2019 Lenné Estate Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
Owner Steve Lutz is a man of many talents who grows the estate Pinot Noir grapes, makes the wine, and
manages the winery operation. Established in 2002, Lenné Estate is a 20.9-acre site with 15.5 acres under
vine, ideally situated on a south-facing slope at 370 to 600 feet elevation near many famous Yamhill-Carlton
vineyards including Penner-Ash, Saffron-Fields, Willakenzie Estate, Shea, and Soléna Estate.
The vineyard is 100% Pinot Noir planted to clones 115, 777, and Pommard in 2001, with additional plantings of
Pommard in 2003, and 114, 777 and Pommard in 2004. Two small blocks of Chardonnay were added in 2005
and 2015. Spacing is 7 feet between the rows and 3 feet between the vines. The soils are marine sedimentary
in type. Establishing the vineyard was a challenge due to poor soil, challenging weather episodes, and the
steepness of the slope. Despite this, the vineyard has matured and the poor soil has turned out to be an
advantage limiting canopy growth and producing exceptionally small clusters. The result is intensely
concentrated flavor.
I have visited Lenné Estate several times to taste the Pinot Noirs from this property with Steve. In every
instance, I have thoroughly enjoyed the wines and can highly recommend them, particularly those from this
stellar 2019 vintage. Several wines have made my annual “All-Americans” list. Tasting is a relaxed,
unpretentious affair and is currently available by appointment at www.lenneestate.com. Lennߐ Estate Pinot Noir
is available from the website store. The wines were released on February 1, 2022.
2019 Lenné Estate Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $45. An expression of the terroir of Lennè Estate.
A selection of the best barrels of each harvest.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Inviting aromas of
cherry, raspberry, mocha and spice. The deeply flavored Bing cherry and black raspberry core makes an
impression. The fruit caresses the palate with goodness and finishes with an upbeat spiced cherry note.
Beautifully balanced with gentle tannins and a whisper of oak. This should be the wine on your dinner table
every day. In this lineup, the wine has the easiest-going tannins and is the most forward.
Score: 93
2019 Lenné Estate Jill’s 115 Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 125 cases, $55.
·
Moderate garnet color
in the glass. Plenty to like about this nose that sports high tone aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry and
dried red rose petal. Mid-weight plus in style, offering a burst of black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors
underlain with a burst of acidity for freshness. Well crafted with balanced tannins and a very long finish. Dijon
115 is the one Dijon clone that can make a complete wine.
Score: 93
2019 Lenné Estate Karen’s Pommard Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 125 cases, $55. When I see
a Pommard wine, my ears perk up, may eyes open widely, and my palate enters the foreplay mode.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A real vanilla cherry bomb of a nose with added aromas of spice and
sandalwood. On the palate it is whoa Nellie! sporting a plethora of well-spiced black cherry fruit framed buy a
congenial tannic spine. A shadow of oak adds support and the extremely long black cherry infused finish is
outrageous.
Score: 94
2019 Lenné Estate Sad Jack 777 Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $55.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. A perfume of black cherry, blackberry, cinnamon, and mocha is delightful. Mid-weight plus in heft with
husky flavors of black cherry and boysenberry underlain with a smoky thread. Silky smooth in texture with
impressive balance. I have never had an elite 777 clone Pinot Noir but this one is definitely not a throwaway.
Score: 92
2019 Lenné Estate South Slope Select Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $55.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
The nose soars to new heights over time in the glass offering
terrific aromas of black cherry, baking spices, vanilla and
bramble. Very charming on entry with plenty of red and purple
berry fruit to satisfy along with a gratifying spice accent.
Admirable harmony makes for easy approachability now but
this wine will age. Everything you could ask for well-deserving
of the label “select.”
Score: 95
2019 Lenné Estate cinq élus Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $85. This wine is made only in great vintages. The
name, cinq ߐlus”, translates to “five chosen.” The wine is a
blend of the best barrels from the five clones at Lennߐ Estate.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fantastically seductive nose
with effusive aromas of black cherry, purple berry and an exotic
mixture of Wassail spices including clove. A very classy wine in
a mid-weight plus style with richly honed black cherry,
olallieberry, mocha, and clove flavors in a hedonistic delight.
The fruits are extremely fresh, plump, and perfectly ripened. A
serious wine with firm tannins for aging. This is one to covet.
Sure it is expensive, but so are diamonds.
Score: 96
