Et Fille Wines

The Mozeico family is quietly turning out some of Oregon’s finest Pinot Noirs. Father Howard, whose background is in software, has been making Pinot Noir since 1984. Daughter Jessica first assisted in the winemaking with the 2000 vintage and the name Et Fille was born. Et Fille means “and daughter.” Howard jokes that “Mozeico et Fille” just wouldn’t work.

The goal here is to make small, manageable amounts of distinctive singlevineyard Pinot Noirs in a style that is adapted to the character of each individual vineyard. No attempt is made to craft every vineyard-designate Pinot Noir in the same fashion. Mozeico believes each vineyard gives something unique, and this precious expression of terroir is preserved in the artisan Pinot Noirs made here by father and daughter.

The wines are made at August Cellars, a state-of-the-art gravity flow winery just off Hwy 99W near Newberg, Oregon. A tasting room here offers some of the wines and is open weekends all year, weekdays during the summer. Private tastings are available by appointment (503-449-5030). Sales and marketing are handled by Jessica.

Et Fille Wines are sold through the tasting room and a mailing list. I got mine from www.avalonwine.com. The Palmer Creek Vineyard and Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noirs are sold out at the winery. In the Spring of 2007, two wines will be released: 2005 Et Fille Elton Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and 2005 Et Fille Maresh Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The phone number is 503-449-5030 and the website is www.etfillewines.com.