Dec 30, 2022
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Noble Pig Winery
| Owner(s) | Cathy Pollack, Henry Pollack |
| Web site | www.noblepigwine.com |
| Link to this site |
Noble Pig Winery was established in 2008 by winemaker Cathy Pollack and her physician spouse Henry. The couple spent most of their life in Southern California where Henry had a successful practice. Health problems cut Henry's career short, and they change direction. They moved to Davis, California and Cathy enrolled in the school's enology and viticulture program. For her thesis, Cathy formulated a plan for a marketing and promotional program for a hypothetical winery she dubbed Noble Pig. She was inspired by the story long ago in the 19th century when the English king presented the Japanese emperor a prized Berkshire pig, strengthening their relations.
The Pollacks found a home in the McMinnville AVA where they bought 88 acres and planted the first 4 acres of Pinot Noir in 2010. They sourced grapes for their first releases while the estate vineyard matured. They plan to slowly increase production to about 5,000 cases.
Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir are offered. The wines are sold through the website. A tasting room is shared with J Wrigley Vineyards in a small cottage in Carlton.
The Pollacks also have a terrific food blog with mouth watering recipes and photography at www.noblepig.com.
Articles About Noble Pig Winery
Reviewed Wines
2009 The Noble Pig McMinnville Oregon Pinot Blanc
13.7% alc., 278 cases, $18, screw cap.
Sourced from a very old vineyard in Yamhill County.
·
Pale yellow color in the glass. Fresh aromas of
apple, poached pear, baking spice and warm honey. The flavors echo the aromas with an added note
of grassy herbs and petrol. The fruit is crisped by the bright acidity and the mouth feel is slightly
creamy. Pinot Blanc is my favorite casual and comfortable Oregon white wine. Very good.
Reviewed January 12, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 The Noble Pig McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 100 cases,
$34. Clones are Pommard and Dijon 114 and 115. Aged 12 months in French
oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of fresh
cherries, leaf, stem, cut flowers and apple core. Essence of black cherries and
dried cranberries with subtle herbs and oak in the background. Aims to please
with moderate silky tannins and a welcoming elegance. The wine acquires more
body and interest over time in the glass, but is a bit austere and reserved lacking
some mid palate verve and finishing strength. A little better the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Tasted twice. Good.
Reviewed January 12, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 The Noble Pig McMinnville Oregon Pinot Blanc
13.7% alc., 278 cases, $18, screw cap. Sourced from a very old vineyard in Yamhill County. · Pale yellow color in the glass. Fresh aromas of apple, poached pear, baking spice and warm honey. The flavors echo the aromas with an added note of grassy herbs and petrol. The fruit is crisped by the bright acidity and the mouth feel is slightly creamy. Pinot Blanc is my favorite casual and comfortable Oregon white wine. Very good. Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 The Noble Pig McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 100 cases, $34. Clones are Pommard and Dijon 114 and 115. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of fresh cherries, leaf, stem, cut flowers and apple core. Essence of black cherries and dried cranberries with subtle herbs and oak in the background. Aims to please with moderate silky tannins and a welcoming elegance. The wine acquires more body and interest over time in the glass, but is a bit austere and reserved lacking some mid palate verve and finishing strength. A little better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Tasted twice. Good. Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »