive flavors of black cherry, raspberry and Coca-cola with just a touch of toasty oak. A gorgeous wine with impeccable balance and long, black cherry-infused finish. Still exceptional when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle predicting age ability. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2016 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $69. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Heady aromas of dark cherry and berry and sous bois. Mid weight plus in style, with more sappy and deeper flavor than le nord. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and pomegranate fruits are highlighted with tastes of tobacco and spice. Texturally seductive, with enmeshed tannins and a very generous black-fruited finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle the intensity and length of the finish grabbed my attention. Score: 94. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2016 Privé Vineyard Joie de Vivrie Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $99. 115 of 192 bottles signed by wiinemaker. Etched, heavy bottle. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of dark berries, fertile earth and oak. Velvety in the mouth in a mid weight plus style with initially reserved flavors of blackberry and cassis. Heavenly texture and balance with an outlandish finish that persists in the mouth for over a minute. Even better and more giving when tasted two and three days from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Don’t even think about drinking this wine for three to five years. A tour de force that unfortunately few will get to drink. Score: 96. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Privé le nord Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The aromas of cherry and spice are fresh as can be. A charge of cherries jubilee impresses the palate. Great harmony here, the Pommard-driven cherry goodness lasting for what seems like a minute. Even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle indicating this is a 15-year wine at least. Score: 96. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2014 Privé Vineyard le nord Estate Grown Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $50. 100% old vine Pommard. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark cherry, cola and complimentary oak. An appealing marriage of dark red cherry and berry fruits, oak vanillin and acid along with a firm, balanced tannic backbone. The finish offers lip-smacking acidity and a bit of alcoholic warmth. The fruit is not as expressive as it will be and the oak is more expressive than it will be. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was a little more showy. Score: 90-91. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2014 Privé Vineyard le sud Estate Grown Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $60. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry and sandalwood lead to a charge of dark red fruits that offer a luscious expression of dark cherry fruit. More assertive than le nord, with a finish that really grabs your attention. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromas of dark cherry and spice were intoxicating and the elegantly delivered cherry and spice flavors were more inviting. Score: 90-91. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2014 Privé Vineyard Joie de Vivre Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 132 bottles, $90 (available only on futures to mailing list). The first few gallons of press load from le nord and le sud are gathered to be blended and aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 12 months. Lovingly offered in an etched, hand painted, numbered and signed bottle. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Soaring aromas of cherry, resin, spice and nutty oak lead to an elegantly styled wine that is both demure but powerfully flavored. Cherry and red berry fruits are featured with a savory oak note in the background. Both cherry fruit and savory nuances mingle on the memorable finish. This wine should reward further cellaring, but hard to keep your hands off it now. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Privé Vineyard Joie de Vivre Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 12 cases, $90. Estate grown. Etched, hand painted, numbered and signed bottle. Produced from the first few gallons of each press load from le nord and le sud blended and aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 12 months. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Similar to the le sud but with a deeper, more penetrating nose focused on cherry fruit. Plenty of cherry and purple berry sap to delight in a juicy, mid weight styled wine that has admirable oak integration, ample but balanced tannins, and an especially long finish. A high-collared wine that is approachable now, but will age beautifully for years to come. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Previously reviewed 11/22/15 (92). Score: 94. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 100 cases, $600. Estate grown. 100% Pommard grown on the south block of a southwest facing hillside. Aged 12 months in 100% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring aromas of fresh red cherry, spice and forest floor. Juicy and polished in the mouth, with charming elegance. Mid weight flavors of red cherry and raspberry are complimented by oak seasoning. The tannins are nicely integrated and the overall experience is one of refinement. The wine was much more expressive the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle such that I wanted to finish the whole bottle. Previously reviewed 11/22/15 (90-91). Score: 93. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Privé Joie de Vivre Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc. · A bombastic wine that is superb in every way. Strikingly elegant yet offering waves of black cherry goodness. An incredible wine from a vintage that was not highly lauded. The growing season was warm and late summer brought monsoon-like rains to the Willamette Valley. Some vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains received 7 inches of rain in September. After the rains, the weather remained cool and dry and some resilient grapes were harvested. Accomplished producers vinify special wines in most every vintage. This wine is a testament to the importance of paying more attention to the producer than the vintage. Score: 97. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2013 Privé le nord Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

12.9% alc. · Soaring aromas of blackberry and spice echoed on the palate in an elegantly styled, delicious wine. The nose is amazingly captivating. A superb wine in every way that has gained in weight and length since last tasted in January 2015. If you have any of this wine in your cellar, pop the cork, for this is a spellbinding wine that wears its age like a badge. (see my comments about this vintage for the 213 Joie de Vivre) Score: 98. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2013 Privé le sud Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

12.9% alc. · Solid, but not special, offering aromas of red berries, dried herbs and subtle oak. Light in weight and color, with flavors of juicy red cherry and berry with a slight herbaceous tone. More fruit and spice elements appear with time in the glass. May not have been a pristine bottle. (See my comments about this vintage for the 2013 Joie de Vivre) Score: 89. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2013 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

12.9% alc.. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is very shy and weedy with a hint of red cherry and berry. Lighter weighted, elegant and straightforward with a core of cherry fruit accented with baking spices. The fine-grain tannins are mellow and the wine shows good harmony, but it is austere and the fruit trends toward under ripeness. Score: 88. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., $59. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Complex aromatic profile that reveals itself slowly in the glass including scents of Bing cherry, spice, rose petal and conifer. The core of cherry fruit is tight but promising with subtle notes of mocha, cola and oak in the background. Velvety in the mouth with a reserved finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromatics were much more alive with more spice, rose and cherry, but the fruit was still reluctant to show its stuff. Decant if you must drink now, but preferably wait at least a year. Score: 90-92. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $69. · Moderately light cherry color in the glass. Enticing aromas of cherry, leaf, spice and balsam lead to a mid weight core of fresh and juicy cherry flavor with a whisper of oak in the background. Very elegant and more giving than the le nord, with suave tannins and a deeply aromatic, cherry-fueled finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, the nose was more expressive. Two days later, the wine was still hitting on all cylinders. Patience will be rewarded. Score: 92-94. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Privé le sud Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc. · Dark garnet in color and moderately bold in style, with benevolent aromas and flavors of darker fruits augmented with a sidekick of spice and mocha. Very sleek and polished on the palate, with an glorious finish like a 3 hour movie you don’t want to end. Drink now at the wine’s apogee. This wine was reviewed in December 2013 and referred to as orgasmic. Still is. Score: 98. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2012 Privé Vineyard Joie de Vivre Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 139 of 174 etched labels. · A glorious wine drinking at its peak with a flood of well-ripened blueberry and blackberry fruits wrapped in a touch of oak spice, The incredibly satiny texture alone will bring you to your knees. Score: 95. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2012 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6% alc.. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The black cherry, black raspberry and boysenberry fruits have a mild highly ripened, roasted quality. Mid weight plus in style with impressive richness of flavor, yet light on its feet. The fruit is well framed by nutty oak and firm tannins. Rather seamless and velvety in texture. Drink now to 2023. Score: 93. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2012 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Appealing scents of black cherry, bittersweet dark chocolate, coal and underbrush. A delicious bombastic wine with great balance between richness of flavor and energetic verve, offering mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and boysenberry. So luscious, so satiny, so dreamy. This wine has the tannin structure to easily be a 15-year wine. Drink now to 2027. Score: 96. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2012 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 100 cases, $55. 100% Pommard clone planted in Jory soil (rootstock dates to 1980) on a southwest facing hillside. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is complex and captivating initially, with aromas of black raspberry, black currant, licorice, spice and purple rose petals. The wine hits the mid palate with an unctuous core of black cherry and black raspberry fruit caressed by soft tannins and brought to vivid heights with bright underlying acidity. Very smooth and sexy, with a gorgeous finish replete with perfectly ripened blackberry fruits. Darker fruits, earthier and a little more sap and tannin than the le sud, with more evident acidity and a brighter finish. This wine is like le sud’s teenage sister - more rebellious, untamed and immature. Much better when re-tasted later in the day. Awesome. Score: 97. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 75 cases, $65. 100% Pommard clone planted in Jory soil on a southwest facing hillside. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine defies description. The nose is heavenly with broad aromas of black cherry, black raspberry tart, exotic rose petal, potpourri and a hint of truffle. Upon entry, the wine explodes with a delicious array of fruit flavors including black cherry and black raspberry with many nuances adding complexity including spice, rose hips tea, sassafras, vanilla and nutty oak. Not overwhelmingly rich but exceedingly flavorful with a royal presence, offering silky tannins, appealing barrel presence, and a finishing array of fruit that returns for several encores. Balance is spot on so this refined wine will age beautifully. I could go on, but you get the idea. Orgasmic. Score: 98. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Privé le nord Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc. · Lighter garnet color in the glass. The wine is on the lean side, offering an array of demure red fruit aromas and flavors. The barrel treatment is overbearing and dominates the delicate fruit core that seems faded. Not as successful as le sud in this challenging vintage. Score: 88. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2011 Privé le sud Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.2% alc. · Surprisingly enjoyable wine from a vintage that was complicated by a cool and wet spring to mid-summer. Bloom in the Willamette Valley was in July! September was relatively dry to the fruit did ripen and some referred to a “miracle harvest.” Light in weight and very elegant in character featuring fresh, bright red fruit aromas and flavors. Gossamer tannins, a shadow of oak and a modest finish There is a personality to every vintage and this wine embodies a survivor. Score: 91. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2011 Privé Vineyard Joie de Vivre Yamhill County Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc. #38 of 108 bottles. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose leads off with an array of black stone fruits. Mid weight plus in style, with a hefty load of sappy black fruits and a muscular tannin load to match. The wine builds in intensity over time in the glass and sports a very long finish. Still a stodgy black fruited demon that offers little more than fruit even when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Drink now to 2022. Score: 91. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2011 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.2% alc.. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose offers a combination of black cherry and toasted oak aromas. Light to mid weight in style, with a good attack of black cherry and blueberry fruits framed by a touch of oak. The wine enters better than it finishes. Nicely balanced and pleasurable if unassuming. Score: 90. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2010 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very sexy nose featuring aromas of black cherry, dark red rose, mulch and vanilla. Light to mid weight in style with a grandiose core of black cherry fruit with a complimentary oak flourish. Impressive intensity from entry to the lengthy finish with enough tannic backbone to carry the wine another five years. Drink now to 2022. Score: 92. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2010 Privé Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of muddled cherry, spice, vanilla and mocha lead to a middleweight fresh and vivid core of woodsy black cherry fruit. Sleek with resolved tannins and a compliment of tobacco and chocolate oak-driven notes in background. Fades a bit over time in the glass. Drink up. Score: 90. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2010 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains AVA Oregon Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $65. 100% Pommard, 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermented in 100% new French oak barrels. · Strikingly aromatic featuring scents of ripe black cherries, black raspberries, black plums, and dark rose petals. Retains aromatic intensity over time in the glass and I am wondering if it is possible to capture this aroma in a perfume. Very polished with moderately rich and glorious black cherry, black raspberry, cassis, and cola flavors with perfect integration of oak, complimentary acidity and soft, ripe tannins. The fruit hangs on like a 3 hour movie you don’t want to end. Very plush for a 2010 Oregon Pinot Noir. Still great the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A sensual pleasure that will persuade you to make Pommard your paramour. Reviewed April 18, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains AVA Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $70. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Gorgeous nose featuring bright aromas of pie cherries, pie berries, and spice. Intense core of vibrant dark red plum, berry and cherry flavors, well-spiced. A very slight smoky, grilled note is evident. A little meatier than le sud and not as showy. Beautifully balanced with supple tannins, finishing long with intense black cherry aromatics. Rarely get fruit expression like this in the Willamette Valley, especially in 2010. Even though the wine has more vivid fruit, structurally it is lighter than the 2006 and 2008 vintages. Highly enjoyable. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains AVA Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $80. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Strikingly aromatic featuring scents of ripe black cherries, black raspberries, black plums and dark rose petals. Retains aromatic intensity over time in the glass and I am wondering if it is possible to capture this aroma in a perfume. Very polished with moderately rich and glorious black cherry, black raspberry, cassis and cola flavors with perfect integration of oak, complimentary acidity, and soft, ripe tannins. The fruit hangs on like a 3-hour movie you don’t want to end. Very plush for a 2010 Oregon Pinot Noir. Still great the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating age ability. A sensual pleasure that will persuade you to make Pommard your paramour. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Privé Vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc. $30. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The fruit literally jumps out of the glass initially showing scents of black cherries and black raspberries. Over time in the glass, candied fruit aromas emerge along with a hint of raisin indicating very ripe fruit. Medium weight plum and black cherry flavors that initially are satisfying. Soft and smooth in the mouth. With time in the glass, the flavors veer to cooked fruit and raisin and I long for more acidity. This wine has the ripest profile of any of the estate wines. A well crafted wine that many will find enjoyable, particularly those that savor warm vintage fruit flavors. Good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $55. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very shy upon opening, slowly revealing aromas of dark red stone fruits and berries with a hint of oak. Rich, sumptuous and polished on the mid palate, offering flavors of dark red fruits including Bing cherries and ripe raspberries. An underpinning of savory herbs and oak adds interest. Very soft tannins with a velvety mouth feel, ending with a powerfully aromatic finish that goes on and on. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $65. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of fresh black cherries sprinkled with Herbs de Provence. Discreetly concentrated with caressing flavors of pie cherries and plum sauce. Full-flavored and polished with well integrated tannins, finishing long with an explosion of herb-dusted, dark red fruit. Highly approachable now. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Exotic perfume that gathers intensity and spice over time in the glass, sporting aromas of blackest cherry, violets, burnt tobacco, warn leather and earthy flora. Aging beautifully with years ahead, offering a mid weight charge of black cherry and blackberry fruits with added notes of spice, cola, BBQ rub, tobacco, herbs and earth. A complex wine with merged tannins and a slight citrus note on the finish. Holds up well over time in the glass. Drink now to 2028. Score: 95. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2008 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very subdued nose, even with swirling. Middleweight oak-kissed plum and dark berry flavors with an appealing savoriness. Juicy and smoothly textured with mild tannins. Finishes with remarkable red berry aromatic intensity. Much more expressive and interesting the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Patience is required. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. · Medium reddish-color in the glass. Subdued nose upon opening, emerging very slowly in the glass to reveal scents of dark red berries and complimentary oak. A bevy of inviting dark red and black fruit flavors with some spice and tension (minerality). The fruit is buried in the wine’s structure and overshadowed a bit by the acidity, but when sampled the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was significantly more fruit expressive and enjoyable. This wine deserves more time in bottle. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Estate Grown Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $49. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherries, black raspberries and a hint of exotic spices. Rich and forthcoming with a blackberry and black cherry core clothed in caressing tannins and possessing the right touch of balancing acidity. More lush and forward than the le sud bottling. A dreamy wine with a creamy texture that is approachable now but will benefit from more time in the cellar. If this wine was a lover instead of a wine, it is the one that would make you abandon your family, leave your job, and forfeit your hard-won position in the community for just one more fling. Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »

2008 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Estate Grown Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $57. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose exhibits plenty of green garden, Provencal herbs, brier patch and savory spice from the oak. A moderately rich berry core is very tasty with memorable midpalate saturation that picks up intensity with time in the glass. An herbal edge dominates the fruit initially, but the next day from an opened and re-corked bottle the fruit and spice came out to play with complete resolution of the herbal influence. Flat-out delicious the next day. This wine is meant for aging while you drink the le nord, and will be every bit as good in 3 to 5 years. Very good (+). Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Slowly emerging aromas of dark red and purple fruits with a hint of herbal oak. Medium weight flavors of black cherries, red plum and blueberries. Inviting finesse with a silky smooth mouth feel, impeccable balance and admirable length on the finish. Still terrific the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A little more body, length and overall appeal than le sud in this vintage. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2007 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. · Light reddishpurple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of well-spiced raspberries and cherries with a hint of herbs and straw. Light weight flavors of raspberries, strawberries and cherries accented with hints of sandalwood, cinnamon and herbs. An elegant wine that gives what it can considering the vintage. Still fine the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2006 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Muted aromas of dark plum, berry reduction sauce and pine. Luscious and ripe with a sense of sweetness. Flavors of black plum, currant and cola. Very seductive satiny mouthfeel. Definitely ripe fruited but does not cross the line and is not at all jammy. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2006 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple robe. A warm growing season in Oregon and this wine reflects the vintage. Aromas of very ripe fruit and old oak cask. Full-bodied with flavors pushing the ripeness envelope including black raspberry, black plum, raisin, soy and brown spice, all caressed by supple tannins. A seamless wine that is well-crafted, but too ripe-fruited for my personal taste. Good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2006 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass with no rim bricking. Complex array of aromas including black cherry, spices including cardamom and cinnamon, dark chocolate, sweet oak and earthy flora. An impressive wine in a very warm year, showing a sleek core of black cherry, raspberry, spice and smoke flavors. Polished, with immersed tannins and some finishing generosity. The fruit is a bit too far on the ripe side, but otherwise this is a beautiful wine that has aged magnificently. Drink now to 2022. Score: 93. Reviewed September 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2006 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $45. · Charming scents of spiced cherries, wildflowers, vanilla and chocolate. Plenty of earth-dusted black cherry and plum fruit enhanced with subtle oak. Smooth and satisfying, seamless throughout, with a touch of tangerine peel on the finish. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $53. · Cinnamon spiced red cherries, oak and cedar, and a heart-stopping floral perfume. Merci! Delicate red fruit spiced to the hilt that caresses the tongue and coats the mouth. Clean, pure, demure and refreshing. A complete wine of impeccable balance and special breeding. Cancel the spouse's Nordstrom credit card, put the kids in public school, buy a hybrid, sell your California Cabs that are gathering dust, eat at home, and buy as much of this that you can get your hands on. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Privé Joie de Vivre Yamhill County Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 132 bottles. · Good color, black cherry and spicy oak (a subtle hint of Brettanomyces). Mid-weight, with a a core of black cherry fruit, dark chocolate and smoky oak. Silky in texture and persistent in length. This wine has aged beautifully and is surprisingly very drinkable at 16 years of age. Score: 91. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2005 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. · Moderately light and more red than purple in color. Aromas of burnt rubber, creosote, and horse stable with no fruit evident. Very soft in the mouth with markedly muted fruit flavors. A markedly flawed wine that is unsatisfactory to me, but some may find drinkable depending on their tolerance for Brettanomyces. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2005 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of fresh black cherries and spice are offset by a slightly unpleasant antiseptic, band aid aroma. Middleweight core of black cherry and black raspberry fruit that is slightly dumbed down with a subtle note of creosote, ending with a citrus-laden finish. A wine mildly flawed with Brettanomyces that is quite drinkable. Good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2005 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $42. · Unusual aromas of exotic woods, cedar, pine, solvent and vegetable garden. Reticent fruit on the palate with cherry notes, savory herbs, and the solvent note. The tannins are silky and the wine is balanced but fails to deliver the flavor profile usually offered in wines from this vineyard. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Privée Le Nord Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. 20 year-old vines, Pommard clones, on a moderately slopping southwest facing hillside. True artisan winegrowing. · Typical Pommard core of intense black cherries. Pomegranate, cardamom spice and oak add interest. Plenty of forest floor, earthy overtones making this more terroir- than fruit-driven as in previous vintages. Impeccably balanced and a treat to drink. Reviewed February 18, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $50. · Fresh fruit on the nose with a subtle oak and medicinal note. Ripe darker fruit favors with a touch of forest floor and smoke. All silk and satin and sporting a welcoming elegance. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple robe. Restrained but appealing aromas of dark red stone fruit and raspberries with a hint of forest floor and leather. Delicious array of perfectly ripe fruits including black cherry, black raspberry and dark plum with a subtle savory herb underpinning. Moderately rich with soft tannins and good supporting acidity in perfect balance. Finishes with a mouth coating presence. This one will make your heart throb. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2004 Privé Vineyard le sud Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Intense aromas of black cherries with a hint of oak spice. Soft and round in the mouth with a middleweight core of dark red cherry and cranberry flavors, framed by gossamer tannins and zippy acidity. Finishes crisp and bright. At its apogee and should be drunk within the next few years. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2004 Privé Vineyard Le Sud Yamhill County Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $50 (futures price). Mark and Tina Hammond hand craft their Pinot Noirs from two acres of vines planted on their estate on Chehalem Mountain. They bottle three wines, Le Sud from the south 1 acre, Le Nord from the north 1 acre, and Joie de Vivre, a reserve. Quantities are miniscule and demand is high. · This Pinot is crafted in a feminine style. Light to medium bodied, it is lacy and understated but with considerable complexity. Notes of savory cherries, spice (especially cinnamon), and roses are featured in the nose and flavors. Oak is perfectly integrated and the whole package is meticulously balanced. Still a Lolita, it was one of those Pinot Noirs that defies adequate description. This wine was the overwhelming favorite of the tasting. Reviewed March 27, 2007 ARTICLE »

2004 Privé Vineyard Joie de Vivre Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 98 bottles, $85, etched bottle. · This wine is the lightest in color and lightest in weight in the lineup. Upon pouring, the nose offers grass and herbs along with black cherry fruit. With time, roasted coffee aromas develop which carry over into the flavors which also include ripe red stone fruits, savory herbs and a hint of mocha. Medium-weighted, this Pinot has commendable balance and a clean finish. Reviewed August 19, 2008 ARTICLE »

2003 Privé Vineyard le nord Yamhill County Estate Grown Oregon Pinot Noir

14.6% alc.. · Moderately dark plum color with mild bricking of rim in the glass. Aromas of fig, raisin, dried cherries, leather and a hint of port. Rich and plush on the palate with full-bodied flavors of dark plums, black currants and brown spice. Stately and velvety, with mild tannins and some length on the finish. Definitely showing its age and typical for a ripe wine in its later years. Drink up, don’t wait for decrepitude. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »