Laura Volkman Vineyards

Laura Volkman lovingly farms a small Pinot Noir vineyard located in Yamhill County, Oregon. She is fanatical about her vineyard farming, performing practically all the physical work in the vineyard, and for the most part, won’t let anyone else, even her husband, touch the vines. In the winery, she is so intense about her winemaking that she takes every bottle personally. She even does her own punch downs. She likens her passion and dedication to an author writing a great book who seeks a sequestered location and entirely focuses on the job at hand.

The Laura Volkman Vineyard is located about a quarter mile from August Cellars in Newberg. This is a cooperative facility in which several winemakers, including Laura, lease space. Together with her husband, she purchased a small farm several years ago, cleared the land and planted the vineyard to clones 114, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. She developed her winemaking acumen through the Northwest Viticulture Center in Salem, Oregon and was mentored by Mike Etzel at Beaux Freres during the 2001 and 2002 crush. Her first wines were released from the 2004 vintage. The labels are quite striking and display artwork depicting Laura in her vineyard (created by watercolor artist Terry Peasley).

Both of the 2006 Laura Volkman Vineyards Pinot Noirs (Rachel Estate and Jacob Estate, named after her two children pictured above) knocked it out of the park. I recently sampled her newest release, the 2007 Jacob Estate Pinot Noir and I am happy to report she is still on her game. Her Bella Chardonnay from purchased fruit is a killer as well. The wines are sold through a mailing list at www.volkmancellars.com or by contacting Laura at 503-806-4047. Tasting is available by appointment at the vineyard at 13000 N.E. Quarry Road (off highway 99W) in Newberg.

2007 Laura Volkman Vineyards Jacob Estate Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 135 cases, $45. Sourced from fruit grown on the East Block of the estate vineyard. Clones are 114, 115 and 777. Barrel aged on the lees in 50% new French oak. · Wonderful aromatics with considerable interest. Red stone fruits and red berries, cinnamon spice, a hint of oak and a touch floral with some fresh mountain air marked by cedar and pine. An aromatic wine on the palate with lingering flavors of red fruits, oak and edible flowers. Very clean and silky with polished tannins and a good grip on the finish. Perfectly harmonious and a real treat.