May 5, 2013
Cork Dork Etude: Inspired Wines of the Carneros the Gardener: Got Organic Grapes? Bravium: Relish the Acidity Rivers-Marie: 2010 & 2011 Reflect the Challenges of Farming on the Edge Dunstan Wines from Durell Vineyard Foursight Wines: Family Excels with Pinot COBB Wines: No Wine Before Its Time Sips of Pinot: Wines Tasted Recently Rosé and Chardonnay: Recently Sampled Wines Pinot Briefs
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Big Table Farm
| Owner(s) | Clare Carver, Brian Marcy |
| Web site | www.bigtablefarm.com |
| Link to this site |
Big Table Farm is a collaborative effort between winemaker Brian Marcy and artist Clare Carver. The pair moved to Oregon from Napa, bought a farmhouse and property in Gaston, started a winery and plan to plant a vineyard. Beginning in 2006, wines have been produced from purchased grapes. Brian Marcy has been mentored at Turley Wine Cellars, Neyers Vineyards, Blankiet Estate and Marcassin, to name a few. Clare is the marketer and manages their working farm of 70 acres. She has won multiple awards for her wine labels which adorn labels like Beaux Freres, Phelps Creek, and Miner Family Vineyards. In addition to making wine, they have established a working farm where they raise poultry, pigs, cows and egg-laying chickens.
The labels feature a single farm animal and are quite stylish. The labels are made by hand using a letterpress, hand cut, and glued on each bottle.The 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir blend is sourced from the Johan Vineyard and a single vineyard Pinot Noir in 2008 is made from Resonance Vineyard fruit.
The wines are sold through a mailing list or through the website. The website is very informative and one of the most modern and well-designed winery websites I have ever visited.
Articles About Big Table Farm
2012 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans Honorable Mention (9.17 12/26/2012)
Added Ramblings on the Willamette Pinot Trail (9.11 9/11/2012)
Big Table Farm (8.11 2/15/2010)
Drinking Small (8.27 12/14/2010)
Large Review of 2009 & 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs With a Few from 2008 & 2011 (9.7 5/9/2012)
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (8.17 6/21/2010)
Pinot Briefs (9.21 3/23/2013)
Sips of Chardonnay: Recently Sampled Wines (9.23 4/13/2013)
Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir (9.18 1/19/2013)
Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir (8.37 5/13/2011)
Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir: Recently Sampled Wines (9.23 4/13/2013)
Reviewed Wines
NV Big Table Farm NV Work Horse Red
12.9% alc., 140 cases, $48. A blend of 90% Resonance Vineyard Pinot
Noir (2011) and 10% White Hawk Syrah (2009). Label features Clare’s plough horse. Fermented with some whole cluster. Aged in about 30% new French oak.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Intensely fruity on the nose featuring aromas of cherry pie
glaze and black raspberry jam, with hints of pipe smoke and oak. Rich and full-bodied on the palate with a lush
core of black cherry and black raspberry fruits accented with spice and oak. Amazing amount of fruit flavor and
soul packed into a wine with very low alcohol. Good.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Big Table Farm Wirtz Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
12.6% alc.,110 cases, $28. An “orange”
wine created by taking a traditionally white grape and leaving it on it’s skins to add color and texture, then
pressing and finished by fermenting to dryness in neutral French oak barrels. Full MLF, unfined and unfiltered.
·
Medium blood orange color in the glass. An unusual wine that is challenging to describe properly. Aromas of
citrus peel, melon and herbs. An easy drinker that is very light and extremely dry on the finish showing flavors
of white stone fruits, white raspberries, vanilla, orange peel and toast. A welcome aperitif if chilled, or a good
accompaniment to shellfish. Good.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc., 519 cases, $38. A combination of new, once
used and neutral barrels from all Pinot Noir sites. Some aspect of whole cluster and the result of sur lie aging.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with scents of red cherries and wild
strawberries. Fresh, bright and refreshingly juicy with flavors of red cherries, raspberries on the vine,
watermelon, and toasty oak. Light and delicate, but charming with electric acidity. The best Willamette Valley
bottling from Big Table Farm in a few years. Good (+).
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Chardonnay
12.8% alc., 136
cases, $42. This is no surprise as Brian has worked extensively with
Chardonnay at Neyers Vineyards and Marcassin in the past. 60% of the
fruit is from Bieze Vineyard which shares a fence with Seven Springs
Vineyard. The balance of the blend is from the Wirtz Vineyard which
dates to the early 1970s. Barrel fermented in mixed aged French oak
barrels. Unfined and unfiltered and not cold stabilized. Label is adorned with
bees courtesy of Clare and her hives.
·
Light straw color and clear in the glass.
Brilliant aromas of fresh applesauce, the air after a rain, and graphite. Appealing
flavors of baked apples, pear and lemony citrus. Slightly creamy on the palate
with a refreshing lift of acidity on the finish. Not a showy or dolled-up wine, put pure and modest. One of the
better Chardonnays I have had from Oregon. Bring on the oysters!
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Big Table Farm Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc.,$45. A collaboration with Don, Johanna, Lynne
and Perry who farm this vineyard.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. The nose opens gradually, revealing aromas of dark cherries, violets,
spice and brewed tea. Very satiny and seamless on the palate with a tasty core
of fresh cherry fruit enhanced with accents of savory herbs. Modest weight, with
very supple tannins, leaving behind a combination of cherries and green salad
on the finish. I like this wine a lot for its easy manner. A very admirable effort in
this difficult vintage. Very good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 203 cases, $38. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Attractive aromas of red fruits, spice, sweet oak and pipe smoke.
Light in weight with crisp and juicy red cherry and red berry flavors with farm-driven notes of tar, green garden
and salinity. Decent.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Cattrall Brothers Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc.,
118 cases, $45. Label features an old truck from the vineyard. Sourced from the oldest certified organic
vineyard in Oregon that was planted in the early 1970s.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Bright aromas of black cherries, stem and new oak. Rounded cherry core with an herbal, savory riff, offering a
silky mouth feel, supple tannins and impeccable balance. Still carrying a substantial load of oak. Needs more
cellaring. Good.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 146 cases, $45.
Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Perfumed with oak-kissed, fresh
Bing cherries. Tasty core of dark cherries on a light and elegant frame with subtle notes of spice and oak.
Finishes strong with a black cherry flourish. Good.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Wirtz Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.1%
alc., 90 cases, $45. Label features hazelnuts from the neighboring field.
Inaugural offering from this vineyard. The vines from this multigenerational site
in the northern part of the Willamette Valley average 40 years of age.
·
Light
garnet color in the glass. Complex nose offering aromas of cherries, plums,
spice, and toasty oak. Soft and elegant on the palate with restrained tannins
and a good spark of acidity. Lighter weight dark red fruits are featured,
especially cherry, with a topcoat of smoky oak. A pleasant wine that needs more
time to integrate the oak. Good.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Resonance Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc., 125 cases, $48. Label
features Ronnie the steer at Big Table Farm. 75% whole cluster, aged
sur lie in 30% new French oak barrels for 10 months. Unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose is
a little tight, but offers attractive scents of dark red cherries and
strawberries. A transparent wine of great pedigree and delicacy, with inviting
flavors of pie cherries and ripe strawberries caressed by supple tannins and
crisped by bright acidity. A very charming wine that won’t knock your socks off
with powerful extraction, but offers a gentile, extremely enjoyable drinking
experience.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Big Table Farm Laughing Pig Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé
14.1% alc., 100 cases, $22. Sourced from Cattrall Vineyard
which is the oldest certified organic vineyard in Oregon. Barrel
fermented to dryness, complete MLF and aged sur lies until the day
before bottling. Attractive tall Alsatian bottle.
·
Light rose color. Pleasing
aromas of cherries, strawberries, prickly pear and rose garden.
Moderately rich flavors of red cherries and strawberries with an underpinning of
minerality and a tangerine peel note on the bright finish. This is a friendly wine
that will please any rosé fan. Very good.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2009 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 92 cases, $38.
The fruit is primarily from the Johan Vineyard. 75% whole cluster, native yeast
fermentation, aged 10 months in one new and two used French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color with a slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass.
Aromas of berry patch, farmyard, smoke, tar and pine. Medium weighted flavors
of blueberries, cherries and boysenberries with hints of cola and a fairly strong
tarry note from the whole cluster. Supple, fine-grain tannins with a soft mouth
feel. Tasted twice a few months apart. Decent.
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Big Table Farm Cattrall Brothers Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc, 100 cases, $45. Label features a grape delivery
truck owned by the Cattrall Brothers, a 1947 Ford. From the oldest certified
organic vineyard in Oregon, planted in the 1970s. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherries,
strawberries, red roses and sandalwood. Delicate but tasty core of red fruits with
strawberry flavor at the forefront and toasty oak and baking spices adding interest
in the background. A charming wine with admirable balance that is drinking
nicely now. Very Good.
Reviewed December 14, 2010
ARTICLE »
2009 Big Table Farm Resonance Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 190 cases, $48. Label sports
picture of Haley the cow with first calf born at Big Table Farm spring
2010. Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 777 clones. Fermented with
natural yeast, some pigeage, and aged sur lie in French oak. Unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderately deep garnet hue in the glass. Boisterous and
alluring aromas of dark, rich Pinot fruits that just won’t quit. Delicious attack of
dark berry jam with ever changing additional layers of flavor that include anise,
lavender and Asian spice. This is a wine of discovery, revealing more interest
with each sip. The tannins are reigned in making for approachability now and
the succulent fruit is hard to resist, but this wine will get better with cellaring. Fabulous goût de terroir.
Reviewed December 14, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 77 cases,
$38. This blend is primarily sourced from the Johan Vineyard, farmed by Dan
Rinke. The vineyard is organically farmed with the goal of obtaining
biodynamic certification. The manure from cows at Big Table Farm is used for
preparations for the vineyard rows that are tended for Big Table Farm.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas of cherry/berry jam, roses and
red jujubes are enticing. Discreet structural power with vivid berry fruit that is
subtly spiced and smoked. A middle weight wine displaying a soft and smooth
mouthfeel, fine-grain tannins and impeccable balance. A very impressive
Willamette Valley bottling. Very good (+).
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Big Table Farm Resonance Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., 94 cases, $45. This vineyard is farmed by Kevin
and Carla Chambers and is certified Biodynamic®.
·
Rich, deep, brooding
dark red fruits with a savory underpinning of chanterelle mushrooms,
loamy earth and cardamon spice. This wine has impressive intensity on
the mid palate, a pillowy texture, and a finish like a three hour movie you
don’t want to end. Still a little closed, seemingly possessing more hidden charm
waiting to get out. Cellar this wine for one to two years for ultimate gratification.
Love the low alcohol. A very heavenly and sensual pleasure.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
NV Big Table Farm NV Work Horse Red
12.9% alc., 140 cases, $48. A blend of 90% Resonance Vineyard Pinot Noir (2011) and 10% White Hawk Syrah (2009). Label features Clare’s plough horse. Fermented with some whole cluster. Aged in about 30% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Intensely fruity on the nose featuring aromas of cherry pie glaze and black raspberry jam, with hints of pipe smoke and oak. Rich and full-bodied on the palate with a lush core of black cherry and black raspberry fruits accented with spice and oak. Amazing amount of fruit flavor and soul packed into a wine with very low alcohol. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Big Table Farm Wirtz Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
12.6% alc.,110 cases, $28. An “orange” wine created by taking a traditionally white grape and leaving it on it’s skins to add color and texture, then pressing and finished by fermenting to dryness in neutral French oak barrels. Full MLF, unfined and unfiltered. · Medium blood orange color in the glass. An unusual wine that is challenging to describe properly. Aromas of citrus peel, melon and herbs. An easy drinker that is very light and extremely dry on the finish showing flavors of white stone fruits, white raspberries, vanilla, orange peel and toast. A welcome aperitif if chilled, or a good accompaniment to shellfish. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc., 519 cases, $38. A combination of new, once used and neutral barrels from all Pinot Noir sites. Some aspect of whole cluster and the result of sur lie aging. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with scents of red cherries and wild strawberries. Fresh, bright and refreshingly juicy with flavors of red cherries, raspberries on the vine, watermelon, and toasty oak. Light and delicate, but charming with electric acidity. The best Willamette Valley bottling from Big Table Farm in a few years. Good (+). Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Chardonnay
12.8% alc., 136 cases, $42. This is no surprise as Brian has worked extensively with Chardonnay at Neyers Vineyards and Marcassin in the past. 60% of the fruit is from Bieze Vineyard which shares a fence with Seven Springs Vineyard. The balance of the blend is from the Wirtz Vineyard which dates to the early 1970s. Barrel fermented in mixed aged French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered and not cold stabilized. Label is adorned with bees courtesy of Clare and her hives. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Brilliant aromas of fresh applesauce, the air after a rain, and graphite. Appealing flavors of baked apples, pear and lemony citrus. Slightly creamy on the palate with a refreshing lift of acidity on the finish. Not a showy or dolled-up wine, put pure and modest. One of the better Chardonnays I have had from Oregon. Bring on the oysters! Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Big Table Farm Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc.,$45. A collaboration with Don, Johanna, Lynne and Perry who farm this vineyard. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose opens gradually, revealing aromas of dark cherries, violets, spice and brewed tea. Very satiny and seamless on the palate with a tasty core of fresh cherry fruit enhanced with accents of savory herbs. Modest weight, with very supple tannins, leaving behind a combination of cherries and green salad on the finish. I like this wine a lot for its easy manner. A very admirable effort in this difficult vintage. Very good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 203 cases, $38. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Attractive aromas of red fruits, spice, sweet oak and pipe smoke. Light in weight with crisp and juicy red cherry and red berry flavors with farm-driven notes of tar, green garden and salinity. Decent. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Cattrall Brothers Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc., 118 cases, $45. Label features an old truck from the vineyard. Sourced from the oldest certified organic vineyard in Oregon that was planted in the early 1970s. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of black cherries, stem and new oak. Rounded cherry core with an herbal, savory riff, offering a silky mouth feel, supple tannins and impeccable balance. Still carrying a substantial load of oak. Needs more cellaring. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 146 cases, $45. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Perfumed with oak-kissed, fresh Bing cherries. Tasty core of dark cherries on a light and elegant frame with subtle notes of spice and oak. Finishes strong with a black cherry flourish. Good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Wirtz Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., 90 cases, $45. Label features hazelnuts from the neighboring field. Inaugural offering from this vineyard. The vines from this multigenerational site in the northern part of the Willamette Valley average 40 years of age. · Light garnet color in the glass. Complex nose offering aromas of cherries, plums, spice, and toasty oak. Soft and elegant on the palate with restrained tannins and a good spark of acidity. Lighter weight dark red fruits are featured, especially cherry, with a topcoat of smoky oak. A pleasant wine that needs more time to integrate the oak. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Big Table Farm Resonance Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc., 125 cases, $48. Label features Ronnie the steer at Big Table Farm. 75% whole cluster, aged sur lie in 30% new French oak barrels for 10 months. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose is a little tight, but offers attractive scents of dark red cherries and strawberries. A transparent wine of great pedigree and delicacy, with inviting flavors of pie cherries and ripe strawberries caressed by supple tannins and crisped by bright acidity. A very charming wine that won’t knock your socks off with powerful extraction, but offers a gentile, extremely enjoyable drinking experience. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Big Table Farm Laughing Pig Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé
14.1% alc., 100 cases, $22. Sourced from Cattrall Vineyard which is the oldest certified organic vineyard in Oregon. Barrel fermented to dryness, complete MLF and aged sur lies until the day before bottling. Attractive tall Alsatian bottle. · Light rose color. Pleasing aromas of cherries, strawberries, prickly pear and rose garden. Moderately rich flavors of red cherries and strawberries with an underpinning of minerality and a tangerine peel note on the bright finish. This is a friendly wine that will please any rosé fan. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2009 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 92 cases, $38. The fruit is primarily from the Johan Vineyard. 75% whole cluster, native yeast fermentation, aged 10 months in one new and two used French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color with a slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass. Aromas of berry patch, farmyard, smoke, tar and pine. Medium weighted flavors of blueberries, cherries and boysenberries with hints of cola and a fairly strong tarry note from the whole cluster. Supple, fine-grain tannins with a soft mouth feel. Tasted twice a few months apart. Decent. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Big Table Farm Cattrall Brothers Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc, 100 cases, $45. Label features a grape delivery truck owned by the Cattrall Brothers, a 1947 Ford. From the oldest certified organic vineyard in Oregon, planted in the 1970s. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherries, strawberries, red roses and sandalwood. Delicate but tasty core of red fruits with strawberry flavor at the forefront and toasty oak and baking spices adding interest in the background. A charming wine with admirable balance that is drinking nicely now. Very Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »
2009 Big Table Farm Resonance Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 190 cases, $48. Label sports picture of Haley the cow with first calf born at Big Table Farm spring 2010. Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 777 clones. Fermented with natural yeast, some pigeage, and aged sur lie in French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately deep garnet hue in the glass. Boisterous and alluring aromas of dark, rich Pinot fruits that just won’t quit. Delicious attack of dark berry jam with ever changing additional layers of flavor that include anise, lavender and Asian spice. This is a wine of discovery, revealing more interest with each sip. The tannins are reigned in making for approachability now and the succulent fruit is hard to resist, but this wine will get better with cellaring. Fabulous goût de terroir. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 77 cases, $38. This blend is primarily sourced from the Johan Vineyard, farmed by Dan Rinke. The vineyard is organically farmed with the goal of obtaining biodynamic certification. The manure from cows at Big Table Farm is used for preparations for the vineyard rows that are tended for Big Table Farm. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas of cherry/berry jam, roses and red jujubes are enticing. Discreet structural power with vivid berry fruit that is subtly spiced and smoked. A middle weight wine displaying a soft and smooth mouthfeel, fine-grain tannins and impeccable balance. A very impressive Willamette Valley bottling. Very good (+). Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Big Table Farm Resonance Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., 94 cases, $45. This vineyard is farmed by Kevin and Carla Chambers and is certified Biodynamic®. · Rich, deep, brooding dark red fruits with a savory underpinning of chanterelle mushrooms, loamy earth and cardamon spice. This wine has impressive intensity on the mid palate, a pillowy texture, and a finish like a three hour movie you don’t want to end. Still a little closed, seemingly possessing more hidden charm waiting to get out. Cellar this wine for one to two years for ultimate gratification. Love the low alcohol. A very heavenly and sensual pleasure. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
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