Lachini Vineyards Offers Pinot Noir Worth Coveting
This family owned winery was established in 1998 by Ronald and Marianne Lachini. The 45-acre (32.25 acres
planted to Pinot Noir and a small amount of Chardonnay), dry and biodynamically-farmed Lachini Estate
Vineyard is located in Newberg, Oregon, in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Vineyard planting began in 1999
with 5 acres of Pinot Noir, with subsequent plantings from 2000 to 2007. In addition, the winery sources fruit
from a selected group of exceptional vineyards that share similar holistic farming practices.
The estate vineyard rises from 250 to 450 feet with south and southwest exposures and is composed of
distinct blocks identified by varying soil depths, and clones: East (Pommard), Middle (Dijon 113, 114, 115, 667
and 777), West (Wädenswil, “828,” 113, 777 and Pommard), and Lower West (113, 115, 777). Soils are
Willakenzie series (sandy, silty loam over broken basalt). Vineyard spacing is 4’ x 6’ on VSP trellis (roughly
1700 vines per acre).
Vineyard manager Ezequiel Arcos and winemakers Matthieu Gille and Ron Lachini work to produce Pinot Noirs
that have the structure and balance for both early and long-term enjoyment.. Current winemaking features
whole cluster and native fermentations and 100% French oak aging.
Since the first release in 2001, the Pinot Noirs have consistently rated 90 or above by many of the
major wine publications. Total case production is 4,500 to 5,600 cases per year that includes Chardonnay,
Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla), Pinot Gris, Pinot Port and Muscat Canelli.
The winery and tasting room is located at 258 N. Kutch Street in Carlton, and a second tasting room is located
in Woodinville, Washington. The website is www.lachinivineyards.com. The wines are primarily sold through the
winery’s wine clubs, a mailing list, the tasting rooms and the web store.
The wines offered for review were all exceptional. In the 2013 vintage at the estate vineyard, a majority of the
fruit was harvested before the heavy September rains. The 2013 vintage in the Sonoma Coast was even with
little to no rain or heat spikes.
2013 Lachini Vineyards Lachini Family Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., pH
3.55, TA 0.73, 1,564 cases, $50. The winery’s signature blend of multiple clones including 667, 777, 113, 114,
115, Wädenswil and Pommard. Aged 17 months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new and 75% 1 and 2-year-old.
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Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A classic Oregon wine in character with fresh aromas of
cherry, cranberry and herbs in a forward-drinking style that aims to please. Mid weight flavors of wild
strawberry, cranberry and cherry are accented by notes of savory herbs. Nicely balanced
with a compliment of chocolaty oak in the background, modest fine-grain tannins, and some noticeable length on the
sweet scented finish.
Score: 92
2013 Lachini Vineyards La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast California Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.65, TA
0.60, 288 cases, $55. 40% 115, 40% Pommard, 10% 114 and 10% 123. Grapes were hauled in a refrigerated
truck for the long trip back to Oregon. 80% de-stemmed, 7 and 14-day cold soak in separate fermenters, native
yeast fermentations. Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new 33% 1-year-old, and 33% 2-yearold.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A plethora of black cherry and dark berry aromas and flavors
are featured in this middleweight wine that is not as vibrant as the 2013 Estate bottling, but has more sappy
fruit concentration. The tannins are modest, the texture is cozy, and the nutty oak in the background adds
interest. A rare example of California grapes vinified by an Oregon winery.
Score: 91
2012 Lachini Vineyards Cuvée Giselle Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH
3.68, TA 0.545, 328 cases, $72. This is a selection of the finest 13 barrels from the Estate Vineyard
East, Middle and West blocks. Yields averaged 2.6 tons per acre. 40% Dijon clones, 30% Pommard
clone, and 15% Wädenswil clone with a small amount of “suitcase clone.” Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enchanting perfume of wild, dark berries, cherry pie
glaze, spices and a hint of white pepper. A stunning wine in every respect, with a well-ripened core of
black cherry and dark berry fruits. Very juicy and vivid with structured fine-grain tannins adding
support along with a compliment of tasty oak. A very intriguing wine that exhibits wonderful harmony. When
tasted later in the day from a previously opened bottle, I couldn’t get enough of this joyous juice. WOW!
Score: 95
2012 Lachini Vineyards PRIMA Lachini Estate Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.72, 75 cases, $100. Second vintage of this ultra premium Pinot Noir which
represents the finest expression of the Estate Vineyard’s terroir. This wine is only crafted in worthy
vintages. 3 barrels: 1 of Dijon 115, 1 of Dijon 114, and 1 of Pommard. Aged nearly 18 months. The
abbreviated crest on the special label indicates a dedication to the owners family’s heritage. The name
PRIMA means “FIRST” or “BEST.”
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Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas leap
from the glass showing zeal and purpose with scents of marionberry, blackberry, cassis, tobacco and
Prada leather coat. Still a bit brooding and mysterious, but highly seductive, with a mid weight plus core of
luscious and juicy purple and black fruits. The fruit seems to burst on the mid palate, filling the mouth with
goodness. The wine’s tannins are well matched to the fruit load, and the resulting overall harmony is
impressive. One feature that really stands out is the suave and velvety mouthfeel. When tasted the following
day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had become more open and expressive. Keep
this beauty in the cellar for another year or two at least for full enjoyment.
Score: 93-94
