Extensive Tasting of 2016 & 2017 Vintage Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
The 2016 vintage in Oregon was the earliest harvested vintage on record and delivered excellent fruit quality with close to
normal yields. An unusually warm spring caused bud break two to four weeks earlier than normal. Summer
provided moderate weather with fewer heat spikes than the 2014 and 2015 vintages, leading to smaller berry
size and more concentration. Warmer than normal weather in August led to an early harvest beginning in most
vineyards during the last week of August and early September. Harvest was essentially finished by the end of
September to early October in the Willamette Valley. Winemaker James Frey of Trisaetum Winery echoed the
sentiment of many winemakers when he told the Oregon Wine Board, “The cornerstone of the vintage seems
to be balance, with fruit, acidity and tannin in fine equilibrium. It’s hard not to like what 2016 gave us.” My
tastings revealed a degree of high intensity and concentration in 2016 that was unusual for Oregon Pinot Noir.
In 2017, winter rain gave needed relief to years of drought. The growing season that followed was cool and wet
compared to the past few years. Bud break started closer to normal in mid-April. Record heat followed in late
May that initiated flowering, then the weather cooled in early June, with a few days of record high temperatures
returning for a few days later in June. The warm conditions in 2016 created increased fruitiness and resulted in
larger clusters and more clusters per vine. The heat ramped up in July and August with heat stress events both
early and late in the month. August was the warmest August on record in Oregon. Fires and smoke were an
issue in Southern Oregon and in the Columbia Gorge but the Willamette Valley was spared. A cooling weather
pattern in mid-September led to a slow and steady harvest. Growers reported near average to slightly higher
than average sugar and acid levels but generally balanced fruit. The result in 2017 was both a solid vintage and
abundant quantity.
Argyle Winery, Dundee
Argyle has played a pivotal role in establishing Willamette Valley as one of the best places in the world to make
sparkling wine. It is one of the only American wineries with an Extended Tirage program going back decades.
Few wineries allow their wines to benefit from extended aging due to the significant expense involved. The
Argyle estate program includes more than 400 acres of vines spread across four estate properties. The
winemaker, Nate Klostermann, spent eight years being mentored by pioneering vintner Rollin Soles before
being named his successor at Argyle in 2013. Visit www.argylewinery.com.
2008 Argyle Extended Tirage Brut Willamette Valley Sparkling Wine
12.5% alc.,1300 cases, $80. Harvest
Brix 19.6º. 63% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay. Bottle fermented. Aged on the lees for 10 years before
disgorgement (disgorged July 2018) in 25% neutral barrel and 75% stainless steel. 25% MLF. Dosage 4 g/L.
·
Light white peach color in the glass. The nose is more savory and less fruity than the 2015 vintage offering
aromas of roasted nuts, warm brioche, and yellow plum. Complex on the palate, with flavors of citrus, green
apple gripping and saturating the palate. Plenty of energy, crispness and minerality, literally taking the breath
away on the extended finish.
Score: 95
2015 Argyle Vintage Brut Willamette Valley Sparkling Wine
12.5% alc., $28. A portion of this wine will be
held back for extended aging and will become the Extended Tirage Brut. 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and
10% Pinot Meunier. Harvest Brix 19.2º. Aged in 93% stainless steel and 7% neutral oak. Dosage 6 g/L.
·
Light white peach color in the glass. Very enticing, clean aromas of apricot, grilled lemon, pastry creme, yeast and
roasted nuts. Vibrant flavors of white peach and Rainer cherry. Slightly creamy with a hint of tannin on the
knife-edged finish.
Score: 92
2017 Argyle Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $27, screw cap. Made from 100% estate grapes, with
50% of the fruit from Lone Star Vineyard and 50% from Knudsen Vineyard and Spirit Hill Vineyard. Harvest Brix
23.0º. Fermented in 1.5-ton lots with hand punch downs.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of red
cherry, red cranberry and baking spices. Light to mid weight in extraction and red fruited in character, with a
modest oak underbelly. Easy drinking, with silky tannins and a slightly astringent finish.
Score: 88
Big Table Farm, Gaston
2017 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 2,509 cases, $45. Released
March 4, 2019. All Northern Willamette Valley vineyards that winemaker Brian Marcy works with
are included in this blend. More affordable because more of it is made, but it gets the same care
and handling as the rest of the wines. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. A complex nose reflects whole cluster fermentation, with aromas of dark berries, fertile earth,
burnt tobacco, rose petal, herbs and exotic spices. A wine with character, offering flavors of dark
red cherries and berries, earth and mushroom. Sleek, with healthy tannins and good energy. Better
when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, although the whole cluster tannins may require
a few years to fully resolve.
Score: 91
2017 Big Table Farm Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
241 cases, $62. Released March 4, 2019. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely
perfumed with aromas of black cherry, fertile earth, dried herbs and pipe smoke. Filled with succulent cherry
and berry fruits and accented with a note of creosote and tobacco typical of this vineyard. Currently, the lavish
tannins show up as some astringency on the finish. An intriguing wine with an extended finish. Unchanged
when sampled from a previously opened bottle the following day.
Score: 92
2017 Big Table Farm Earth Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 104 cases, $105, $240 magnum. Released April
15, 2019. 4 barrels that are the best of the vintage. Unfined
and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lively and
captivating aromas of black cherry, spice, fertile soil and pipe
smoke. Delicious mid weight flavors of blueberry, black
cherry, black raspberry, spice and burnt tobacco. Discretely
concentrated with a noticeable mid palate impression and finish. Silky
in texture, with felty, fine-grain tannins on the backend. Excellent
balance and sure to go the distance. Spice up your life with this beauty.
Score: 95
Chehalem Winery, Newberg
Wines are produced from three estate vineyards that include Stoller Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA (volcanic
soil), Ridgecrest Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA (sandstone and siltstone soil), and Corral Creek Vineyard in
the Chehalem Mountains AVA (Laurelwood soil). The winemaker is Katie Santora who joined Chehalem in
2012 as assistant winemaker and became the winemaker in 2018.
2018 Chehalem Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir Rosé
13.2% alc., pH 3.16, TA 0.67, $25, screw cap.
·
Light
pink color in the glass. Very shy aromas of orange peel and rose petal. Light in weight, featuring demure
flavors of red berry and yellow peach. Pleasant and nicely balanced, but so austere it is not eye-catching.
Score: 88
2017 Chehalem Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.58, $N/A, screw cap.
·
Light
garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aroma of cherry gum drop. A straightforward, amicable wine with flavors of
oak-kissed dark red cherry and purple berry framed by modest tannins, finishing modestly with a sweet cherry
tone.
Score: 88
Coeur de Terre, McMinnville
Proprietor and winemaker Scott Neal has really his stride with the 2015 and 2016 vintage Pinot Noirs. I now
consider this winery to be among the top echelon of estate grown and produced Pinot Noir in Oregon. The
estate vineyard has been organically farmed since its inception in 1998. Visit www.cdtvineyard.com.
2016 Coeur de Terre Oregon Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 2,168 cases, $22. 60% of fruit from the
Estate Vineyard combined with fruit from other vineyards in the McMinnville AVA and one vineyard
that borders the AVA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Effusive aromas of dark cherry,
raspberry and rhubarb please the nose and reach more intensity over time in the glass. Oak-kissed
black cherry core in an easygoing, forward-drinking style that has enviable balance and an
energetic, juicy finish. A great value in a wine that would make the perfect companion to everyday
meals.
Score: 91
2016 Coeur de Terre Héritage Reserve Estate McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 303 cases, $38. This wine is meant to capture the expression of the oldest vines on the
estate vineyard. It is a barrel selection of all four blocks. Yield 1.86 tons per acre.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of black fruits, fertile earth and botanical input. An array
of purple and black fruits are beautifully balanced by benevolent tannins and acidity. There is an
underlying savory vegetal thread. Nothing earth shaking here, but a very solid and satisfying effort.
Score: 92
2016 Coeur de Terre Renelle’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 69
cases, $65. Willakenzie sedimentary soils. The oldest block
on Coeur de Terre Vineyard planted in the spring of 1999.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Expressive
aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. Notably graceful
and polished with a discretely concentrated core of
blackberry and pomegranate fruit flavors. The exquisite balance and
extremely long finish make this wine stand out among all the 2016
Block offerings.
Score: 94
2016 Coeur de Terre Sarah Jane’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc.,
68 cases, $65. Willakenzie soils. A mixture of six clones planted in 2000.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the
glass. Aromas of plum, black cherry and pomegranate are reflected in the flavors of this voluptuous wine that is
infused with dominating tannins. Still, the wine has good juiciness and a gloriously intense finish.
Score: 92
2016 Coeur de Terre Tallulah’s Run Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 68
cases, $65. Dijon 115, 667 and 777. Both volcanic and sedimentary soils. This block was planted in 2004 with
1778 vines per acre.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Generous aromas of spiced blackberry and
friendly oak lead to a middleweight-styled wine with earth enhanced fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry.
Silken and seductive in texture, with fine-grain tannins and a persistent, sweet, blackberry-infused finish.
Score: 93
Evesham Wood, Salem
This iconic Willamette Valley winery consistently offers superb estate grown Pinot Noir as well as vineyarddesignated
Pinot Noirs from highly regarded vineyards nearby. The wines represent excellent values
considering the high quality. The wines are all made from sustainably grown grapes from non-irrigated
properties. The estate Le Puits Sec Vineyard is certified organic by OTCO. The 2016 wines reviewed here are
somewhat backward, very concentrated and somewhat tannic and should be decanted if enjoyed currently.
Better yet, cellar them a few years and you will be rewarded. Visit www.eveshamwood.com.
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
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
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
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
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
Geødesy, Salem
This new winery, established by Judy Jordan, the former owner of J Vineyards & Winery, offers estate grown
wines from Napa Valley and Oregon’s Willamette Valley including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Geødesy was
founded in gratitude to the agricultural community with the sole purpose of empowering the next generation of
young women. All of the winery’s profits support the Wild Goat Edge program, which nourishes young
women through connectivity with teachers, mentors and internship sponsors who guide, support, and empower
them. Visit www.geodesywine.com.
2017 Geødesy Chehalem Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2%
alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.60, 115 cases, $80. Harvest Brix 24.3º. 15% whole cluster. Concrete open-top tank 18-day
maceration including a 5-day cold soak. Native MLF and aging 15 months on the lees in French oak barrels,
50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing array of aromas
including black raspberry, blackberry, baking spices, dark cocoa, vanilla and toast. Mid weight plus in style with
a burly core of deep people and black fruits framed by evident tannins. The finish is long and fruity. This wine
has propelled by burly fruit and shows a little less charm than the Eola Springs Vineyard bottling.
Score: 91
2017 Geødesy Eola Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.55,
TA 0.59, 143 cases, $80. Harvest Brix 24.3º. 5-day cold soak, native yeast and native malolactic fermentation,
aged in French oak barrels, 57% new and balance 1-year-old.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging
black cherry aromas rise from the glass. Seamless, refined and polished in a mid weight plus style featuring
dark cherry and raspberry flavors with commendable oak integration. Modest tannins, enviable balance, and a
persistent, graceful finish. Less concentration but more charm than the Chehalem Mountain Vineyard bottling.
Score: 93
Jackalope Wine Cellars, Dundee
Corey Schuster, a former civil engineer, began his journey in the wine industry working for a family-owned
winery near Salem, Oregon. He found harvest work very gratifying and was hooked. In 2004, he quite his job,
acquired a jackalope tattoo on his right shoulder and set out traveling and learning more about wine. In 2012,
Jackalope Wine Cellars was launched.The jackalope is a mythical creature of North America that is a cross
between a jackrabbit and antelope. Visit www.JackalopeWineCellars.com.
2016 Jackalope Wine Cellars Silvershot Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5%
alc., $N/A. Spontaneous fermentation, 10% whole cluster, aged 11 months in French oak barrels. Bottled
unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A very savory nose initial with aromas of
earthy flora, tobacco, creosote and dark berries. Velvety in the mouth offering mid weight flavors of black
raspberry and blueberry with an animale character. When tasted the followed day from a previously opened
and re-corked bottle, the wine was less savory and more fruity with a very pleasing finish of uncommon length.
Score: 90
2017 Jackalope Wine Cellars Nemarniki Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.1% alc., $26. Native yeast fermentation, 30% whole cluster, aged 12 months in French oak barrels. Bottled
unfined and unfiltered.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, cranberry, raspberry and leaf.
Light in weight and red fruited with a hint of spice and green herbs in the background. Smooth in texture, with a
lasting red licorice finish.
Score: 89
Iris Vineyards, Cottage Grove
This winery offers wines from grapes grown at the estate Chalice Vineyard located in the cool climate of the
foothills of the Oregon Coast Range. Visit www.irisvineyards.com.
2016 Iris Vineyards Areté Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.58, RS 0.1 g/L, 100 cases,
$59.99. Released August 2019. A selection of the best barrels from the best blocks of the estate vineyard.
Harvest Brix 24.5º. Wädenswil, Pommard, 115 and 113 clones. 100% de-stemmed into 1.25-ton open-top
fermenters. Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
The nose is primarily oak-driven , even when sampled the
following day from a previously opened bottle. There is some nice black cherry and purple berry fruits at the
heart of this wine, but the oak treatment overrides the pleasure. The silky texture is quite appealing as is the
finish that has some purpose. When tasted the following day, the oak had somewhat integrated indicating this
wine would benefit from more time in the cellar but will always be oak infused. Just not my cup of tea.
Score: 89
2017 Iris Vineyards Chalice Estate D Block Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.7% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.56, RS
<0.1 g/L, 300 cases, $39.99. Released March 2019. Style is intended to be full-bodied, rich, fruit forward and
with a strong French oak influence. Harvest Brix 20.8º. Dijon 115. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in
French oak barrels, 20% new, 20% once-used.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Leading off are
aromas of espresso, smoke and red cherry. The mid weight flavors of black cherry and raspberry build in
intensity over time in the glass. Bright acidity propels the wine that has balanced tannins and a juicy finish. A
thread of smoky oak plies the background. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened
bottle.
Score: 88
Keeler Estate Vineyard, Amity
Wines are produced from an organic and biodynamic vineyard located on a 200-acre property that consists of
gardens, forest, lakes, streams and acres of landscaping. Natural winemaking is practiced that includes native
yeast fermentation and in addition to stainless steel and French oak barrels, concrete eggs, concrete dolla and
terra-cotta amphorae are used. Visit www.keelerestatevineyard.com.
2016 Keeler Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.58, 237 cases, $38.
Released April 29, 2018. Made with biodynamic grapes. Dijon 943, 667, 115, 777 and Pommard. Harvest Brix
23.8º. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 17% new and 83% neutral. After 10 months, 3 neutral barrels of
Dijon 115 were moved to a concrete egg vessel to finish for 8 months.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. The aromas and flavors come more alive over time in the glass. The nose offers scents of cherry, spice
and fertile earth with some oak embellishment. A gentle, lighter weighted wine driven by red fruits and
companion oak with silky tannins. There is a slight underlying creosote/ash flavor that does not appeal to me.
Score: 88
2016 Keeler Craig’s Reserve Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.535,
75 cases, $55. Released October 20, 2018. Made with biodynamic grapes. A three barrel blend of Pommard,
115 (30% whole cluster) and 667. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 67% 2-year-old and 33% neutral.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of cherry and friendly oak. Very similar to
the regular 2016 bottling, but with more extraction and finish. Polished and silky in the mouth, featuring red
cherry and berry flavors and a modicum of oak in the background. No creosote note in this wine.
Score: 92
Le Cadeau Vineyard, Dundee
Winemaker Steve Ryan has an an extensive winemaking background. He was the winemaker at Martinelli in
the mid-90s and more recently ran the custom crush facility Rack & Riddle in Healdsburg. He has focused on
biodynamic research while making small production wines from California and Oregon, including the Le
Cadeau “Côte Est” that he has crafted since 2007. He now resides in the North Willamette Valley and
concentrates solely on producing wines from Oregon. The other three wines reviewed here are made by
veteran winemaker Jim Sanders whose career dates to the mid 1990s. He has partnered with Le Cadeau
proprietor Tom Mortimer to focus on small production Pinot Noir. Visit www.LeCadeauVineyard.com. The
wines reviewed here were released March 1, 2019 except for the Merci Reserve that was released October 1,
2018.
2017 Le Cadeau Côte Est Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 145 cases, $50.
This cuvée combines fruit from a cooler part of the estate vineyard with clones 114, 115 and 667 planted in
Nekia (volcanic) soils. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely
aromas of black cherry, raspberry and spice box with an espresso note in the background. Mid weight plus in
concentration and bursting with black cherry goodness. Silky in the mouth with gracious tannins and noticeable
oak support.
Score: 92
2017 Le Cadeau Diversité Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 245 cases, $50.
Nine clones including Pommard, Mariafeld, Dijon 667, 777, 113, 114, and 115, Mt Eden and Calera planted in
the Northern end of the Le Cadeau Vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of cherry, fertile earth and oak-driven spice and toast. Suave and
silky on the palate, with a mid weight charge of dark cherry fruit framed by a shadow of oak. The gossamer
tannins and seductive texture are enticing although the finish is only modest in length.
Score: 91
2017 Le Cadeau Rocheux Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 174 cases, $50. This cuvée is sourced from the
rockiest portion of the estate vineyard, the warmer Western slope. Dijon
777, Pommard and a small amount of Wädenswil. Aged 11 months in
French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Striking aromas
of dark red cherry, rose in bloom and subtle oak. Appealing energy and
juiciness, featuring mid weight flavors of dusty cherry and raspberry
framed by fine-grain tannins. Appealing in many ways, with fine-grain
tannins, a little earthiness and textural interest from entry to finish.
Score: 93
2016 Le Cadeau Merci Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 124 cases,
$80. This wine is composed of estate plantings of heritage clones of Pinot Noir - Mt Eden, Swan and Calera,
planted in 2006 and 2008. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Textbook Pinot Noir aromas of black cherry and spicy oak. Mid weight plus in style, offering well-ripened fruit
flavors of purple and black berries. A hedonist’s delight, with modest tannins and a big, black-fruited finish. My
only nit is the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth.
Score: 93
LUMOS Wine Company, McMinnville
The LUMOS Pinot Noirs in this vintage feature robust dark fruits and husky tannins and will benefit from
decanting or further cellaring. Wines from Temperance Hill Vineyard tend to be this way usually but the
character is exaggerated in this vintage.
2018 LUMOS Chiquita Rosé Wren Vineyard Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 172 cases,
$25. Released April 2019.
·
Moderate pinkish red color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of red berry and cherry. A
bolder rosé style, featuring a hardy core of darker red and blue fruit flavors with a savory herb note. The wine
veers toward a still Pinot Noir in body and character, lacking the delicacy usually associated with Pinot Noir
Rosés.
Score: 87
2016 LUMOS Five Blocks Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 143 cases, $25. Released October 2018.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the
glass. Complex and satisfying nose revealing aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, fertile earth and
smoky oak. Velvety in the mouth, with a discrete charge of black cherry and blackberry fruits
underlain with a subtle savory thread. Nicely balanced, with integrated tannins, well-managed oak
and a modest finish. A solid wine at this price that doesn’t try to do too much.
Score: 89
2016 LUMOS Temperance Hill Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 145 cases, $35. Released October 2018.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in
the glass. Blackest cherry and wintergreen aromas show up over time in the glass. Gracious and
accessible in a mid weight style infused with an array of black fruits framed by modest tannins.
Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened ad re-corked bottle. A basic
entry into the Temperance Hills Vineyard.
Score: 90
2016 LUMOS North Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc.,
91 cases, $48. Released July 2018. Featured wine at the 2018 International Pinot Noir Festival Grand
Seminar.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. This mid weight plus wine offers enticing aromas and flavors of
spice, black cherry, boysenberry, dark chocolate and floral goodness with a friendly hint of oak in the
background. Silky in texture, with a long, suave finish. Highly enjoyable, with admirable balance. Noticeable
better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93
2016 LUMOS The G Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 59 cases, $48. Released
October 2018.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding, but pleasant
aromas of blackberry and black walnut. Sturdy and full-bodied, yet with
nice polish and charm, featuring flavors of purple berries. Excellent
barrel management, with a compliment of tannins, a soft mouth feel
and some finishing generosity. Noticeably better when tasted the
following day, exhibiting a big, sweet-fruited finish.
Score: 93
2016 LUMOS Upper Bench Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 67 cases, $48. Released October 2018.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is
primarily oak-driven. Full-bodied in style with a sturdy, full and diverse array of black fruit flavors. Gushing with
fruit, but lacking in nuance and monotone in character. A modicum of toasty oak adds support. Quite
approachable, with modest tannins and some finish.
Score: 89
Open Claim Vineyards, Gaston
This small winery is located Mt. Pisgah region of the Willamette Valley that is currently pending AVA approval.
Both an Open Claim Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced from the 55-acre property by noted winemaker
Tony Rynders. Both wines are $75 per bottle, and they are sold in $225 three-bottle allocations on the winery’s
website at www.openclaimvineyards.com. By the fall of 2019, co-owners Brett and Marnie Wall hope to
achieve LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certification for their vineyard. The Walls have broken ground
on a tasting room that will feature by appointment only chef-inspired pairings beginning in the fall of 2020. The
Walls also serve a number of winery clients who have produced vineyard designates including Broadley
Vineyards, WildAire Cellars, 00 Wines and Joel Gott Wines.
2016 Open Claim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., 80 cases, $75. Release fall 2019. 40% 667, 40% 777
and 20% Wädenswil. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels,
40% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A little
burnt match reduction is evident upon opening but resolves
completely by the following day when dark fruits and spice
come to the forefront on the nose. Very suave in the mouth,
with a mid weight plus core of boysenberry and blackberry fruits that
are expansive and expressive. Seamless, with peach-skin tannins, and
a remarkably long finish. Even more refined and sophisticated when
tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
This wine has pizzazz.
Score: 94
Siduri, Santa Rosa
It has been two decades since winemaker Adam Lee crafted Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley. Since Siduri is
now owned by Jackson Family Estates, he has access to Anderson Valley fruit and has now released two
wines from this region.
2017 Siduri Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $40, screw cap. Sourced from three vineyards. 4-day
cold soak, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Revealing aromas of red cherry and berry, spice and toast. Nicely composed and ready to roll now, with
middleweight flavors of red cherry, red raspberry and baking spices. Sleek tannins contribute a polished
mouthfeel. I would like this wine more if it was priced at $30.
Score: 89
2017 Siduri Edmeades Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., $50, screw cap.
·
Moderate garnet
color in the glass. Persistent aromas of darker cherry and sous-bois. More power, intensity and finish in a mid
weight plus style featuring flavors of plum, pomegranate and a citric thread. A good tannic backbone provides
balance. Quite appealing, with uplifting energy and a cherry cola finish.
Score: 92
Stoller Family Estate, Dayton
The Stoller 400-acre farm has been in the Stoller family since 1943. Planting began in 1995 and currently, the
estate vineyard encompasses 225 acres on south-facing hillsides with volcanic soils, making it the largest
congruous vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. 70% of the plantings are Pinot Noir (14 clones), 25% are
Chardonnay (Dijon clones, largest estate planting of Chardonnay in Oregon) and 5% other varieties. The
vineyard and winery are LIVE certified. Melissa Burr, the Vice President of Winemaking, has been at Stoller for
15 years and has helped grow production from 1,000 cases to 60,000 cases. Visit
www.stollerfamilyestate.com.
2018 Stoller Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé
12.5% alc., pH 3.01, TA 0.735, 15,000 cases,
$25. Fruit harvested from several sites intentionally for rosé. Multiple clones are whole cluster
pressed and fermented in stainless steel. Bottled January 2019.
·
Light pink color in the glass.
Enticing perfume of strawberry, yellow peach and dried red rose petal. Good richness of flavor,
offering tastes of strawberry, cranberry, peach, blood orange and dried herbs. The fruit really
attracts your attention and infuses the finish with generosity.
Score: 91
2017 Stoller Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.58, 21,500 cases, $30, screw cap. A mosiac
of Pinot Noir from the estate including a mix of all the planted clones. Mostly whole berry and primarily native
yeast fermentation before aging for almost a year in French oak barrels, 15% new, 85% neutral.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. Dark red cherry and berry fruits are featured on the nose and palate in this
middleweight wine that is straightforward and simple. A fine introduction to Oregon Pinot Noir.
Score: 87
Walter Scott Wines, Salem
This is the one Oregon winery that excels in offering the widest variety of vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay from top-notch vineyards. Every wine in the lineup exemplifies the best that Oregon has to offer.
Visit www.walterscottwine.com. The 2017 Pinot Noirs are very approachable now. The wines are all vinified
using the same regimen so that individual vineyard differences show through.
2017 Walter Scott Dubay Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $55.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of
black raspberry, black cherry, rose petal and refined oak. Mid weight plus in style, with flavors of black cherry
and purple berry. A little dark chocolate chimes in with the boisterous, dark fruits. There is some umami at play
as well. This wine grabs your attention by virtue of its excellent balance, joyous tannic backbone and harmony.
Score: 92
2017 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $55.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of dark cherry, ripe strawberry, Prada
leather coat and toasty oak. Engaging and giving with a mid weight plus core of dark red and purple
fruits with an earthy undertone. Slightly gruff but not intrusive tannins, a sleek texture and a very
intense and lingering finish The fruit flavor really brings the taste buds to attention.
Score: 94
2017 Walter Scott Sojourner Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5%
alc., $55.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The aromas really draw you into the glass with a
perfume of rose petal, muddled cherry, pomegranate and spice. Highly pleasurable from start to
finish, offering mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and spice. Impeccable balance,
with a dry, black cherry infused, bombastic finish. Wow!
Score: 95
2017 Walter Scott Sequitur Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $ sold out.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Classic Pinot Noir
aromatic profile of crushed cherry, rose petal, exotic spice
and congenial oak. Delicious cherry core, even hypnotizing.
No hard edges in this wine with balanced tannins,
invigorating acidity and a captivating finish flush with cherry
goodness. It is easy to find superlatives for this beauty.
Score: 94
2017 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $65.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dusty rose, red cherry and sous-bois. Lighter in style but
packs a wallop of flavor. Dark red cherry and cranberry fruits really grab hold of the mid palate and finish juicy
and strong. Gracious oak, with modest tannins and a welcome backbone of acidity in a very elegant package.
Score: 93
2017 Walter Scott Temperance Hill Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $ sold out.
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Light ruby red color in the glass. Really nice aromas of red cherry, cranberry and spice. A cherry bombast in the
mouth with supportive oak. The tannins are quite modest and there is a good bolt of acidity. The flavors build in
intensity over time in the glass. A tame, less ripe interpretation of this vineyard in this vintage.
Score: 93
More Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
2018 Anam Cara Chehalem Mountains Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 110 cases, $25, screw cap. 100% Wädenswil
clone from the Nicholas Estate Vineyard. 3-day cold soak, aged in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Watermelon color in the glass. Aromas of red berry, yellow nectarine and rose petal. Suave in
texture and easy to cozy up to, with flavors of strawberry and cranberry.
Score: 89
2016 Cameron Clos Electrique Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., $66. This winery is a member of
deep roots coalition and practices sustainable viticulture techniques without irrigating.
·
A very savory wine with
aromas of underbrush, peat moss and piquant herbs with a hint of blackberry. Soft and sleek in the mouth, with
a mid weight plus core of purple and black berry fruits and a subtle thread of green bell pepper. Gentle tannins,
with a long, fruity finish. More appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. A wine
for savory character enthusiasts.
Score: 91
2016 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 300 cases, $69.
This is the only vineyard that was kept intact when the
property was bought in 1992 and has old time wide row
spacing. That said, this is always my favorite vineyarddesignate
from Cristom.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Deep aromas of black cherry, spice and burnt tobacco.
Decisive attack of black cherry fruit in a mid weight style with just the
right accent of oak spice. Reserved, fine-grain tannins add support and
lend a hand to the suave texture. Still a bit reserved but can be enjoyed
now and the balance predicts at least ten years of pleasure down the
road. There are only three things in life that are certain: death, taxes
and the excellence of Cristom Pinot Noir.
Score: 96
2016 Drouhin RoseRock Zephirine Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $52. A LIVE
certified sustainable vineyard with volcanic soils. A barrel selection by winemaker Veronique Drouhin. The
name refers to Zephirine Drouhin variety of climbing rose known for its fragrance and beauty.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. The wine is very ripe fruited with aromas and flavors reflecting this. The nose offers
scents of boysenberry, plum and vanilla. Plump boysenberry and blackberry fruits are composed in a mid
weight plus style and accented with benevolent tannins in the background. Intensely fruity and somewhat
sweet with noticeable oak-driven vanilla and cigar notes. Honestly, this wine reminded me of Meomi Pinot Noir.
This wine is very highly rated in the wine press so what do I know?
Score: 92
2016 Etude Yamhela Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.65, 673 cases, $65. Dijon 113
and Pommard. The vineyard is Oregon LIVE and Salmon Safe. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is dominated by roasted coffee aroma. Mid
weight in style with fruit flavors of black cherry and black raspberry and oak-infused flavors of toast and
espresso. Nothing notable except good acidity. A slight bit of alcoholic warmth shows up on the modest finish.
This wine tastes like a cellar sample from a new, well-toasted oak barrel. No second bottle to sample.
Score: 87
2017 Game of Thrones Oregon Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $17. Game of Thrones wines are the official wines of
the HBO series and include an Oregon Pinot Noir and Central Coast Chardonnay released in the spring of
·
Light
ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, sandalwood and botanical lead to a lighter styled wine
offering darker red berry and stone fruit flavors permeated by an underlying vegetative and smoky note that
was unpleasant. Gracious and juicy with a mild tannic grip on the short finish. Not nearly as good as the HBO
show.
Score: 85
2017 Résonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $65. Maison Louis Jadot’s first wine project
outside of Burgundy, France since the winery’s founding in 1859. Estate grown from the organically farmed
Résonance Vineyard that was planted on ungrafted rootstock in 1981.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. The nose appeals with aromas of red cherry, strawberry, sandalwood and graham. Light to mid weight in
style, offering a core of dark red cherry fruit accented with savory herbs and earthiness. Very French in tone,
with savory characters dominating fruit notes. The muscular tannins impart an astringent finish.
Score: 88
2016 Sequitur Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., $100. Unfined and
unfiltered. Crafted by veteran winemaker Michael Etzel (Beaux Freres).
·
Moderately dark garnet
color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, sous-bois, cedary oak and a subtle dried herb note.
Enchanting charge of well-spiced dark cherry, boysenberry and black raspberry fruits envelope the
palate with goodness. A firm backbone of tannins is supportive, an arrow of acidity adds vigor and
toasty oak contributes complimentary accents. All the flavors come together in an exalted finish of
uncommon length.
Score: 94
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