Dec 30, 2022
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Evesham Wood
| Owner(s) | Erin Nuccio, Jordan Nuccio |
| Web site | www.eveshamwood.com |
| Link to this site |
Russell Raney’s career in wine began as a winemaker in Germany and subsequently he worked in retail and as a wine buyer for a wholesale company in the United States. He was attracted to Pinot Noir but found few examples in the 1980s worth getting excited about. He decided to craft his own Pinot Noir and began a search for an appropriate setting in North America. He settled on Oregon’s Eola Hills west of Salem and founded his label in 1986. He named his winery Evesham Wood after the Vale of Evesham in the Cotswold Hills of England because the site bore a resemblance to this part of the English countryside. Evesham Wood is pronounced "Eve" like Adam and Eve.
Farming of the 13-acre estate vineyard, named Le Puits Sec (“The Dry Well”), has been organic from the start and the vineyard was certified organic by Oregon Tilth in 2000 (the winery is also certified organic). The vineyard is dry-farmed and Raney is a firm believer in avoiding irrigation of vineyards after the vines are established if the climate is conducive. Raney says, “Once the vines are into production our feeling is, in addition to wastefulness, the wines that are created from irrigated sites - they may be quite nice wines - are often less distinctive and tend to be very similar from year to year. This is because they’re trying to give the vines, by way of irrigation, the same amounts of water each year.” Raney is a member of the Deep Roots coalition, an advocacy group for wines produced exclusively from non-irrigated vines.
Raney has been heavily influenced by Burgundian winemaking techniques and two of his former distant mentors were the famous Henri Jayer of Vosne-Romanee and the less well-known, but equally accomplished, Michelle Niellon. Raney’s admiration for the French is shown in the French names he uses for his wines. Production is kept small (less than 5,000 cases of primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). Raney is committed to elegance and restraint, to balance and expression of terroir, what I refer to as “pinotosity.” Evesham Wood wines are never fruit bombs, even in a warm vintage like 2006. These are connoisseur's wines.
In July, 2010, Russ and Mary Raney sold Evesham Wood and the estate vineyard, Le Puits Sec, to Erin and Jordan Nuccio of Haden Fig Wines. After 24 years, the Raneys wanted to retire and spend more time at their home in France. Erin has worked at Evesham Wood since 2007. Raney will continue to consult for a few years and Erin claims that "nothing will change since our winemaking and vineyard management philosophies are virtually identical." Erin's first vintage was 2010.
The keys to success at Evesham Wood are organic viticulture with fruit sourced from like-minded growers, fermentations with a pied de cuve (a house starter induced fermentation), aging in primarily well-used French oak barrels, racking by hand, and no filtration.
Evesham Wood Vineyards and Winery is located at 3795 Wallace Rd NW in Salem. Visitors are welcome for tasting Friday - Sunday in the tasting cabin or private tastings by appointment in the caves. 503-371-8478. Open houses are held on Memorial Day weekend and the weekend before Thanksgiving each year.
The wines are in wide retail distribution. Call the winery for direct sales.
Articles About Evesham Wood
2012 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans First Team (9.17 12/26/2012)
2012 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans Honorable Mention (9.17 12/26/2012)
2012 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noirs First Team (9.17 12/26/2012)
2012 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noirs Honorable Mention (9.17 12/26/2012)
2014 Oregon Pinot Noir First Team All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir First Team All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2018 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
2018 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
2019 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
2019 Value-Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
Are There Any Under $30 2018 Domestic Pinot Noirs Worth Drinking? 30 Prospects Priced Less Than $30 (12.10 11/11/2020)
Embraceable (and Affordable) New Pinot Noir Releases from Oregon (11.19 2/20/2018)
Evesham Wood Winery: The Way Oregon Pinot Noir Was Meant To Be (12.3 3/1/2020)
Evesham Wood: Commendable Pinotosity (7.17 5/7/2009)
Extensive Tasting of 2016 & 2017 Vintage Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (11.47 7/7/2019)
Large Review of 2009 & 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs With a Few from 2008 & 2011 (9.7 5/9/2012)
Lumos Wine Company: Honest Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (12.27 2/20/2022)
More Juicy 2010 Oregon Pinot Incoming (9.15 11/24/2012)
Oregon Chardonnay Gaining Prominence (10.33 7/6/2016)
Pinot Briefs (8.21 9/8/2010)
Plenty of Oregon ’08 and ’09 Pinot Bounty in the Marketplace Oregon (8.45 11/1/2011)
Portland Monthly: Oregon’s 50 Best Wines (9.12 10/1/2012)
Recent Sips of Oregon Wines: Pinot Amore´ (10.1 12/11/2014)
Recent Sips of Pinot Noir (9.48 10/6/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.24 1/17/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (9.50 11/21/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (10.24 1/17/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir & More (9.42 5/25/2014)
Small Sips of Oregon Pinot (8.6 11/29/2009)
Tasting Noiregon Pinot Noir (8.9 1/22/2010)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $26 (Vinopolis, Portland, OR). Grown,
produced and bottled by Evesham Wood Vineyard & Winery, Inc.,
Salem, OR.. Made from organic grapes grown on non-irrigated vines.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry and berry and
damp mulch lead off. Very bright and fresh in a mid-weight style
offering a mix of juicy red fruits framed by compatible tannins. Finishes
very long with a lip-smacking cherry goodness. This wine overdelivers
for the price.
Score: 91.
Reviewed November 12, 2020
ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $22.
·
Light garnet color in the
glass. Slightly reduced upon opening, offering aromas of cherry, savory dried herbs and
underbrush. Light to mid weight in style and quite savory in character, featuring oak-kissed red and
black fruit flavors with an underpinning of dried herbs. Soft and congenial in the mouth, with
modest tannins, juicy acidity and an unpretentious finish. More giving and fruity when tasted the
following day from a previously opened bottle.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
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2017 Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 119 cases, $30.
Released Autumn 2019. The vineyard is 62 acres in size with earliest plantings dating to 2000.
Primarily sedimentary soils. Pommard, 777 and 115 planted at 250 to 400 feet elevation. LIVE
Certified. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 15% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. Delicate scent of red cherry and cardamom. Mid weight flavors of red cherry and
pomegranate fruits enter with purpose and and impress with an expansive mid palate cherry-fueled
finish. A juicy charmer with modest tannins and easy likability.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 8, 2020
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2017 Evesham Wood Mahonia Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 174 cases,
$36. Released Autumn 2019. A 12 acre vineyard planted between 1985 and 1993. Pommard, 113,
114, 115, and 777 planted in Jory and Nekia soils at 450 feet elevation. LIVE Certified, Salmon
Safe. Evesham Wood is the sole winery to work with the vineyard’s fruit and since 2019 have
farmed the vineyard themselves and organically. Think “monopole.” Aged 20 months in French oak
barrels, 15% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of red fruits, dried
herbs and a hint of oak-driven spice and vanillin. A delicate wine offering light to mid weight flavors
of red cherry and raspberry with underlying earthiness and a hint of herbal tea. Good vibrancy, with gentle
tannins and a lip-smacking finish with some length.
Score: 90.
Reviewed March 8, 2020
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2017 Evesham Wood Sojeau Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 150 cases, $36. Released Autumn 2019. Aged 18 months in French oak
barrels, 15% new.Formerly known as Sojourner Vineyard, this vineyard was first planted in
2007 at 583 feet elevation in volcanic soils.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Spellbinding aromas of red and black raspberry and exotic spices. A charge of delicious
dark red cherry and raspberry fruit flavors that show exceptional purity. Mid weight plus in
style, with felty tannins balancing the expressive fruit. Very giving, with an uncommonly
generous finish. This wine stands out from the pack. Note: I have found Sojourner Vineyard designated Pinot
Noir offered by a number of producers to be consistently outstanding so this is a vineyard to hang your hat on.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 8, 2020
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2017 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 74 cases, $36.
Pommard clone planted on its own roots in 1982. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple and black berries arrive slowly over time in the glass. Intensely
fruity in a mid-weight style with layers of black cherry and blackberry fruit goodness. Several hours were
needed for the wine to open up and achieve cohesiveness. The mouthfeel is seductively satiny and the sturdy
tannic frame matches well to the fruit load. A distinctive wine of uncommon pedigree that reflects its old vine
heritage. Reviewed March 8, 2020.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
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2017 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc.,
74 cases, $36. 100+ acres managed by Dai
Crisp. Pommard clone planted on its own
roots in 1982. Primarily Jory soils. 800 feet
elevation. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth
in 2012. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, all neutral.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas purple and
black berries arrive slowly over time in the glass. Intensely fruity
in a mid weight style with plenty of black cherry and blackberry
fruit goodness. More rugged and closed initially in comparison
to the other Evesham Wood 2017 Pinot Noirs, but when
sampled several hours after opening, the wine had become
more cohesive with a seductively satiny mouthfeel. The sturdy
but not muscular tannic frame is typical of this vineyard. A very individualistic and distinctive wine of uncommon
pedigree that reflects its old vine heritage.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 8, 2020
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2017 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc.,
425 cases, $40. Released Autumn 2019. USDA Certified, Oregon Tilth, Deep Roots Coalition,
Salmon Safe, certified organic since 2000. Nekia and Jory soils. Aged 18 months in French oak
barrels, 15% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A different nose that emphasizes
aromas of underbrush and spring lettuce mix over cherry fruit. The middleweight core of black
cherry and boysenberry fruits is filled out with nuances of sauvage and herbs leading to pure Pinot
pleasure. This is a wine of finesse with terrific balance and an unmistakable sense of terroir. The
finish is both fruity and earthy in a Frenchie style and noticeably persistent.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 8, 2020
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2017 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 150
cases, $55. Released Autumn 2019. A 6-barrel
selection displaying elegance along with
concentration and power. Aged 22 months in French
oak barrels, 25% new. The best Pinot Noir the winery
has to offer.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. This wine reminds me of the Le Puits Sec bottling but
ramped up a notch with more noticeable drive and purpose.
The array of aromas include cherry compote, dried herbs, damp
earth and a whiff of teasing oak. This charming wine delights
with lavish flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, spice, dried
herbs including sage and mushroom. This impeccably balanced
wine has a silken texture and a hi-collared demeanor on the
palate. The finish is flat-out extravagant. As good as the wine is
now, it will definitely benefit from more time in bottle at which time it deserves to be the centerpiece of a
celebration.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 8, 2020
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2016 Evesham Wood Sojourner Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $36.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry tart, peppery herbs
and vanilla. Mid weight flavors of black cherry and purple berry with a welcome touch of spice.
Satiny in texture with reserved tannins, accessible fruit and a persistent, aromatically intense finish.
This vineyard has produced several remarkable wines from a notable producers in the past few
vintages and is one to focus on when making purchasing decisions.
Score: 93.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
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2016 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $36. Made from certified organic grapes.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of
purple fruits, woodshed and blood initially, becoming more fruit driven over time in the glass. Fullbodied
and a bit rugged as is typical of this vineyard, displaying an array of purple and black fruits
backed by substantial tannins. A big wine with gorgeous fruit that is reticent upon opening. When
tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, the wine was more open and giving, with
some mellowing of tannins.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
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2016 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $40.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Purple fruits, floral goodness and a hint of oak combine to produce a
pleasing nose. A charming wine offering well-spiced fruit flavors of black cherry and purple berry and
complimentary oak. The wine was considerably more enjoyable when tasted a day after opening when the
initial slightly astringent finish had smoothed out completely.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
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2016 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $50.
·
Moderately
dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is oak-laden upon
opening, but more fruity and enticing when the wine was
tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle.
Waves of black raspberry and Marionberry fruit flavors greet
the mid palate. A healthy tannic backbone balances the fruit
load. The wine has the longest finish by far of any of the 2016 Evesham
Pinot Noir wines.Considerably better when tasted the following day
from a previously opened bottle when the tannins and oak treatment
had mellowed and the wine’s awkwardness had resolved. Be patient
and you will be rewarded!
Score: 94.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
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2015 Evesham Wood Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13% alc., $26. Grapes sourced from multiple
vineyards including Jubilee, Sojourner, Nuestro Sueno, Eola Springs and Crowly Station. Aged 16
months in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas
of ripe berries, warm spices and a hint of fertile earth. Soft, smooth in the mouth in an elegant style
with mellow flavors of black cherry, raspberry and spice. Lacks a little bit of the length and
concentration of the other Evesham Wood wines in this vintage, but this wine is very satisfying and
eager to please.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 21, 2018
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2015 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13% alc., $28. This estate
vineyard is separated from Le Puits Sec by the dirt road leading to the winery. Planted in 1996 to
clones 114 and 115 on its own rootstock. Made with organic grapes.
·
Moderately dark garnet color
in the glass. An array of aromatic goodness including darker fruits, spice, herb garden and a touch
of nutty oak lead to a mid weight plus wine replete with blueberry, black raspberry and
pomegranate fruit flavors with an earthy underpinning. The wine delights with eserved, but
adequate tannins, energetic acidity, a velvety texture, and a pleasing finish packed with fruit.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 21, 2018
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2015 Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
$30. One of the few
vineyards that Evesham Wood works with that is planted on marine sedimentary soil (Willakenzie).
Typically more feral and forested than fruited.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of
red grape, black cherry, fresh mulch and potpourri lead off. Incredibly fresh and perfectly ripened
darker cherry and raspberry fruits are offered in a mid weight style with impeccable balance.
Noticeably earthy in character with slightly grippy tannins. Quite extroverted at this early stage.
Score: 93.
Reviewed February 21, 2018
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2015 Evesham Wood Mahonia Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
$36. Vineyard is
located in the South Salem Hills and planted in volcanic soils. Non-irrigated vines.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. “Oh, my God!” aromas of fresh cherry, exotic spices
including clove and allspice, fertile earth and a hint of gingerbread. The flat-out delicious
red cherry core is in sync with a lovely Wassail spice accent. Seamlessly composed in a
mid weight style, with welcome vibrancy and a lasting echo of scent and fruit on the
finish. I especially liked this wine for its uniqueness. A wine-gasm that is a must for Pinot
lovers.
Score: 96.
Reviewed February 21, 2018
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2015 Evesham Wood Sojourner Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
$36. The
newest vineyard to join the winery’s lineup.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Earth bound aromas lead to a bold wine with serious intentions. The sappy, mid-weight
flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, plum and spice attack the palate with a
vengeance causing the taste buds to beg for mercy. The luscious fruit is tempered by a
firm tannic backbone and the wine is well-mannered despite its fruit load. An Energizer bunny finish that goes
on and on. This wine will do a tap dance on your palate and is highly unique among the wines in the Evesham
Wood lineup.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 21, 2018
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2015 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
$36.
Highest altitude site in the winery’s lineup. Made from organic grapes, non-irrigated
vines.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Reserved, but pleasant aromas of red
cherry and red berry, spice and mulch. Light to mid weight in style featuring juicy red
cherry and berry flavors with a hint of spice and tobacco. Dreamy balance, with gentle
tannins and a quenching finish. Rather elegant and balletic, but highly flavorful, with
understated Pinot extravagance.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 21, 2018
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2015 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13% alc., $40. Made with organic grapes.
·
ately light garnet color in the glass. Spirited aromas of red fruits, baking spices, forest and wood shop.
Excellent harmony in a middleweight style, featuring saucy dark red fruits, a soft mouth feel, sustaining tannins,
and a gloriously juicy cherry finish. Sleek and seductive, with excellent balance.
Score: 93.
Reviewed February 21, 2018
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2015 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13% alc., $50 (sold out). Made with
organic grapes.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Gifted aromas of cherry, raspberry, spice,
dried herbs and forest. High-collared with impeccable balance, featuring plenty of spiced cherry
goodness with a subtle thread of savory herbs, earth and citrus. Full of grace and gallantry, with
substantial but compatible tannins, and a most agreeable, long finish. Simply beguiling. Still terrific
when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating desirable
age worthiness.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 21, 2018
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2014 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay
12.5% alc., $14, screwcap. Unfiltered.
·
Light
golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of citrus, saline, nori and flint lead to a crisp core of lemonlime
fruits accented with notes of nori and pungent floral fragrances. Smooth in the mouth, with a lip-smacking,
soprano finish.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 150
cases, $28. This wine pays homage to the Western Bluebird, the preservation of whose habitat was
a prime motivation to farm the vineyard organically. Sourced from a 2-acre block on the estate
vineyard.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry, blueberry,
woodfern and Asian 5 spice. Light to mid weight attack of vivacious cherry fruit, persisting through
an intense maraschino cherry fueled and slightly tart finish of good length. Bright and juicy, with
supple tannins and the faintest oak in the background.
Score: 90.
Reviewed January 17, 2016
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2013 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0%
alc., 145 cases, $36. Made from organic grapes grown on non-irrigated vines.
·
Moderately light
reddish purple color in the glass. Complex nose leading off with both savory and fruity aromas of
cherry, rose petal, underbrush, tobacco and dry grass. Earthy red cherry and berry fruits form the
backbone of this middleweight wine that adds peppery spice to the mix. Nicely balanced tannins add
needed structure to the ebullient fruit which shows up on the lingering finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed January 17, 2016
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2013 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 525 cases, $40.
·
Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose offers an appealing mix of red berry fruits and
woodsy flora notes. A little more concentration and intensity on the intact than the La Grive Blanc, with an
eloquent display of red raspberry and red cherry fruits. The balance is spot on, and the juicy cut of acidity lifts
the fruit to enjoyable heights. The amazing finish lasts at least 30 seconds.
Score: 92.
Reviewed January 17, 2016
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2013 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 149 cases, $50.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of black cherry, exotic spices, earthy
flora and rose petal. The wine fills the mouth with pleasure, offering generous layers of black cherry
fruit enhanced with notes of cardamom, thyme, vanilla and oak. Somewhat firm, but balanced tannins
add needed structure for the sappy fruit. The finish has memorable length and generosity. A very age
worthy wine of uncommon excellence.
Score: 94.
Reviewed January 17, 2016
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2012 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $19.
Sourced from non-irrigated, organically and sustainably-farmed
vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Aged 10 months in less than
10% new French oak. Unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in
the glass. Appealing scents of red rose, cherry and spice. Nicely
perfumed attack of cherry, red raspberry and spice goodness
caressed by well-honed tannins. Soft and smooth on the palate with some
finishing length. An impressive Willamette Valley appellation bottling that is
priced for everyday drinking.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 6, 2014
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2012 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $25. This wine pays
homage to the Western Bluebird, preservation of
whose habitat was a prime motivation for the winery’s
decision to farm the estate Le Puits Sec Vineyard
organically. Non-irrigated vines. Unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of
fresh cherry pie and rose petals. Delicious core of red cherry, red
raspberry fruit flavors accented with notes of spice and floral goodness.
Soft, silky and suave on the palate with supple tannins and appealing
harmony. Amazing phenolic ripeness and flavor at this low ABV. Very
special.
Score: 94.
Reviewed October 6, 2014
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2012 Evehsam Wood Illahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $27.
·
Moderately
dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark berry jam and wine cave. A ripe profile of
blackberry, black currant and plum fruits backed by firm, structured tannins. Noticeable grab and
hold finishing intensity. Very true to the character of this vineyard that features darker fruits,
substantial tannins and more finishing power. Cellaring should mollify the tannins. A hint of alcohol
heat shows up on the finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
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2012 Evehsam Wood Terra Mahonia Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $27.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. Very savory aromas of dark cherry and raspberry, spice and underbrush with a
hint of floral perfume. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry in an elegant style with balanced
tannins and good finishing fruit goodness. A bit shallow on the attack but bright and refreshing.
Score: 88.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
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2012 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $27. Produced
from organic grapes.
·
Woodsy aromas of black cherry and cranberry lead to a light to mid weight, savory wine
that is elegant and polished. Flavors of cherry and red berry predominant with a woodsy, sous-bois tone.
Rather rustic, with balanced tannins and some gratifying finish.
Score: 87.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
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2012 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $33. Made from
organic grapes sustainably grown and non-irrigated.
Unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass.
Enchanting aromas of black cherry sauce, exotic spices, and
Herbs de Provence. A captivating, very sexy nose. Soft and
charming on the palate with a discretely concentrated core of spicecharged
dark plum and black raspberry fruits. Beautifully balanced with
enough tannic backbone to age, and a crazy long finish that really
satisfies. This is a wine that stands out from the crowd.
Score: 93.
Reviewed November 19, 2014
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2012 Evehsam Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $42. Produced from organic grapes.
·
Moderate reddish
purple color in the glass. A noticeable step up in quality with an expressive
nose of dried rose petal, boysenberry, and Middle Eastern spices. The
flavors echo the nose with a remarkable complex and intriguing spice
component. A classy wine with complimentary oak seasoning, a good
tannic backbone for aging, and a lengthy finish that soars with a purple
berry scent. Has shoulders but is still refined.
Score: 93.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
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2010 Evesham Wood Ilahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 150 cases, $30. Release
November 2012. A single vineyard barrel selection produced since 2007. Primarily Pommard clone.
·
Moderately rich array of darker berry fruit with an earthy undertone. Chewy, with firm tannins, and quite
restrained at this stage. Good.
Reviewed September 12, 2012
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2010 Evesham Wood Mahonia Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 100 cases, $30. Retro
Evesham Wood label. Old vines planted on volcanic soil. Aged in 20% new French oak.
·
Moderately deep
reddish-purple color in the glass. Very unique nose offering aromas of black stone fruits, spice and violets.
Slightly muscular, with forceful tannins still dominating the fruit. Needs several years in the cellar. Good.
Reviewed September 12, 2012
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2010 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 100
cases, $30. Release November 2012. Retro label. From a block planted in 1982. Aged in neutral
barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely nose, smelling of a field replete with spring
flowers, and a medley of well-spiced stone fruits. Luscious core of dark red cherries with subtle
cedary oak flavors folded in nicely. A special wine that is quite approachable now. Very good (+).
Reviewed September 12, 2012
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2010 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 500 cases, $36.
Release September 2012.
·
One of the truly great Pinot Noirs of Oregon and a ridiculous value. At
this year’s IPNC, I was tasting this wine alongside wine critic Josh Raynolds, and as we sampled the
wine, we just looked at each other and shook our head. The epitome of Pinot Noir, with all the
elegance and class that you want from this grape, packing plenty of depth of flavor that only old vines
can give, and ending with a magnificent finish. Very good (+). If you buy only one Pinot Noir from
Oregon’s 2010 vintage, this would be a good choice.
Reviewed September 12, 2012
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2010 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $36.
Unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherries, balsam and spice lead to a
refreshing and bright mouthful of crisp red berry, red plum and red raspberry fruit with a hint of herbs in the
background. Elegantly styled with soft, delicate tannins, lively acidity, and an appealing kiss of cherry on the
finish. Not quite as good as other bottles I have sampled, but still Very Good.
Reviewed November 24, 2012
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2010 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 150 cases. $44. Exclusively from Le Puits Sec
Vineyard. Aged in 40% new French oak. Unfiltered.
·
Moderately light
purple color in the glass. Wonderfully perfumed with fresh scents of
black cherries, briar, compost, rose petal and spice. Well-endowed with
attention-getting flavors of black cherries, kirsch and spice. Riper with
more body, more structural bones, and less noticeable acidity than the Le Puits
Sec bottling. Incredible length on the generous finish. Very age worthy. A real
crowd pleaser and one of the best wines I have sampled from Oregon in this
vintage.
Reviewed November 24, 2012
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2009 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc.,
1,650 cases, $14.79 (full retail $18). Produced from sustainably
grown grapes in non-irrigated vineyards (Illahe, Eola Springs, Hidden
Rocks and Mahonia). Aged 11 months in 10% new French oak
barrels. Unfiltered.
·
Light in color with a reddish hue. Good aroma
volume of strawberries, cherries, sandalwood and dried red rose
petals. Tasty core of red berries, red cherries and red plums with a respectable
mid palate attack. Elegantly styled and forward drinking with a cherry-filled and
refreshing finish. Typical reserved but charming Evesham Wood style. Very
good and a steal at this price. (The 2010 vintage of this wine has been released)
Reviewed November 2, 2011
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2009 Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $30.
·
Moderately
light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of oak-kissed black cherries. Bright and juicy with a
core of earth-toned black cherries and raspberries with an underpinning of oak, tutti-fruity, and spice.
Elegant with an uplifting finish. Needs time to full integrate the oak. Very good.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
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2009 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc.,
$30.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. A series of ever-changing aromas rise out of
the glass including ripe dark cherries, fresh raspberry tart, sassafras and Herbs de Provence. The
flavors echo the nose with a noticeable savory bent of pine, leaf and bramble. Plenty of nuance and
character with remarkable aromatic persistence on the finish. Still great the next day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good (+).
Reviewed May 11, 2012
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2009 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $36. From
the 13-acre estate vineyard planted in 1986. Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of dark cherries and berries with riffs of forest floor
and oak. The lightest weighted wine reviewed here, but plenty of signature Pinot flavors of dark
cherries, plums, cassis and sage. Soft tannins with likable finesse, finishing bright and citrus-laden.
Very good (+).
Reviewed May 11, 2012
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2009 Evesham Wood Cuvée “J” Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $44. Made from organic grapes, Certified Organic by Oregon
Tilth. Non-irrigated vineyards. Unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddishpurple
color in the glass. Plenty of Pinot singing on the nose with vivid
aromas of black cherries, raspberries and a hint of herbs and spring
bouquet. A cherry bombast with the slightest hint of herbs and oak in the
background that supports rather than detracts. Impressive mid palate intensity
with well-balanced t n’ a. A classy wine that is seamless and seductive. Still fine
the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
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2009 Evesham Wood Cuvée “J” Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
$44. Release November 2012. A reserve
barrel selection from Le Puits Sec Vineyard. Primarily estate fruit. Aged in 40% new French oak.
·
The
additional oak adds more structure to this wine which is nicely fruited with exotic spice accents. Smooth on the
palate with an extraordinarily long finish. This beauty will be the showpiece of a special dinner after a few
years in the cellar. Very good.
Reviewed September 12, 2012
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2008 Bruno Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13% alc., $14.50. A second label for
Evesham Wood.
·
Slightly sweet aromas of cherries, berries and violets. Mediumweighted
core of berry fruit with brown spice accents, a soft texture, minimal
tannins, and a clean bright finish. A daily drinker. Decent.
Reviewed January 22, 2010
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2008 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc.,
$15. Unfiltered.
·
Demurely scented nose of strawberries, baking
spice and a hint of cedar showing more intensity with time in the
glass. Tasty core of strawberry, cranberry and cherry fruit in the
redder spectrum. Light in weight and elegantly crafted. A highly
approachable back porch wine. Decent (+).
Reviewed November 29, 2009
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2007 Evesham Wood Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 225
cases. $20.95. 65% Hill Vineyard and 35% Bryn Mawr Vineyard which
is close by. Aged in 10% new French oak barrels and bottled unfined
and unfiltered.
·
Reserved scents of cherries, peaches, herbs and hay.
Light and elegant cherry and strawberry fruit with some structural
power due to modest tannins. A thoroughly enjoyable value-priced
Pinot Noir that gets the job done.
Reviewed May 7, 2009
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2007 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 300 cases, $24.95. Made from the Evesham Wood estate
vineyard which is a younger (12-year-old vines) part of the vineyard
planted to clones 114 and 777. Ripest fruit on the estate in 2007.
Aged 15 months in 15% new French oak barrels and bottled without
fining or filtration.
·
The fruit comes in waves on the nose. Medium weighted
red Pinot fruits on the palate with a little citrus note and
subtle oak riff on the back end. Tasty and smoothly textured. A little more
oomph and character than the regular Eola-Amity Hills bottling.
Reviewed May 7, 2009
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2007 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $30. From organic grapes grown on
non-irrigated vineyards. Unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. Restrained nose with faint red fruits, oak and a floral note. Light
and elegant on the palate featuring spiced raspberries and cranberries
and a touch of green herbs. Bright acidity creates a refreshing finish.
Understated and feminine, with enough charm to satisfy. Very good.
Reviewed November 29, 2009
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2006 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0%
alc., 171 cases, $44.95. This is Raney’s top Pinot Noir created for
cellaring. Sourced exclusively from the estate vineyard, Le Puits Sec,
with the fruit from the older Pommard section of the vineyard. Aged in
50% new French oak barrels and bottled without fining or filtration.
·
Riper and darker fruit highlighted with flavors of root beer, cola,
marzipan and tea. This wine has a glass-filling presence yet retains an
admirable elegance. The mouth feel is refined and the finish is remarkably
persistent. The balance is spot on portending a long life ahead. Impressive
effort.
Reviewed May 7, 2009
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2018 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $26 (Vinopolis, Portland, OR). Grown, produced and bottled by Evesham Wood Vineyard & Winery, Inc., Salem, OR.. Made from organic grapes grown on non-irrigated vines. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry and berry and damp mulch lead off. Very bright and fresh in a mid-weight style offering a mix of juicy red fruits framed by compatible tannins. Finishes very long with a lip-smacking cherry goodness. This wine overdelivers for the price. Score: 91. Reviewed November 12, 2020 ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $22. · Light garnet color in the glass. Slightly reduced upon opening, offering aromas of cherry, savory dried herbs and underbrush. Light to mid weight in style and quite savory in character, featuring oak-kissed red and black fruit flavors with an underpinning of dried herbs. Soft and congenial in the mouth, with modest tannins, juicy acidity and an unpretentious finish. More giving and fruity when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 119 cases, $30. Released Autumn 2019. The vineyard is 62 acres in size with earliest plantings dating to 2000. Primarily sedimentary soils. Pommard, 777 and 115 planted at 250 to 400 feet elevation. LIVE Certified. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Delicate scent of red cherry and cardamom. Mid weight flavors of red cherry and pomegranate fruits enter with purpose and and impress with an expansive mid palate cherry-fueled finish. A juicy charmer with modest tannins and easy likability. Score: 92. Reviewed March 8, 2020 ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Mahonia Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 174 cases, $36. Released Autumn 2019. A 12 acre vineyard planted between 1985 and 1993. Pommard, 113, 114, 115, and 777 planted in Jory and Nekia soils at 450 feet elevation. LIVE Certified, Salmon Safe. Evesham Wood is the sole winery to work with the vineyard’s fruit and since 2019 have farmed the vineyard themselves and organically. Think “monopole.” Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of red fruits, dried herbs and a hint of oak-driven spice and vanillin. A delicate wine offering light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and raspberry with underlying earthiness and a hint of herbal tea. Good vibrancy, with gentle tannins and a lip-smacking finish with some length. Score: 90. Reviewed March 8, 2020 ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Sojeau Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 150 cases, $36. Released Autumn 2019. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 15% new.Formerly known as Sojourner Vineyard, this vineyard was first planted in 2007 at 583 feet elevation in volcanic soils. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Spellbinding aromas of red and black raspberry and exotic spices. A charge of delicious dark red cherry and raspberry fruit flavors that show exceptional purity. Mid weight plus in style, with felty tannins balancing the expressive fruit. Very giving, with an uncommonly generous finish. This wine stands out from the pack. Note: I have found Sojourner Vineyard designated Pinot Noir offered by a number of producers to be consistently outstanding so this is a vineyard to hang your hat on. Score: 94. Reviewed March 8, 2020 ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 74 cases, $36. Pommard clone planted on its own roots in 1982. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple and black berries arrive slowly over time in the glass. Intensely fruity in a mid-weight style with layers of black cherry and blackberry fruit goodness. Several hours were needed for the wine to open up and achieve cohesiveness. The mouthfeel is seductively satiny and the sturdy tannic frame matches well to the fruit load. A distinctive wine of uncommon pedigree that reflects its old vine heritage. Reviewed March 8, 2020. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 74 cases, $36. 100+ acres managed by Dai Crisp. Pommard clone planted on its own roots in 1982. Primarily Jory soils. 800 feet elevation. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth in 2012. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, all neutral. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas purple and black berries arrive slowly over time in the glass. Intensely fruity in a mid weight style with plenty of black cherry and blackberry fruit goodness. More rugged and closed initially in comparison to the other Evesham Wood 2017 Pinot Noirs, but when sampled several hours after opening, the wine had become more cohesive with a seductively satiny mouthfeel. The sturdy but not muscular tannic frame is typical of this vineyard. A very individualistic and distinctive wine of uncommon pedigree that reflects its old vine heritage. Score: 94. Reviewed March 8, 2020 ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 425 cases, $40. Released Autumn 2019. USDA Certified, Oregon Tilth, Deep Roots Coalition, Salmon Safe, certified organic since 2000. Nekia and Jory soils. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A different nose that emphasizes aromas of underbrush and spring lettuce mix over cherry fruit. The middleweight core of black cherry and boysenberry fruits is filled out with nuances of sauvage and herbs leading to pure Pinot pleasure. This is a wine of finesse with terrific balance and an unmistakable sense of terroir. The finish is both fruity and earthy in a Frenchie style and noticeably persistent. Score: 93. Reviewed March 8, 2020 ARTICLE »
2017 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 150 cases, $55. Released Autumn 2019. A 6-barrel selection displaying elegance along with concentration and power. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. The best Pinot Noir the winery has to offer. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. This wine reminds me of the Le Puits Sec bottling but ramped up a notch with more noticeable drive and purpose. The array of aromas include cherry compote, dried herbs, damp earth and a whiff of teasing oak. This charming wine delights with lavish flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, spice, dried herbs including sage and mushroom. This impeccably balanced wine has a silken texture and a hi-collared demeanor on the palate. The finish is flat-out extravagant. As good as the wine is now, it will definitely benefit from more time in bottle at which time it deserves to be the centerpiece of a celebration. Score: 94. Reviewed March 8, 2020 ARTICLE »
2016 Evesham Wood Sojourner Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $36. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry tart, peppery herbs and vanilla. Mid weight flavors of black cherry and purple berry with a welcome touch of spice. Satiny in texture with reserved tannins, accessible fruit and a persistent, aromatically intense finish. This vineyard has produced several remarkable wines from a notable producers in the past few vintages and is one to focus on when making purchasing decisions. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $36. Made from certified organic grapes. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple fruits, woodshed and blood initially, becoming more fruit driven over time in the glass. Fullbodied and a bit rugged as is typical of this vineyard, displaying an array of purple and black fruits backed by substantial tannins. A big wine with gorgeous fruit that is reticent upon opening. When tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, the wine was more open and giving, with some mellowing of tannins. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $40. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Purple fruits, floral goodness and a hint of oak combine to produce a pleasing nose. A charming wine offering well-spiced fruit flavors of black cherry and purple berry and complimentary oak. The wine was considerably more enjoyable when tasted a day after opening when the initial slightly astringent finish had smoothed out completely. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $50. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is oak-laden upon opening, but more fruity and enticing when the wine was tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Waves of black raspberry and Marionberry fruit flavors greet the mid palate. A healthy tannic backbone balances the fruit load. The wine has the longest finish by far of any of the 2016 Evesham Pinot Noir wines.Considerably better when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle when the tannins and oak treatment had mellowed and the wine’s awkwardness had resolved. Be patient and you will be rewarded! Score: 94. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Evesham Wood Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13% alc., $26. Grapes sourced from multiple vineyards including Jubilee, Sojourner, Nuestro Sueno, Eola Springs and Crowly Station. Aged 16 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of ripe berries, warm spices and a hint of fertile earth. Soft, smooth in the mouth in an elegant style with mellow flavors of black cherry, raspberry and spice. Lacks a little bit of the length and concentration of the other Evesham Wood wines in this vintage, but this wine is very satisfying and eager to please. Score: 90. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13% alc., $28. This estate vineyard is separated from Le Puits Sec by the dirt road leading to the winery. Planted in 1996 to clones 114 and 115 on its own rootstock. Made with organic grapes. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. An array of aromatic goodness including darker fruits, spice, herb garden and a touch of nutty oak lead to a mid weight plus wine replete with blueberry, black raspberry and pomegranate fruit flavors with an earthy underpinning. The wine delights with eserved, but adequate tannins, energetic acidity, a velvety texture, and a pleasing finish packed with fruit. Score: 92. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
$30. One of the few vineyards that Evesham Wood works with that is planted on marine sedimentary soil (Willakenzie). Typically more feral and forested than fruited. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red grape, black cherry, fresh mulch and potpourri lead off. Incredibly fresh and perfectly ripened darker cherry and raspberry fruits are offered in a mid weight style with impeccable balance. Noticeably earthy in character with slightly grippy tannins. Quite extroverted at this early stage. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Evesham Wood Mahonia Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
$36. Vineyard is located in the South Salem Hills and planted in volcanic soils. Non-irrigated vines. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. “Oh, my God!” aromas of fresh cherry, exotic spices including clove and allspice, fertile earth and a hint of gingerbread. The flat-out delicious red cherry core is in sync with a lovely Wassail spice accent. Seamlessly composed in a mid weight style, with welcome vibrancy and a lasting echo of scent and fruit on the finish. I especially liked this wine for its uniqueness. A wine-gasm that is a must for Pinot lovers. Score: 96. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Evesham Wood Sojourner Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
$36. The newest vineyard to join the winery’s lineup. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Earth bound aromas lead to a bold wine with serious intentions. The sappy, mid-weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, plum and spice attack the palate with a vengeance causing the taste buds to beg for mercy. The luscious fruit is tempered by a firm tannic backbone and the wine is well-mannered despite its fruit load. An Energizer bunny finish that goes on and on. This wine will do a tap dance on your palate and is highly unique among the wines in the Evesham Wood lineup. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
$36. Highest altitude site in the winery’s lineup. Made from organic grapes, non-irrigated vines. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Reserved, but pleasant aromas of red cherry and red berry, spice and mulch. Light to mid weight in style featuring juicy red cherry and berry flavors with a hint of spice and tobacco. Dreamy balance, with gentle tannins and a quenching finish. Rather elegant and balletic, but highly flavorful, with understated Pinot extravagance. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13% alc., $40. Made with organic grapes. · ately light garnet color in the glass. Spirited aromas of red fruits, baking spices, forest and wood shop. Excellent harmony in a middleweight style, featuring saucy dark red fruits, a soft mouth feel, sustaining tannins, and a gloriously juicy cherry finish. Sleek and seductive, with excellent balance. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13% alc., $50 (sold out). Made with organic grapes. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Gifted aromas of cherry, raspberry, spice, dried herbs and forest. High-collared with impeccable balance, featuring plenty of spiced cherry goodness with a subtle thread of savory herbs, earth and citrus. Full of grace and gallantry, with substantial but compatible tannins, and a most agreeable, long finish. Simply beguiling. Still terrific when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating desirable age worthiness. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay
12.5% alc., $14, screwcap. Unfiltered. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of citrus, saline, nori and flint lead to a crisp core of lemonlime fruits accented with notes of nori and pungent floral fragrances. Smooth in the mouth, with a lip-smacking, soprano finish. Score: 88. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 150 cases, $28. This wine pays homage to the Western Bluebird, the preservation of whose habitat was a prime motivation to farm the vineyard organically. Sourced from a 2-acre block on the estate vineyard. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry, blueberry, woodfern and Asian 5 spice. Light to mid weight attack of vivacious cherry fruit, persisting through an intense maraschino cherry fueled and slightly tart finish of good length. Bright and juicy, with supple tannins and the faintest oak in the background. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 145 cases, $36. Made from organic grapes grown on non-irrigated vines. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Complex nose leading off with both savory and fruity aromas of cherry, rose petal, underbrush, tobacco and dry grass. Earthy red cherry and berry fruits form the backbone of this middleweight wine that adds peppery spice to the mix. Nicely balanced tannins add needed structure to the ebullient fruit which shows up on the lingering finish. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 525 cases, $40. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose offers an appealing mix of red berry fruits and woodsy flora notes. A little more concentration and intensity on the intact than the La Grive Blanc, with an eloquent display of red raspberry and red cherry fruits. The balance is spot on, and the juicy cut of acidity lifts the fruit to enjoyable heights. The amazing finish lasts at least 30 seconds. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 149 cases, $50. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of black cherry, exotic spices, earthy flora and rose petal. The wine fills the mouth with pleasure, offering generous layers of black cherry fruit enhanced with notes of cardamom, thyme, vanilla and oak. Somewhat firm, but balanced tannins add needed structure for the sappy fruit. The finish has memorable length and generosity. A very age worthy wine of uncommon excellence. Score: 94. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $19. Sourced from non-irrigated, organically and sustainably-farmed vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Aged 10 months in less than 10% new French oak. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Appealing scents of red rose, cherry and spice. Nicely perfumed attack of cherry, red raspberry and spice goodness caressed by well-honed tannins. Soft and smooth on the palate with some finishing length. An impressive Willamette Valley appellation bottling that is priced for everyday drinking. Score: 90. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $25. This wine pays homage to the Western Bluebird, preservation of whose habitat was a prime motivation for the winery’s decision to farm the estate Le Puits Sec Vineyard organically. Non-irrigated vines. Unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of fresh cherry pie and rose petals. Delicious core of red cherry, red raspberry fruit flavors accented with notes of spice and floral goodness. Soft, silky and suave on the palate with supple tannins and appealing harmony. Amazing phenolic ripeness and flavor at this low ABV. Very special. Score: 94. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Evehsam Wood Illahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $27. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark berry jam and wine cave. A ripe profile of blackberry, black currant and plum fruits backed by firm, structured tannins. Noticeable grab and hold finishing intensity. Very true to the character of this vineyard that features darker fruits, substantial tannins and more finishing power. Cellaring should mollify the tannins. A hint of alcohol heat shows up on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Evehsam Wood Terra Mahonia Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $27. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very savory aromas of dark cherry and raspberry, spice and underbrush with a hint of floral perfume. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry in an elegant style with balanced tannins and good finishing fruit goodness. A bit shallow on the attack but bright and refreshing. Score: 88. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $27. Produced from organic grapes. · Woodsy aromas of black cherry and cranberry lead to a light to mid weight, savory wine that is elegant and polished. Flavors of cherry and red berry predominant with a woodsy, sous-bois tone. Rather rustic, with balanced tannins and some gratifying finish. Score: 87. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $33. Made from organic grapes sustainably grown and non-irrigated. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Enchanting aromas of black cherry sauce, exotic spices, and Herbs de Provence. A captivating, very sexy nose. Soft and charming on the palate with a discretely concentrated core of spicecharged dark plum and black raspberry fruits. Beautifully balanced with enough tannic backbone to age, and a crazy long finish that really satisfies. This is a wine that stands out from the crowd. Score: 93. Reviewed November 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Evehsam Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $42. Produced from organic grapes. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A noticeable step up in quality with an expressive nose of dried rose petal, boysenberry, and Middle Eastern spices. The flavors echo the nose with a remarkable complex and intriguing spice component. A classy wine with complimentary oak seasoning, a good tannic backbone for aging, and a lengthy finish that soars with a purple berry scent. Has shoulders but is still refined. Score: 93. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Evesham Wood Ilahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 150 cases, $30. Release November 2012. A single vineyard barrel selection produced since 2007. Primarily Pommard clone. · Moderately rich array of darker berry fruit with an earthy undertone. Chewy, with firm tannins, and quite restrained at this stage. Good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Evesham Wood Mahonia Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 100 cases, $30. Retro Evesham Wood label. Old vines planted on volcanic soil. Aged in 20% new French oak. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Very unique nose offering aromas of black stone fruits, spice and violets. Slightly muscular, with forceful tannins still dominating the fruit. Needs several years in the cellar. Good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 100 cases, $30. Release November 2012. Retro label. From a block planted in 1982. Aged in neutral barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely nose, smelling of a field replete with spring flowers, and a medley of well-spiced stone fruits. Luscious core of dark red cherries with subtle cedary oak flavors folded in nicely. A special wine that is quite approachable now. Very good (+). Reviewed September 12, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 500 cases, $36. Release September 2012. · One of the truly great Pinot Noirs of Oregon and a ridiculous value. At this year’s IPNC, I was tasting this wine alongside wine critic Josh Raynolds, and as we sampled the wine, we just looked at each other and shook our head. The epitome of Pinot Noir, with all the elegance and class that you want from this grape, packing plenty of depth of flavor that only old vines can give, and ending with a magnificent finish. Very good (+). If you buy only one Pinot Noir from Oregon’s 2010 vintage, this would be a good choice. Reviewed September 12, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $36. Unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherries, balsam and spice lead to a refreshing and bright mouthful of crisp red berry, red plum and red raspberry fruit with a hint of herbs in the background. Elegantly styled with soft, delicate tannins, lively acidity, and an appealing kiss of cherry on the finish. Not quite as good as other bottles I have sampled, but still Very Good. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 150 cases. $44. Exclusively from Le Puits Sec Vineyard. Aged in 40% new French oak. Unfiltered. · Moderately light purple color in the glass. Wonderfully perfumed with fresh scents of black cherries, briar, compost, rose petal and spice. Well-endowed with attention-getting flavors of black cherries, kirsch and spice. Riper with more body, more structural bones, and less noticeable acidity than the Le Puits Sec bottling. Incredible length on the generous finish. Very age worthy. A real crowd pleaser and one of the best wines I have sampled from Oregon in this vintage. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 1,650 cases, $14.79 (full retail $18). Produced from sustainably grown grapes in non-irrigated vineyards (Illahe, Eola Springs, Hidden Rocks and Mahonia). Aged 11 months in 10% new French oak barrels. Unfiltered. · Light in color with a reddish hue. Good aroma volume of strawberries, cherries, sandalwood and dried red rose petals. Tasty core of red berries, red cherries and red plums with a respectable mid palate attack. Elegantly styled and forward drinking with a cherry-filled and refreshing finish. Typical reserved but charming Evesham Wood style. Very good and a steal at this price. (The 2010 vintage of this wine has been released) Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $30. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of oak-kissed black cherries. Bright and juicy with a core of earth-toned black cherries and raspberries with an underpinning of oak, tutti-fruity, and spice. Elegant with an uplifting finish. Needs time to full integrate the oak. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $30. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. A series of ever-changing aromas rise out of the glass including ripe dark cherries, fresh raspberry tart, sassafras and Herbs de Provence. The flavors echo the nose with a noticeable savory bent of pine, leaf and bramble. Plenty of nuance and character with remarkable aromatic persistence on the finish. Still great the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $36. From the 13-acre estate vineyard planted in 1986. Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of dark cherries and berries with riffs of forest floor and oak. The lightest weighted wine reviewed here, but plenty of signature Pinot flavors of dark cherries, plums, cassis and sage. Soft tannins with likable finesse, finishing bright and citrus-laden. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Evesham Wood Cuvée “J” Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $44. Made from organic grapes, Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth. Non-irrigated vineyards. Unfiltered. · Moderately light reddishpurple color in the glass. Plenty of Pinot singing on the nose with vivid aromas of black cherries, raspberries and a hint of herbs and spring bouquet. A cherry bombast with the slightest hint of herbs and oak in the background that supports rather than detracts. Impressive mid palate intensity with well-balanced t n’ a. A classy wine that is seamless and seductive. Still fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Evesham Wood Cuvée “J” Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
$44. Release November 2012. A reserve barrel selection from Le Puits Sec Vineyard. Primarily estate fruit. Aged in 40% new French oak. · The additional oak adds more structure to this wine which is nicely fruited with exotic spice accents. Smooth on the palate with an extraordinarily long finish. This beauty will be the showpiece of a special dinner after a few years in the cellar. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Bruno Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13% alc., $14.50. A second label for Evesham Wood. · Slightly sweet aromas of cherries, berries and violets. Mediumweighted core of berry fruit with brown spice accents, a soft texture, minimal tannins, and a clean bright finish. A daily drinker. Decent. Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $15. Unfiltered. · Demurely scented nose of strawberries, baking spice and a hint of cedar showing more intensity with time in the glass. Tasty core of strawberry, cranberry and cherry fruit in the redder spectrum. Light in weight and elegantly crafted. A highly approachable back porch wine. Decent (+). Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Evesham Wood Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 225 cases. $20.95. 65% Hill Vineyard and 35% Bryn Mawr Vineyard which is close by. Aged in 10% new French oak barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Reserved scents of cherries, peaches, herbs and hay. Light and elegant cherry and strawberry fruit with some structural power due to modest tannins. A thoroughly enjoyable value-priced Pinot Noir that gets the job done. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 300 cases, $24.95. Made from the Evesham Wood estate vineyard which is a younger (12-year-old vines) part of the vineyard planted to clones 114 and 777. Ripest fruit on the estate in 2007. Aged 15 months in 15% new French oak barrels and bottled without fining or filtration. · The fruit comes in waves on the nose. Medium weighted red Pinot fruits on the palate with a little citrus note and subtle oak riff on the back end. Tasty and smoothly textured. A little more oomph and character than the regular Eola-Amity Hills bottling. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $30. From organic grapes grown on non-irrigated vineyards. Unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Restrained nose with faint red fruits, oak and a floral note. Light and elegant on the palate featuring spiced raspberries and cranberries and a touch of green herbs. Bright acidity creates a refreshing finish. Understated and feminine, with enough charm to satisfy. Very good. Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Evesham Wood Cuvée J Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 171 cases, $44.95. This is Raney’s top Pinot Noir created for cellaring. Sourced exclusively from the estate vineyard, Le Puits Sec, with the fruit from the older Pommard section of the vineyard. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels and bottled without fining or filtration. · Riper and darker fruit highlighted with flavors of root beer, cola, marzipan and tea. This wine has a glass-filling presence yet retains an admirable elegance. The mouth feel is refined and the finish is remarkably persistent. The balance is spot on portending a long life ahead. Impressive effort. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »