Vineyard: Kramer Estate

OwnersKeith Kramer, Trudy Kramer
AppellationYamhill-Carlton District
Acres6.5
VarietiesChardonnay, Gamay Noir, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Clones115, 667, 777, Wädenswil

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.63, RS 0.2 g/L, 100 cases, $22. Released April 13,2018. Estate grapes planted in the late 1980s. Harvest Brix 21.7º. Grapes de-stemmed into 1.5-ton fermenter and pressed after six days. Racked to tank for primary fermentation and aged on fine lees for 5 months prior to bottling. · Moderate pinkish-red color in the glass. Really enticing aromas of fresh red berries and rose petal. Juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry, blood orange and spice . Excellent grip, silky on the palate, with a pleasing gift of aromatic fruit on the bracing, dry finish. Score: 92. Reviewed May 12, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Kramer Vineyards Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.67, 200 cases, $22. A blend of grapes from Stormy Morning Vineyard and Kramer Estate Vineyard. Harvest Brix 22.5º. 100% destemmed, 4-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. · A lighter style wine with aromas and flavors of black cherry, cranberry, raspberry, exotic spice and white pepper. Noticeable oak overlay with sprightly acidity leading to a tart finish of some persistence. Score: 87. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.67, 375 cases, $28. A blend of clones from several blocks of the Estate Vineyard, including ownrooted and grafted vines planted between 1985 and 1995 and consisting of Wädenswil, Pommard and Gamay Beaujolais clones. Harvest Brix 21.4º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of earth, oak and balsam dominate upon opening. Plenty of like able fruit on the palate including flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and pomegranate. Well-composed with a savory thread adding interest. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, more dark fruit showed up on the nose and the finish offered more aromatic persistence. Decant if you must drink now. Score: 92. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 125 cases, $34. A blend of grapes from the Estate Vineyard and Yamhill vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 5-day cold soak, aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely appointed nose with aromas of dark red and purple berries, dark chocolate and clove. Richly extracted, with earthy flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, and black tea infused with juicy acidity and backed by sinewy tannins. Score: 88. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Kramer Vineyards Cardiac Hill Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 125 cases, pH 3.55, TA 0.59, 125 cases, $45. Sourced from the steepest hillside of vines in the Estate Vineyard. A high clay content in the soil stresses the vines leading to low yields. Pommard and Dijon 115 clones. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas of earth and forest floor play off fruit aromas of raspberry, cranberry and strawberry. Darker fruited on the palate, with mid weight flavors of blackberry and black raspberry that attack with notice and are expansive in the mouth. The refined tannins provide good structure and the finish exceeds expectations with generosity. Still sumptuous when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Kramer Vineyards Heritage Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.68, 125 cases, $45. Sourced from the oldest block of Pinot Noir in the Estate Vineyard. Own-rooted Pommard clone planted in 1989. Harvest Brix 22.1º. 75% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose starts off great after opening and builds in charity over time in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, rose, spice and cola are replicated in the mid weight flavors on the palate along with notes of plum and Marionberry. Gentle in the mouth, with seductive tannins and bright acidity in superb balance, finishing with enduring length and a subtle citrus note. This wine just kept getting better and better over time in the glass so decanting would be advised. This Pinot offers depth, dimension and freshness in a compelling package. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Kramer Vineyards Rebecca’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir

12.1% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.61, 75 cases, $48. Rebecca’s block in the Estate Vineyard was planted to high vine density and Pommard and 115 clones in 1992. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly individualistic, with a rustic and earthy character. Aromas of cherry, blueberry and mulch lead to flavors of wood-infused cherry and blueberry fruits framed by firm tannins. There is a noticeable oak imprint, and the wine finishes with some power and tartness. Still dominated by earthy, oaky elements when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. I found it challenging to cozy up close to this one. Score: 88. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Panther Creek Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

13.5% alc., 1,500 cases, $18. 100% stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation. Olsen, Wildewood and Kramer vineyards. · Light golden yellow color with a slight orange rim tinge in the glass. Shy aromas of yellow apple, pear and nuts. A pleasing food wine with modestly weighted flavors of pear, apple, and white peach. Smooth on the palate with a good cut of acidity. Score: 88. Reviewed August 25, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Kramer Vineyards “Celebrate!” Müller-Thurgau Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley sparkling wine

12.5% alc., pH 2.99, TA 0.82, RS 0.6%, 99 cases, $22. Sourced from vines planted in 1986-1988 in Peavine and Willakenzie silty clay loam soils. Harvest Brix 19.1º. Whole cluster pressed, fermentation in stainless tank, racked and aged on lees in stainless for 5 months. To sparkle, the wine was transferred to a high-pressure tank, chilled, and carbon dioxide bubbled in through a diffusion stone until the ideal level of pressure was achieved. · Faint golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemongrass, pear, melon and wilted rose. Dry and crisp on the palate, with flavors that echo the aromas. A refreshing drink with a good bead and a citrus-driven aftertaste. Score: 87. Reviewed December 11, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Kramer Vineyards “Celebrate!” Pinot Gris Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley sparkling wine

11.0% alc., pH 3.18, TA 0.49, RS 1.5%, 325 cases, $22. Harvest Brix 17.7º. Whole cluster pressed, racked to stainless tank for primary fermentation. When fermentation complete, racked and aged on lees in stainless for 5 months. To sparkle, the wine was transferred to a high-pressure tank, chilled, and carbon dioxide bubbled in through a diffusion stone, until the ideal level of pressure was achieved. · Steely white color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of tropical fruits, Muscat, apricot and peach. Fruity, off dry, with a good bead, offering flavors of banana, peach, pear and vanilla. Winemaker recommends toasting with this wine on its own, or using it for mimosas and as a part of creative mixtures with cranberry, pomegranate or guava juices. Have some fun with it! Score: 88. Reviewed December 11, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Kramer Vineyards Reserve Dijon Clones Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.7% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.59, 125 cases, $28. Estate grown. Harvest Brix 19.7º. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented sur lie for 10 months in 60% neutral French oak barrels adn 40% stainless steel barrels. Full malolactic fermentation with minimal lees stirring. · Light yellow gold color and clear in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of tropical fruits, pear, floral bouquet and a hint of Muscat. Relatively light in weight but pleasing with crisp flavors of apple, pear, nectarine and honeydew melon. Nicely balanced with a silky mouthfeel and the slightest hint of tannin on the dry finish. Score: 91. Reviewed December 11, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.61, 300 cases, $24. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 75% de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, pump over and punch downs twice daily until dry. Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Composed of various clones from several of the estate vineyard blocks. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Engaging perfume of black cherry, blackberry, spice and vanilla. A forward drinking wine with plenty of cherry, berry and spice flavor to satisfy. Admirable intensity on the attack with some power on the finish that ends with a rush of young tannins. This wine will benefit from more bottle age but is hard to resist now. Score: 90. Reviewed December 11, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kramer Vineyards Cardiac Hill Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.64, 100 cases, $42. Crafted from LIVE-certified grapes. Sourced from the steepest hillside vines on the estate vineyard. Clones are Pommard and Dijon 11. Harvest Brix 23.3º. Willakenzie soil with a high clay content which stresses the vines and leads to small yields. 100% de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, pumped over and punched down twice daily until dry, then pressed. Aged 17 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. I am crazy about this nose which features aromas of black cherries, complex floral notes, complimentary spice and a hint of smoky oak. On the palate, the mid weight flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, raspberry and spice are enticing. The bright acidity gives the vibrant apple fruit flavor a lift. There are plenty of tannins to go the distance. A delightful wine with charm and sophistication. Score: 94. Reviewed December 11, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kramer Vineyards Heritage Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.62, 100 cases, $42. Sourced from the oldest block of Pinot Noir in the estate vineyard first planted in 1984. 100% own-rooted Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 23.2º. 75% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, pumped over and punched down twice daily until dry. Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark fruits and sous-bois. Charming flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and spice, building in intensity over time in the glass. Remarkable appeal and length, with substantial tannins. Still opulent the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed December 11, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kramer Vineyards Rebecca’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.62, 75 cases, $42. From an estate vineyard block planted in 1992 to 4’ x 4’ spacing. Pommard and Dijon 115 clones. Harvest Brix 23.0º. 100% de-stemmed. 6-day cold soak, pumped over and punched down twice daily until dry. Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and underbrush lead to intense flavors of blackberry and black plum. Reasonably good attack and finish, with enough structure to satisfy. Only hints at its ultimate promise at this time and should elevate with more time in the bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed December 11, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.58, 125 cases, $20. From a sustainably farmed estate vineyard, including various clones from several blocks. Winemaker is Trudy J. Kramer. 100% de-stemmed, 10-day cold soak, aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Love the nose which is fragrant with aromas of exotically spiced black cherries with a hint of toast. Over time in the glass, the scent of cardamom spice and rose petals emerge. Moderately rich essence of black cherries and cranberries with a black tea, tar and citrus note in the background. Has some backbone, but the tannins are ripe and not intrusive. Highly enjoyable now. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Brut Sparkling Wine

12.5% alc., pH 3.10, TA 0.90, Residual Sugar 0.3%, 149 cases, $24. 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. · Faint yellow color in the glass with a good bead. Complex nose with an array of scents including green apple, lemon zest, white peach, roasted nuts and dough. Flavors of green apple, lemon and toasted brioche are lifted by bright acidity, and hang on through the long, bone dry finish. Highly enjoyable. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »