Dec 30, 2022
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Harper Voit Wines
| Owner(s) | Drew Voit |
| Web site | www.harpervoit.com |
| Link to this site |
A fifteen-year veteran of the Oregon wine industry and former Associate Winemaker at Domaine Serene Winery and Winemaker and winemaker at Shea Wine Cellars, Drew Voit, produces small lots of Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Riesling under his private label. He began his formal winemaking studies at University of California at Davis.
Voit also consults for a number of wineries in the Willamette Valley and operates a custom winemaking operation for small ultra-premium brands (Declan Wine Co. in Newberg). The Assistant Winemaker is Andrew Bandy-Smith.
Voit has a close relationship with Stephen Hagen, the owner of Antiquum Farms, formerly Old School Vineyard. Hagen farms is vineyard Old World style using no irrigation and draft horses to work the vineyard, with sheep eating the weeds. The lineup includes single vineyard wines and a Willamette Valley cuvée.
The wines are sold through a mailing list.
Articles About Harper Voit Wines
Recent Sips of Other Interesting Whites (9.40 4/17/2014)
Several Very Good to Extraordinary Oregon Pinot Noirs Tasted Recently (10.14 7/12/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir & More (9.42 5/25/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Wines (9.39 3/29/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (9.27 7/22/2013)
Sips of White Wines Tasted Recently (10.14 7/12/2015)
Still More Oregon Wines to Savor (9.15 11/24/2012)
Reviewed Wines
2014 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
13.6% alc., 400 cases, $20. Sourced from
Meredith Mitchell and Yamhill vineyards. Barrel fermented and aged on the lees.
·
Very light yellow
color with a greenish tinge in the glass. Reserved, but fresh aromas of white peach and pear. A
demure wine on the palate, but quite seductive, with flavors of pear and peach and perfectly
supportive oak. Lees aging adds a very subtle yeasty component. Soft and slightly viscous in the
mouth with a juicy finish. One of Oregon’s best examples of this varietal.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 13, 2015
ARTICLE »
2014 Harper Voit Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Old Vine Riesling
12.7% alc., RS 13g/L, 85 cases,
$30. Vines planted in 1970.
·
Very light golden yellow
color in the glass. Complex and assertive nose
featuring aromas of poached pear, grilled peach,
marzipan, citrus, brioche and vanilla. A lovely wine
that charms with its liveliness and freshness,
featuring flavors of pear, peach, persimmon and even
tropical fruits. More fruity than mineral driven and not the apparent
acidity that expect from this varietal, but I love this peachy rendition. I
don’t think I have ever experienced such an intense and amazingly long
finish in a domestic Riesling. A very unique and special old vine
treasure.
Score: 94.
Reviewed July 13, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
13.6% alc., 300 cases, $20. Barrel fermented and
aged sur lie.
·
Very light yellow color and clear in the glass. Fruity nose offering fresh aromas of pear, white
peach and mango. A gregarious wine that is easy to like with intense Bartlett pear flavor and a touch of
nectarine. Especially good chilled as an aperitif and a worthwhile followup to the excellent 2012 vintage of this
wine.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 6, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 450 cases, $40. Sourced from
Antiquum, Bieze and Huntington Hill vineyards.
·
Moderately light crimson color in the glass. Aromas of cherry,
musk, pipe smoke and sous-bois. Mid weight cherry and raspberry flavors with food mid palate intensity and
some finish. A touch of spice and dark chocolate chime in. Well-structured with oak in the background,
finishing with some cranberry-driven acidity.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 13, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Perrydale Hills Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 150 cases, $52.
Marine sedimentary soils.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is still primary, but offers
demure aromas of dark berry jam, cinnamon toast and violets. Rich, sappy and intensely fruity on the mid
palate with waves of blackberry, black grape and black raspberry fruits accented with spice. Immature tannins
need time to integrate over time. The finish is packed with fruit but uplifted with a cut of citrus.
Score: 89-90.
Reviewed July 13, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Antiquum Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 100 cases, $65. Pommard, 777 and Wädenswil planted in
Bellpine soil at high elevation.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. Upon opening, the nose showed scents of berries, thatch, wax and
medicinal but the following day was much more fruit-driven. Delicious
mid weight cherry and dark red berry core with a hint of spice, red hots
and gingerbread. This wine stands out as unique and possesses an
especially appealing round mouthfeel and a long finish of immense
interest. Even better the following day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle with layers of luscious plum, black cherry and dark berry
fruits that woke up the palate.
Score: 91-92.
Reviewed July 13, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Bieze Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 125 cases,
$65. Calera and Pommard clones.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is quite primary initially
and doesn’t open until the following day, showing more appealing black cherry fruit and less smoky oak. This
wine has an enjoyable mid weight core of black cherry and raspberry fruit framed by balanced, dry tannins.
There is noticeable mid palate intensity and some length on the slightly astringent finish. A smoky aura
pervades this wine, even when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The
wine hasn’t come together, so try again in a year or two
Score: 88-89.
Reviewed July 13, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
13.6% alc., 225 cases, $20. Crannell and
Meredith Mitchell vineyards. Barrel fermented and age sur lie.
·
Very light golden yellow color and
clear in the glass. Highly aromatic with effusive aromas of baked apple, Limoncello, pear, pastry
cream and lees. Delicious flavors of apple, pear and citrus, finishing long with a bright green apple
note and palate cleansing acidity. Pinot Blanc can be watery and uninspired, but this wine is
everything but, possessing nuance, body and flair. One of the best Pinot Blancs I have experienced
from Oregon.
Score: 91.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
13.6% alc.,
pH 3.10, 225 cases, $20. Sourced from Crannell Vineyard in the Eola-
Amity Hills and Meredith Mitchell Vineyard in McMinnville. Barrel
fermented in used French oak, no MLF, aged on lees for 9 months.
·
Very light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Highly aromatic
with effusive aromas of baked apple, Limoncello, pear, pastry cream
and a subtle yeasty note. Delicious and bright on the palate with an array of
layered flavors including apple, pear, and citrus, finishing with a green apple
note and palate cleansing acidity. This is the most interesting Pinot Blanc I have
ever had from Oregon, and a great shellfish wine.
Score: 91.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Maresh Vineyard Old Vine Dundee Hills Riesling
12.2% alc., pH 2.95, TA 0.895, residual
sugar 1.3%, 75 cases, $25. From own-rooted, gnarled vines planted in 1979. No MLF.
·
Pale yellow color and
clear in the glass. Aromas of citrus, honeysuckle and petrol lead to flavors of grapefruit, Asian pear and lemon
with a citrus-infused, off-dry, and electric finish. A wine searching for food.
Score: 88.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 405 cases, $35. Sourced
from Antiquum, Bieze and Huntington Hill vineyards.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the
glass. Alive with aromas even after an hour in the glass offering scents of black raspberry, plum,
spice and vanilla. Intense and delicious on the palate, with a mouth filling attack of purple fruits with
a hint of spice and cola. Finishes with length and bombastic fruit. Very forward and giving. Still
aromatic the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93.
Reviewed July 6, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Antiquum Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 46 cases, $55. Pommard,
Dijon 777 and Wädenswil clones planted in Bellpine soil at a high elevation. Formerly Old School Vineyard.
·
Dark reddish purple color in the glass. A savory nose of interest with aromas of briar, Herbs de Provence,
purple and black berries and a touch of herbal oak. This wine really stands out from the 2012 lineup due to its
dried herb thread in the background. Mid weight purple fruits are clothed in modest tannins and the finish and
long and generous.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 6, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Bieze Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 46 cases, $55. Pommard clone and Calera selection on Nekia and Ritner soils
·
Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Love this nose which is alive the scent of
boysenberry, black raspberry, violets, spice, and oak vanillin. Incredible sweet
fruit presence in the mouth which carries over to an amazingly intense finish that
offers a rainbow of purple fruits. The remarkable finish was still pumping the
following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. My only nit is a
slight sense of alcohol on the finish which keeps it from receiving a Pinot Geek
award.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 6, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Huntington Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 46 cases, $55.
Dijon clones 667 and 777.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in
the glass. The nose opens nicely over time in the glass, offering an array of charming aromas including
boysenberry, plum, chocolate, spice and vanilla. Refined and polished on the palate, blessed with a long and
balanced palate of purple berries and spice. Rather seductive with good length on the satisfying finish. Still
terrific the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 6, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 250 cases, $35. Old School Vineyard
in the far southwest corner of the Willamette Valley and Bieze Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Bieze Vineyard
shares its eastern fence with the famed Seven Springs Vineyard. Planted in 2008 in Nekia, Jory and Ritner
volcanic soils, the vineyard is situated at 600 t0 680 feet above sea level. Possibly the best new vineyard in
the AVA.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose shows off aromas of blackberry, black
plum reduction sauce, vanilla and smoky oak. Mid to full bodied with a pleasing core of black cherry,
boysenberry and black plum flavors accented by oak vanillin. Impressive fruit ripeness in this vintage with wellintegrated
tannins and some finishing length. Needs more time to shed some oak influence.
Score: 89.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Harper Voit Old School Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 50
cases, $55. Old School Vineyard is situated at 800 feet elevation and the vines
are planted in well-drained and nutrient deficient Bellpine soil. Dry-farmed using
draft horses, compost and natural weed suppression, the vineyard is treated as
a holistic organism. Dijon, Wädenswil and Pommard clones.
·
This wine drinks
more Old World so the name fits. Shy aromas of dark red berries and cherries
with a dash of smoky oak. Middleweight flavors of darker cherries and
cranberries with a juicy, acid-driven finish of noticeable length. Should improve
over time in the cellar but hard to resist now.
Score: 90.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2010 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6%
alc., pH 3.60, 125 cases, $35. A vineyard blend from Old School
Vineyards and a select parcel from the Ribbon Ridge AVA. 100%
de-stemmed, long and steady fermentation over 21-23 days. Aged
in 60% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate dark reddish-purple color
in the glass. Nicely perfumed with bright aromas of purple grapes,
plum sauce, spice and custard. Richly concentrated flavors of
boysenberry, black plum, white pepper and spice wrapped in tame,
balanced tannins. Very seductive velvety mouth feel. A little more body and
spice than the Old School bottling at this young age, but the Old School is more
age worthy.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 21, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Harper Voit Old School Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 50 cases, $55. OId
School Vineyard is 800 feet above sea level with exceptionally well-drained and nutrient deficient
Bellpine soil. Dry farmed using old school methods (draft horses, compose and natural weed
suppression).
·
Moderate dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of spiced plum, black
raspberry, cassis and vanilla picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass. Soft and
smooth on the palate with lively flavors of dark plum, blueberry and black raspberry with well-integrated
oak in the background. A lively cut of citrus-driven acidity underlies an uplifting finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 21, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $35. From Drew Voit, former
winemaker at Shea Wine Cellars (Declan Wine Co. in Newberg).
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the
glass. A bit of reduction upon opening which resolves. Aromas of dark berries, plums, wood spice and rose
petals. Full-bodied and rich with a plethora of darker fruits in a California style. Substantial tannins make for
tough sledding and a strange oiled wood note in the background probably from oak spoils the experience for
me. Not what I would expect from Drew who is an excellent winemaker so I will reserve judgement on this one
bottle.
Reviewed November 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2014 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
13.6% alc., 400 cases, $20. Sourced from Meredith Mitchell and Yamhill vineyards. Barrel fermented and aged on the lees. · Very light yellow color with a greenish tinge in the glass. Reserved, but fresh aromas of white peach and pear. A demure wine on the palate, but quite seductive, with flavors of pear and peach and perfectly supportive oak. Lees aging adds a very subtle yeasty component. Soft and slightly viscous in the mouth with a juicy finish. One of Oregon’s best examples of this varietal. Score: 90. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »
2014 Harper Voit Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Old Vine Riesling
12.7% alc., RS 13g/L, 85 cases, $30. Vines planted in 1970. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Complex and assertive nose featuring aromas of poached pear, grilled peach, marzipan, citrus, brioche and vanilla. A lovely wine that charms with its liveliness and freshness, featuring flavors of pear, peach, persimmon and even tropical fruits. More fruity than mineral driven and not the apparent acidity that expect from this varietal, but I love this peachy rendition. I don’t think I have ever experienced such an intense and amazingly long finish in a domestic Riesling. A very unique and special old vine treasure. Score: 94. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
13.6% alc., 300 cases, $20. Barrel fermented and aged sur lie. · Very light yellow color and clear in the glass. Fruity nose offering fresh aromas of pear, white peach and mango. A gregarious wine that is easy to like with intense Bartlett pear flavor and a touch of nectarine. Especially good chilled as an aperitif and a worthwhile followup to the excellent 2012 vintage of this wine. Score: 90. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 450 cases, $40. Sourced from Antiquum, Bieze and Huntington Hill vineyards. · Moderately light crimson color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, musk, pipe smoke and sous-bois. Mid weight cherry and raspberry flavors with food mid palate intensity and some finish. A touch of spice and dark chocolate chime in. Well-structured with oak in the background, finishing with some cranberry-driven acidity. Score: 88. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Perrydale Hills Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 150 cases, $52. Marine sedimentary soils. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is still primary, but offers demure aromas of dark berry jam, cinnamon toast and violets. Rich, sappy and intensely fruity on the mid palate with waves of blackberry, black grape and black raspberry fruits accented with spice. Immature tannins need time to integrate over time. The finish is packed with fruit but uplifted with a cut of citrus. Score: 89-90. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Antiquum Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 100 cases, $65. Pommard, 777 and Wädenswil planted in Bellpine soil at high elevation. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Upon opening, the nose showed scents of berries, thatch, wax and medicinal but the following day was much more fruit-driven. Delicious mid weight cherry and dark red berry core with a hint of spice, red hots and gingerbread. This wine stands out as unique and possesses an especially appealing round mouthfeel and a long finish of immense interest. Even better the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle with layers of luscious plum, black cherry and dark berry fruits that woke up the palate. Score: 91-92. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Harper Voit Bieze Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 125 cases, $65. Calera and Pommard clones. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is quite primary initially and doesn’t open until the following day, showing more appealing black cherry fruit and less smoky oak. This wine has an enjoyable mid weight core of black cherry and raspberry fruit framed by balanced, dry tannins. There is noticeable mid palate intensity and some length on the slightly astringent finish. A smoky aura pervades this wine, even when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The wine hasn’t come together, so try again in a year or two Score: 88-89. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
13.6% alc., 225 cases, $20. Crannell and Meredith Mitchell vineyards. Barrel fermented and age sur lie. · Very light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Highly aromatic with effusive aromas of baked apple, Limoncello, pear, pastry cream and lees. Delicious flavors of apple, pear and citrus, finishing long with a bright green apple note and palate cleansing acidity. Pinot Blanc can be watery and uninspired, but this wine is everything but, possessing nuance, body and flair. One of the best Pinot Blancs I have experienced from Oregon. Score: 91. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
13.6% alc., pH 3.10, 225 cases, $20. Sourced from Crannell Vineyard in the Eola- Amity Hills and Meredith Mitchell Vineyard in McMinnville. Barrel fermented in used French oak, no MLF, aged on lees for 9 months. · Very light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Highly aromatic with effusive aromas of baked apple, Limoncello, pear, pastry cream and a subtle yeasty note. Delicious and bright on the palate with an array of layered flavors including apple, pear, and citrus, finishing with a green apple note and palate cleansing acidity. This is the most interesting Pinot Blanc I have ever had from Oregon, and a great shellfish wine. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Maresh Vineyard Old Vine Dundee Hills Riesling
12.2% alc., pH 2.95, TA 0.895, residual sugar 1.3%, 75 cases, $25. From own-rooted, gnarled vines planted in 1979. No MLF. · Pale yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of citrus, honeysuckle and petrol lead to flavors of grapefruit, Asian pear and lemon with a citrus-infused, off-dry, and electric finish. A wine searching for food. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 405 cases, $35. Sourced from Antiquum, Bieze and Huntington Hill vineyards. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Alive with aromas even after an hour in the glass offering scents of black raspberry, plum, spice and vanilla. Intense and delicious on the palate, with a mouth filling attack of purple fruits with a hint of spice and cola. Finishes with length and bombastic fruit. Very forward and giving. Still aromatic the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Antiquum Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 46 cases, $55. Pommard, Dijon 777 and Wädenswil clones planted in Bellpine soil at a high elevation. Formerly Old School Vineyard. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. A savory nose of interest with aromas of briar, Herbs de Provence, purple and black berries and a touch of herbal oak. This wine really stands out from the 2012 lineup due to its dried herb thread in the background. Mid weight purple fruits are clothed in modest tannins and the finish and long and generous. Score: 90. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Bieze Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 46 cases, $55. Pommard clone and Calera selection on Nekia and Ritner soils · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Love this nose which is alive the scent of boysenberry, black raspberry, violets, spice, and oak vanillin. Incredible sweet fruit presence in the mouth which carries over to an amazingly intense finish that offers a rainbow of purple fruits. The remarkable finish was still pumping the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. My only nit is a slight sense of alcohol on the finish which keeps it from receiving a Pinot Geek award. Score: 92. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Harper Voit Huntington Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 46 cases, $55. Dijon clones 667 and 777. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens nicely over time in the glass, offering an array of charming aromas including boysenberry, plum, chocolate, spice and vanilla. Refined and polished on the palate, blessed with a long and balanced palate of purple berries and spice. Rather seductive with good length on the satisfying finish. Still terrific the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 250 cases, $35. Old School Vineyard in the far southwest corner of the Willamette Valley and Bieze Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Bieze Vineyard shares its eastern fence with the famed Seven Springs Vineyard. Planted in 2008 in Nekia, Jory and Ritner volcanic soils, the vineyard is situated at 600 t0 680 feet above sea level. Possibly the best new vineyard in the AVA. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose shows off aromas of blackberry, black plum reduction sauce, vanilla and smoky oak. Mid to full bodied with a pleasing core of black cherry, boysenberry and black plum flavors accented by oak vanillin. Impressive fruit ripeness in this vintage with wellintegrated tannins and some finishing length. Needs more time to shed some oak influence. Score: 89. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Harper Voit Old School Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 50 cases, $55. Old School Vineyard is situated at 800 feet elevation and the vines are planted in well-drained and nutrient deficient Bellpine soil. Dry-farmed using draft horses, compost and natural weed suppression, the vineyard is treated as a holistic organism. Dijon, Wädenswil and Pommard clones. · This wine drinks more Old World so the name fits. Shy aromas of dark red berries and cherries with a dash of smoky oak. Middleweight flavors of darker cherries and cranberries with a juicy, acid-driven finish of noticeable length. Should improve over time in the cellar but hard to resist now. Score: 90. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.60, 125 cases, $35. A vineyard blend from Old School Vineyards and a select parcel from the Ribbon Ridge AVA. 100% de-stemmed, long and steady fermentation over 21-23 days. Aged in 60% new French oak barrels. · Moderate dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with bright aromas of purple grapes, plum sauce, spice and custard. Richly concentrated flavors of boysenberry, black plum, white pepper and spice wrapped in tame, balanced tannins. Very seductive velvety mouth feel. A little more body and spice than the Old School bottling at this young age, but the Old School is more age worthy. Score: 89. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Harper Voit Old School Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 50 cases, $55. OId School Vineyard is 800 feet above sea level with exceptionally well-drained and nutrient deficient Bellpine soil. Dry farmed using old school methods (draft horses, compose and natural weed suppression). · Moderate dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of spiced plum, black raspberry, cassis and vanilla picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass. Soft and smooth on the palate with lively flavors of dark plum, blueberry and black raspberry with well-integrated oak in the background. A lively cut of citrus-driven acidity underlies an uplifting finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Harper Voit Strandline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $35. From Drew Voit, former winemaker at Shea Wine Cellars (Declan Wine Co. in Newberg). · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A bit of reduction upon opening which resolves. Aromas of dark berries, plums, wood spice and rose petals. Full-bodied and rich with a plethora of darker fruits in a California style. Substantial tannins make for tough sledding and a strange oiled wood note in the background probably from oak spoils the experience for me. Not what I would expect from Drew who is an excellent winemaker so I will reserve judgement on this one bottle. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »