Dec 30, 2022
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Eminent Domaine
| Owner(s) | Rob Alstrin, Jeff Meader |
| Web site | www.emminentdomaine.com |
| Link to this site |
Owner Jeff Meader produces wines from selected vineyard sites including his own on Ribbon Ridge. In 2012, he developed a partnership with wine industry friend Rob Alstrin. Single vineyard wines are featured and typically the wines are from a single clone of Pinot Noir.
The name of the winery derives from the government's desire to use Meader's private property for the public good. Tri-Met and the City of Portland wanted his property for a new light rail line but forced Meader to go to court since he suspected the property would not be used solely for the public good and the value they assigned was low. He won, but was never paid adequate value for the property, the building was never torn down and is still used for their own offices. The Meader family decided to turn their "sour grapes" into fine wine by purchasing 7 acres on Ribbon Ridge planted in April 2009
The estate vineyard has 2 acres of Pommard, 2 acres of 777 and 1.5 acres of 115 all on 101-14. 4' x 6' vine spacing. Elevation is about 640 feet. The first plantings were in 2009.
In 2012, Drew Voit (formerly Domaine Serene and Shea) became the winemaker. The 2012 Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir was highly regarded by the wine press.
Articles About Eminent Domaine
Reviewed Wines
2014 Eminent Domaine Reserve Ribbon Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 248 cases, $69. Estate grown on Willakenzie soils. Clones
are 115 and Pommard.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass
(you can assume the ripeness and concentration from the color). Really
deep cherry aroma accented with noticeable oak vanillin and spice. The
mid weight, well-ripened black cherry and black raspberry fruits veer to
full ripeness, but the wine is well crafted, offering a velvety ride in the
mouth through a pleasingly plush finish. There is enough tannin to
support the fruit load and lend age ability. This beauty was considerably
more appealing with more aromatic fruit when tasted the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Atypical in character for
Oregon, but reflective of the warm 2014 vintage. Decant if you pop the
cork now.
Score: 93.
Reviewed December 13, 2016
ARTICLE »
2008 Eminent Domaine Willakia Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.53, 165
cases, $?. A producer in McMinnville owned by Jeff Meader focused on single vineyard Pinot Noir. Pommard
and small amount of 113 clones. Aged 9 months in 29% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light in color.
Aroma of black cherries and dark berries with a note of mocha. Tasty core of black cherry fruit with noticeable
oak-driven flavors of mocha, char and spice. Medium-weighted and well-structured with some persistence on
the generous finish. Needs cellaring. Good (+).
Reviewed August 13, 2011
ARTICLE »
2014 Eminent Domaine Reserve Ribbon Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 248 cases, $69. Estate grown on Willakenzie soils. Clones are 115 and Pommard. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass (you can assume the ripeness and concentration from the color). Really deep cherry aroma accented with noticeable oak vanillin and spice. The mid weight, well-ripened black cherry and black raspberry fruits veer to full ripeness, but the wine is well crafted, offering a velvety ride in the mouth through a pleasingly plush finish. There is enough tannin to support the fruit load and lend age ability. This beauty was considerably more appealing with more aromatic fruit when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Atypical in character for Oregon, but reflective of the warm 2014 vintage. Decant if you pop the cork now. Score: 93. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »
2008 Eminent Domaine Willakia Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.53, 165 cases, $?. A producer in McMinnville owned by Jeff Meader focused on single vineyard Pinot Noir. Pommard and small amount of 113 clones. Aged 9 months in 29% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light in color. Aroma of black cherries and dark berries with a note of mocha. Tasty core of black cherry fruit with noticeable oak-driven flavors of mocha, char and spice. Medium-weighted and well-structured with some persistence on the generous finish. Needs cellaring. Good (+). Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »