Lumos Wine Company

Articles About Lumos Wine Company

Reviewed Wines

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. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2018 LUMOS Temperance Hill Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 226 cases, $45. Released October 2020. · Do not think of this wine as an entry-level bottling as it is carefully composed through multiple tastings to achieve a superior representation of the vineyard. Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry, sous bois, truffle, cardamom spice and lavender. Plush in the mouth in a mid-weight plus style with harmonious flavors of black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate. Impressive harmony, with lithe tannins and welcome acidity. The wine finishes clean and long. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 LUMOS North Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 92 cases, $55. Released October 2020. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of red and purple berry mash, spice cabinet, and tilled earth. Luxurious on the palate in a mid-weight plus style, offering vibrant flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and purple grape that find every crevice and taste bud in the mouth. The wine creates a bold yet discreet impression with the fruit pulled into line with fine acidity and tame tannins. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 LUMOS Pumphouse Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 75 cases, $55. Released October 2020. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly to reveal soaring aromas of black cherry, mocha-java, and exotic Indian spices. Instantly appealing in a middleweight style, featuring a luscious core of dark cherry and raspberry fruit pumped up with generous spice. The cherry-fueled finish is extremely long. Even better when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 LUMOS The G Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 104 cases, $55. Released October 2020. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark cherry, wine cellar and potpourri. An intense attack of dark cherry fruit flavor perks up the taste buds. Supportive tannins and quenching acidity add to the pleasure.This wine stands out for its generous and extremely persistent finish that lingers longer than any of the Pinot Noirs in this vintage. Truly exceptional when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 LUMOS Upper Bench Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 73 cases, $55. Released October 2020. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A complex nose offers aromas of blackberry, cassis, floral bouquet and balsam. Very silky in the mouth with a discreet concentration of dark red cherry and red current fruits that stand out for their juiciness. There is a shadow of supportive oak. Very tame tannins make for easy enjoyment now. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 LUMOS Double Barrel Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 49 cases, $75. Released October 2020. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Demure but pleasant aromas of black cherry, barrel room, incense and tobacco. Red and black cherry flavors are expansive on the mid-palate and persist with a vengeance on the generous and lengthy finish. Somewhat elegant, with dusty tannins and charming oak shadow. This wine was still withholding some of its charms when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle and needs decanting or more time in the cellar to reach its full potential. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »

2017 Lumos Julia Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

13.5% alc., 77 cases, $24. Released April 2020. Named for winemaker Julia Cattrall.Tank and barrel fermented. Coldstabilized, Bentonite fined. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of pear, lemongrass, yellow melon, caramel and white flower. Engaging flavors of white stone fruits with a hint of coconut and the grassy character found in Sauvignon Blanc. Refined, with a moderately plush texture and an upbeat, uplifting finish. Score: 90. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Lumos Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 260 cases, $45. Vineyard is dry-farmed and 100% certified organic and Salmon Safe. This bottling is made from the best barrels among all the different lots. It generally includes most, if not all of the clones but there is no formula. Dai, Boone and Julia blind taste all the barrels and then arrive at a Temperance Hill Vineyard designate. Additional trials are then assembled by Julia and are evaluated blind. 1/3 whole cluster fermentation (layer cake method with whole clusters in the center), native yeast fermentation, primarily pump-overs with minimal punch-downs, and aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The pleasing aromas of black cherry, baking spice and toast gain traction over time in the glass. Delicious midweight flavors of black cherry and blackberry framed by uplifting acidity and tame tannins. Very open and giving with a compliment of oak in the background and some graphite-infused fruit on the finish. Score: 93. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Lumos North Wren Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 96 cases, $48. Pommard clone. 1/3 whole cluster fermentation (layer cake methods with clusters in the center), natural yeast fermentation, primarily pump-overs with minimal punch-downs, aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. This wine leads with the most seductive Pinot aromas of black cherry, cinnamon spice, sage and damp earth. Mid-weight in style, with engaging flavors of black cherry, dried herbs and vanilla. Completely satisfying, with a silky texture, minimal tannins and a cherry-fueled finish. Better than mother’s milk. Score: 94. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Lumos Pumphouse Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 84 cases, $48. Clones 113, 114 and 115.1/3 whole cluster fermentation (layer cake method with whole clusters in center), native yeast fermentation, primarily pump-overs with minimal punch-downs, aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of cherry, dark red berry, spice and floral perfume pick up intensity with time in the glass. Dense yet energetically fruited in a mid-weight plus style, with impressive fresh-off-the-vine expression of black grape, black berry and black currant flavors. Silky in the mouth with modest tannins and a finish awash in umami and fruit. Score: 94. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Lumos The G Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 97 cases, $48. Also named “Guam” because this block is located in the farthest corner of the vineyard. Clone 777. 1/3 whole cluster fermentation (layer cake method with whole clusters in the center), native yeast fermentation, primarily pump-overs with minimal punch-downs, aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · This wine is a candidate for decanting, becoming my favorite wine in the 2017 lineup when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Superb intensity of fruit aromas including darker cherry and berry. Structure and power to spare, staining the palate with a charge of earth-toned blackberry fruit. A soft mouthfeel creates a velvet hammer of flavor. Echos of spiced dark fruit linger on the finish. An excellent cellar candidate. Score: 95. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Lumos Upper Bench Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 69 cases, $48.1/3 whole cluster fermentation (layer cake method with whole clusters in the center), native yeast fermentation, primarily pump-overs with minimal punch-downs, aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A nose to kill for with hi-tone aromas of dark cherry and spice. Gracious in the mouth, with a pleasing infusion of dark red berry and cherry fruit flavors backed up with silken tannins and gregarious acidity. Excellent harmony, finishing long and savory. Score: 93. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2016 LUMOS Chiquita Estate Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé

13.5% alc., 86 cases, $25. Released April 1, 2017. Produced from organic grapes. · Moderate ruby red color in the glass. Inviting aromas of strawberry, white flowers and a hint of spice. Good richness of fruit, with flavors of red berries and orange flower water. Bone dry, with a cleansing finish offering some length. Score: 91. Reviewed June 4, 2017

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. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

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. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 LUMOS Wren Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay

12.5% alc., 107 cases, $35. Released October 2018. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A striking aroma of honey is augmented with notes of chalk dust and bruised apple. Flavors of honey, lemon, and golden apple in a discretely rich style with a luscious, silken texture. A bit of oak-driven flavors of nuts, toast and vanilla chime in. Score: 90. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 145 cases, $45.

Note Dai Crisp and his spouse PK McCovy started the LUMOS Wine Company in 2000. Since 1999, Dai has managed the Temperance Hills Vineyard, a 100-acre site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA that is considered one of Oregon’s most esteemed vineyards. A tasting room, housed in an historic barn, is located in Wren, Oregon, 16 miles west of Corvallis. LUMOS wines are sold on the winery’s website at www.lumoswine.com. Prices are quite reasonable ($28-$45) considering the pedigree of the grapes sourced from Temperance Hill Vineyard. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Black fruits are featured in this mid weight wine that sports excellent harmony. Since last reviewed in October 2018, this wine has gained considerable appeal. The core of dark berry and stone fruits so typical of this vineyard are vivid and saturating. The tannins have mollified since last tasted, and the wine aims to please. Score: 92. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

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. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 LUMOS PumpHouse Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 45 cases, $48. Released October 2018. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of wine cave, underbrush and rusty iron evolve over time in the glass to reveal purple berry and rose petal aromas. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

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. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

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. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 LUMOS Five Blocks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 449 cases, $25. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Love this nose! Aromas of dark cherry, warm spices, toast and rose petal. Forward drinking and welcoming, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, ollaliberry, spice and the right touch of oak. Silky and seamless, with fine-grain tannins and an agreeable finish. Consistently one of Oregon’s best values in Pinot Noir. Score: 91. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 LUMOS Wren Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay

12.0% alc., 118 cases, $35. Produced from organically-grown Dijon clone grapes. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Spirited aromas of citrus nectar, poached pear, green apple and white flower blossoms. More pear and white peach flavors than citrus in this edgy wine that is both fruit and acid propelled. Both bright and comforting, with the slightest dry tannins, and a quenching, admirable finish. At 12% ABV, you can easily enjoy two glasses of this wine without becoming sideways. Oregon Chardonnay: you’ve come a long way, baby. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard Temperance Hill Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 196 cases, $45. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, herbs and seasoned oak echo on the nose. Very charming, with a nicely spiced mid weight blackberry fruit core. The tannic backbone is substantial but not at the forefront. The subtle oak treatment delights. What sets this wine apart is the remarkably persistent finish. Like Tom Brady, it’s all about the finish. Score: 95. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard North Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 72 cases, $48. The North block is 7.4 acres of Pinot Noir situated at 815 feet elevation. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The extroverted nose offers scents of muddled black cherry, spice and violets. Inviting delicacy in this light to mid weighted wine offering layers of flavors including black cherry, black raspberry, spice and tobacco. Ingratiating harmony with lacy tannins and a generous finish, while not quite the length of the Temperance Hill Estate bottling, still very giving. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard The Babies Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 42 cases, $48. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Exuberant aromas arrive slowly over time in the glass, including black cherry, blueberry, and turned earth. Sleek in the mouth in a mid weight fruit-driven style featuring flavors of black cherry, blackberry and blueberry. More sap and tannin than Five Blocks with commendable balance and a dry, lengthy finish. Score: 92. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard The G Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 71 cases, $48. The Guam block is 1.16 acres of Pinot Noir planted at 703 feet elevation. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is quite primary, offering only subtle aromas of blackest fruits and oak seasoning. Mid weight plus in concentration, divulging a hedonistic array of purple and black fruits. A muscular wine by Oregon standards with matching tannins, yet light on its feet. The fruit is on full display on the slightly astringent finish. Gives this wine another year or two in the cellar. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 LUMOS Five Blocks Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

590 cases, $25. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reveals itself slowly over time in the glass, eventually offering very pleasant aromas of dark red fruits with cherry standing out. Black cherry flavor is at the core of this mid weight styled wine, but added accents of spice, herbs and oak add interest. The tannins are mild, making for easy approach ability, and the velvety texture is immensely satisfying. Along with the textural interest, the finish attracts interest with its intensity. Score: 91. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

190 cases, $45 · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. An exceptional wine with very expressive aromas of muddled black cherries and spicy oak. Sleek and refined on the palate, with powerful black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors that saturate the mid palate and persist through a very long finish. A wine of pedigree, with courageous balance and an aim to please. Score: 94. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 LUMOS Five Blocks Wren & Temperance Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 290 cases, $25. Release January 1, 2016. Certified organic vineyards. Vegan-friendly. Sourced from the 15-acre Wren Vineyard planted to Pommard clone Pinot Noir, located on grower and winemaker Dai Crisp’s 100-acre family farm, and the 100-acre Temperance Hill Vineyard. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very inviting aromas of cherry, forest floor and a hint of tobacco-laden oak. Vivid and crisp, with black cherry, black raspberry and spice really popping on the palate. Amazing grip and persistence on an incredibly long finish. Beautifully crafted, with integrated tannins and deft oak seasoning. An incredible wine at this price. Score: 92. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 143 cases, $45. Release January 1, 2016. Vineyard is USDA certified organic. Vegan-friendly. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting perfume of dark berries and pie cherries with an earthy underpinning. Heavenly flavors of marionberry, plum, pomegranate and spice that fills the mouth with layers of goodness. This wine comes at you from all angles and refuses to leave on the fruit-laden finish. A Pinot Noir that is both husky and masculine, yet refined and sophisticated. The serious fruit intensity is deftly balanced by a tannic backbone that insures age ability. I can’t say enough good things about this special wine. Score: 94. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 LUMOS Five Blocks Wren & Temperance Hill Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $25. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing but shy aromas of dark berries, rose petals and spice. Attention-grabbing attack of mid to fullbodied blueberry, boysenberry and black cherry fruits with an earthy undertone. This wine is still young, sporting defined tannins and toasty oak which show up on the huge, generously fruited finish. Still a bit tight the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle but the potential is obvious. No rush to drink this one. Score: 92. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $38. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose offering a whiff of black cherry and ashen oak. Fullbodied, luscious core of black cherry, black raspberry and pomegranate fruits backed by firm, but not obtrusive tannins. Very vivid and classy, soft and smooth in the mouth, with a lengthy finish of uncommon generosity. The oak overlay is a bit much now, but should mitigate some over time. A man’s Pinot. Score: 90. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 LUMOS Chiquita Oregon Pinot Noir Rosè

12.4% alc., 114 cases, $20. From Wren and Temperance Hill vineyards. · Medium rosy red color in the glass. Enticing summer perfume of fresh strawberry glaze, red cherries, blood oranges and pine. Fresh and tangy with good body and substance for a rosè. Flavors of strawberries, tart cherries and a hint of citrus with a lively cut of acidity on the refreshing finish. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 LUMOS Five Blocks Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 504 cases, $24. Aged 15 months. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Primarily cherry aromas which build in intensity over time in the glass. Tasty mid weight flavors of dark cherries and raspberries with hints of cola, cocoa and spice. Juicy and refreshing with supple tannins and well honed acidity. A pleasure to drink. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

688 cases, 13.6% alc., $32. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This is a curious wine because upon opening it has very attractive ripe, rich fruit aromas and flavors, but over time oak and peppery notes take over and it loses some appeal. Sweet black raspberry and black cherry flavors dominate, framed by lively acidity and firm tannins. Delicious upon opening with impressive length, the wine becomes ponderous and rather ordinary over time. Tasted twice with the first bottle unappealing due to marked reduction and dominate oak presence. Second bottle is Good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »