DION Vineyard

Articles About DION Vineyard

Reviewed Wines

2019 DION Winemaker’s Reserve Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 75 cases, $50. Sourced from the best blocks in the estate vineyard and chosen barrels that were most expressive of the vintage. Harvest Brix 21.4º-21.6º. Primarily Dijon clones. Aged for 13 months in French oak barrels. · Light garnet color in the glass. Deep, deep cherry perfume with a subtle oak compliment. Light to midweight in style, with loads of energetic cherry and spice to delight. Slightly creamy in texture with gentle tannins and an extremely long finish. Forward drinking in an easygoing package. Score: 94. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 Dion Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 304 cases, $32, screw cap. Released spring 2020 to wine club and fall to general public. Clones 115, 114, 667, 777 and Pommard, all from Dion Vineyard. Vines between 17 and 42 years of age. Harvest Brix 23.6º-24.5º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 18% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Giving perfume upon opening with aromas of red cherry hard candy, red rose petal and a hint of spice. A very pleasing, forward-drinking wine offering middleweight flavors of red and black cherry supported by easygoing tannins and juicy acidity. Excellent harmony, with a compliment of oak in the background and some finishing length. A solid, well-priced, everyday Pinot. Score: 91. Reviewed January 17, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Dion Vineyard 115 West Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 50 cases, $45. Released fall 2020 to wine club and to the general public pending. Clone 115 from the western-most block of Dion Vineyard. These grapes traditionally anchor the winery’s Winemaker’s Reserve. Harvest Brix 23.6º-24.5º. Vines were 18 years old. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of dark cherry, cola, cardamom spice and a compliment of oak. The black cherry core saturates the palate yet the wine is lithe and streamlined. Added accents of baking spice and licorice provide interest. There is a subtle thread of oak in the background and a touch of tannin on the juicy, cherry-fueled finish. A complete single clone wine. Score: 93. Reviewed January 17, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Dion Vineyard Winemaker’s Reserve Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 101 cases, $50. Released fall 2020 to wine club members and to the general public pending. A barrel selection from the best blocks that are most expressive of the vintage when combined. Clones 115, 114, 667 and 777 from Dion Vineyard. Age of vines was between 17 and 18 years. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is similar to the 115 West bottling featuring aromas of black cherry, sarsaparilla and spice. An exceptional wine upon opening in a mid-weight style, showing perfectlyripened black cherry fruit anointed with luscious spice. Suave and polished in the mouth, with submerged tannins and a notable finish filled with black cherry goodness. Score: 94. Reviewed January 17, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 DION Old Vines Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8$ alc., 92 cases, $65. Harvest Bris 23.7º-24.1º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of darker berry and cherry, sweet pipe smoke, earthy flora and a subtle cloak of oak. Midweight plus in style with black cherry and black raspberry flavors augmented with a rustic, gamy bent. Admirable harmony with a perfect fruit and tannin ratio. This wine had me starring at the glass and asking, “How could so much flavor come from this wine.” The finish, like all great wines, lingered for what seemed like an eternity. Wow! (Reviewed January 17, 2021) Score: 96. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 Dion Vineyard Old Vines Reserve Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 92 cases, $65. 100% Pommard clone planted in 1976 on a 10-acre winery block. Selfrooted and non-irrigated. Harvest Brix 23.7º-24.1º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of darker berry and cherry, sweet pipe smoke, earthy flora and a subtle cloak of oak. Midweight plus in style with black cherry and black raspberry flavors with a rustic, gamy bent. Admirable harmony with a perfect fruit/ tannin ratio. This wine had me staring at the glass and asking, “How could so much flavor come from that wine?” The finish, like all great wines, lingered for what seemed like an eternity. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, I summed up the experience as “Wow!” Decant or cellar five years to gain the full experience. Score: 96. Reviewed January 17, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 DION Old Vines Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $60. This winery produces an exceptional lineup of wines from the 60-acre estate DION Vineyard. This limited release bottling is produced from vines planted in 1976 on the 10-acre Winery Block. The Pommard vines are self-rooted and non-irrigated. The winery’s most special wine. · Clearly a special wine, with aromas of exotic spices, black stone and berry fruits along with dark rose petal. Bolder and riper in this vintage in a mid-weight plus style offering delicious flavors of black raspberry and blackberry fruits framed by modest fine-grain tannins. Impeccably balanced, with a surge of black cherry goodness exhumed over time in the glass on the long finish. A very classy old vines treasure that scores in the 93-94 range. Note: the 2015 Old Vines Pinot Noir ($55, my score 93) and 2016 Old Vines Pinot Noir ($60, my score 96) are still available. The winery’s Winemaker’s Reserve Pinot Noir, based on Dijon clones, is also a consistent star in the winery’s Pinot Noir lineup. I am not sure this wine has been released as of yet. Score: 93-94. Reviewed February 17, 2020 ARTICLE »

2016 DION Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 342 cases, $30. Released April 2018. Clones 115, 114, 667, 777 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 22.4º-25.1º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas gain traction over time in the glass, revealing cherry, cola, spice and dried herbs. Light in weight in an easygoing and highly enjoyable style with a core of juicy red cherry, red berry and blueberry fruit flavors. A hint of savory herbs adds interest. Nicely balanced with some finishing generosity. This wine packs a lot of flavor despite being light in color and weight. Score: 90. Reviewed November 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 DION Winemaker’s Reserve Special Release Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 139 cases, $45. Release November 2018. A barrel selection from the best blocks and wines that are most expressive of the vintage anchored by clone 115. Harvest Brix 22.4º-25.1º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of black cherry and rose petal. A very harmonious wine with great verve, very fine grain tannins, and a satisfying finish with honorable length. Middleweight in style, with vivid flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and purple berry with a hint of white pepper. A very stylish Pinot lover’s wine. Score: 93. Reviewed November 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 DION Old Vines Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 99 cases, $60. Harvest Brix 25.1º. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose offers a riper fruit profile including aromas of purple and black berries, and forest path. Unusually rich and ripe vintage but not over the top. Impressive palate presence of boysenberry and blackberry fruit flavors framed by tannins that are so fine as to be imperceptible and defining acidity. Very suave and harmonious on the palate with the alcohol held in check, and a long, powerfully aromatic finish. Still terrific when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 96. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »

2016 DION Old Vines Special Release Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 99 cases, $60. Release April 2019. 100% self-rooted, nonirrigated Pommard clone from a 10-acre block planted in 1976. Harvest Brix 25.1º. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. · This is one of those wines that elicits emotion from the first sip. Gorgeous perfume of spiced cherries and blueberry-pomegranate fruits. Vigorous with black cherry flavor that is long and expansive in the mouth accompanied by impeccable harmony. Flavor packed, yet elegant, with supportive fine-grain tannins, integrated oak, juicy acidity and a ridiculously long finish. It is wines like this that have me proclaiming that Pommard is my paramour. A flat-out beautiful wine! Score: 96. Reviewed November 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 DION Vineyard 115 West Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enticing scents of dark red cherry and cardamom spice. The strawberry and cherry fruit core is similarly spiced and highly enjoyable. Quite open and giving, with silky tannins, bright acidity and good finishing generosity. The most exotically flavored of the three 115 wines tasted. This wine lands somewhere in between the 2011 and 2014 vintages in character. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Dion Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $25. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Lovely perfume of red cherry, cranberry relish, sandalwood and rose petal. Forward and giving in a mid weight style with flavors of sweet red cherry and strawberry. Succulent on the mid palate, with supportive tannins and some finishing purpose. Score: 90. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 DION Vineyard Winemaker’s Reserve Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 143 cases, $40. Released November 2017. Harvest Brix 24.0º-24.7º. Clones 115, 114, 667, 777 and Pommard (14 to 38 years of age). Short cold soak with fermentation beginning naturally. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. Leading off are enchanting aromas of black cherry, fertile earth and wood shop. An explosion of black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors arm the attack. Accents of spice and Oolong tea add interest. A healthy tannic backbone provides substance and the length of finish is of “Reserve” quality. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 DION Vineyard Old Vines Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 96 cases, $50. Release April 2018. Harvest Brix 23.5º-24.5º. Sourced entirely from a block of self-rooted, dry-farmed Pommard clone 39 years of age. Short cold soak, with fermentations starting naturally. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. This wine has a searching quality all its own. It benefits from air exposure and was noticeably better when tasted a day after opening. Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, strawberry and allspice. Very elegantly styled, with subtle flavors of red cherry, spice, orange tea and savory herbs. More flavors are discoverable to those who search. Good length in the mouth and an inspired finish that builds in perfume over time. This wine is the epitome of “femininity,” a term often attributed to Pinot Noir. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 DION Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 240 cases, $25. Harvest Brix 23.6º-24.4º. Clones are 115, 114 and Pommard from vines between 13 and 36 years of age. Short cold soaks, many fermentations started naturally, on the skins 7-10 days. The wine was barrel aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Heady aromas of cherry, pomegranate and the slightest oak. A joy to drink, with an aggressive attack of black cherry fruit, persisting through a lovely cherry-fueled finish. A little spice adds interest, the acidity is fully integrated, and the overall impression is one of harmony and poise. Score: 91. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 DION Vineyard Estate Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay

12.8% alc., 94 cases, $25. Harvest Brix 21.1º, harvest pH 3.20. Clone 76 picked early to preserve acidity. A blend of French oak barrel (20% new) and stainless steel tank ferments. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Reduction on the nose (struck match) that persists over time. Crisp and bright on the palate, with very delicate flavors of green apple, lemon and pear, ending with a lean, soprano finish. Score: 85. Reviewed December 1, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 DION Vineyard 115 West Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 50 cases, $35. Harvest Brix 24.4º. 100% clone 115. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Deep aroma of purple berries leads to a mid weight styled wine with sappy flavors of boysenberry and blackberry framed by invigorating tannins. A fruit-driven wine with uncommon length and finish, reflecting the warmth of the vintage. Score: 91. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 DION Vineyard Winemaker’s Reserve Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 125 cases, $40. (November 2016 release). Clone 115 planted in 2000 is the anchor of this wine with small amounts of clones 114, 667 and 777 from the same block and a little old vine Pommard for the first time. Harvest Brix 23.6º-24.4º. A barrel selection. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of strawberry, cherry and sandalwood lead to a lighter but flavorful experience featuring tastes of red cherry, cranberry and herbs. Beautifully balanced, with crisp acidity and harmonious tannins. This wine has more flair and length than one would expect from the light color. A rather delicate, feminine wine that delivers appealing charm. Score: 91. Reviewed November 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Dion Old Vines Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $50. Vineyard block planted in 1976 on 10 acres. Self-rooted, non-irrigated Pommard clone. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Pleasurable scents of red and purple fruits and spice. Expansive, polished and refined in the mouth in a middleweight style. The very ripe cherry core of fruit is underlain with flavors of brown spice, nutmeg and raisin. Smooth in texture, with svelte tannins and envious balance, finishing with intensity and lasting goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 DION Old Vines Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 92 cases, $65. Released spring 2021.Harvest Brix 23.7-24.1º. Pommard clone. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. This very sexy nose is brimming with the aromas of cherry leather, spice and red rose petal. An ephemeral wine with vital acidity and refined tannins. Endlessly gentle and polished, with a mid-weight load of vivid red cherry and berry fruits that satisfy for thirty seconds on the finish. Remarkably flavorful considering the light weight and color. A very beguiling wine. Score: 96. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »

2013 DION Estate Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay

12.3% alc., 90 cases, $25. Harvest Brix 20.1º. Grapes were picked after the September rain downpour. Barrel fermented and aged in both barrel (20% new French oak) and stainless with lees stirring. Full malolactic fermentation. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Awkward aromas of bruised apple, medicine cabinet and brioche. On the silky palate, the wine is bright with acidic verve which carries over on the tart finish. The core flavor is Granny Smith apple in a lightly weighted style. Under ripe with teeth etching acidity. Score: 85. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 DION Winemaker’s Reserve Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 97 cases, $35. Harvest Brix 24.3º-25.0º. Clones 115, 114, 777 and Pommard. A barrel selection including for the first time a Pommard block. Aged 13 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate red cherry color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry, rose petal and sandalwood. Mid weight pleasing flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and fig with well integrated oak. Beautifully balanced, with fine-grain tannins, supportive acidity and a sexy, soft and silky texture. Riper in this vintage, but not too ripe. Highly enjoyable now, but will age long term. Score: 91. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 DION Old Vines Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.5% alc, 50 cases, $45. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely scented with aromas of blackberry, cherry pie spice and savory dried herbs. A dancing Pinot with glass-filling presence, offering flavors of black cherry, pomegranate snd blackberry. Ghost tannins and enough acidity to keep the wine fresh. Discreetly concentrated and not like a fruit compote as are so many Pinot Noirs from this warm vintage. Still a few good years left, but why wait? Score: 94. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »

2012 DION Vineyard Old Vines Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 50 cases, $45. Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 25.0º. This wine is from the original block of selfrooted vines dating to 1976 and is the flagship bottling from this vineyard. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The aromatics are so engaging I was satisfied just to inhale the perfume. Aromas of fresh cherry and wine cellar lead to a mid palate explosion of black cherry goodness that alerts the senses. A bit of complimentary smoke and anise plays in the background. Polished and velvety in the mouth, with balanced tannins and a sleek, lingering finish. This beauty is old vine Pinot poetry. Score: 94. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2011 DION Vineyard 115 West Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.1% alc.. · Light garnet color with slight bricking of the rim. Both savory and fruity on the nose, with aromas of cranberry, red cherry, herbs, underbrush and white pepper. Very delicately flavored, featuring cherry, cranberry and raspberry fruits that veer to the under ripe side. Nicely balanced, with tame tannins and a modest finish. A gentle soul from a cool vintage. Score: 89. Reviewed February 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2011 DION Winemaker’s Reserve Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 97 cases, $35. This 60-acre vineyard is located in the northern Willamette Valley on Laurelwood soils at 300’ to 500’ elevation. Proprietors are Kevin Dion Johnson and Beth Klingner. Clones 114, 115, 667 and 777. Harvest Brix 20.4º-22.7º. Latest harvest start ever. A barrel selection. 50% new oak. · Moderately light black cherry color in the glass. Rather closed with demure aromas of ripe black cherries and wintergreen. Admirable harmony and finesse with modest flavors of black cherry and plum backed by oak, finishing with slightly astringent tannins. Score: 89. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 DION Old Vines Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 48 cases, $40. · Light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing scents of dark cherry, purple berry and vanilla cream. Lighter in weight but brimming with dark red strawberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit flavors framed by gossamer tannins. Silky in the mouth, with a remarkably long finish. A great aged Pinot Noir from a challenging vintage that has reached its apogee. Score: 93. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »

2011 DION Old Vines Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 48 cases, $40. Own-rooted, dry-farmed Pommard vines planted in 1977. This block was one of the last picked in a late harvest. · Moderately light dark cherry color in the glass. Scents of black cherry, dark chocolate and seasoned oak lead to a very inviting core of black cherry fruit accented with notes of spice, tobacco, mocha and iron minerality. Rich and mouth filling, with a good structural backbone, and a very long, eye-opening finish. Score: 92. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2010 DION Winemaker’s Reserve Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc.. · Medium cherry color in the glass. Very aromatic with waves of red cherry, rose petal, spice and herbal oak aromas. More savory than fruity on the palate with a core of cherry fruit enhanced with dried herbs and oak flavors. The tannins are silky and the texture very suave, making for easy drinking. Score: 89. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2010 DION Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., $22. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Scent of cherries, peat and a whiff of mustard. Tasty core of cherries with an underpinning of earth and herbs. Nicely balanced and easy to drink with soft tannins and lively acidity. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DION Old Vines Limited Release Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $35. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Surprisingly fresh and alive black cherry, potpourri and rose petal aromas. Earth-toned flavors of black cherry, spice, iron and smoky oak. Good bones for a 11-year-old wine but fruit is beginning to fade as oak surfaces. Still interesting but has seen better days. Score: 90. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »

2010 DION Vineyard Limited Release Old Vines Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $35. Self-rooted, dry-farmed Pommard clone planted in 1976 in Laurelwood soil at 300 to 500 feet. Aged 13 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. This is one of those wines that you know is exceptional from the first sip. The beguiling aromas draw you in with notes of cherries, strawberries, nutmeg and other spices. Smooth, seamless, polished and flat out delicious, this wine sports middleweight flavors of perfectly ripened dark red cherries, raspberries, spice and dark chocolate. Supple tannins and a satisfying cut of acidity in the background. This wine is assertive without weight, showing restraint and modesty, yet delivering a load of pleasure. Quintessential Oregon Pinot Noir. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DION Vineyard Winemaker Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

100 cases, $35. Aged 13 months in 50% new French oak barrels and held in bottle 6 months before release. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of strawberry, red cherry and dried Provencal herbs. A wine with modesty and restraint, but good flavor, featuring tastes of red fruits, savory dried herbs and gentle oak spice. Soft and elegant in the mouth with lacy tannins. Good (+). Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Dion Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 200 cases, $21. 4-day cold soak, inoculated, barrel aged in 33% new French oak for 13 months. 5 Pinot Noir clones from vines that are between 9 and 25 years of age. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of wood-kissed cherries with a floral accent. Medium weight flavors of cherries, spice and sandalwood in a soft and sultry style with fine-grain tannins. An easy drinker. Decent. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Dion Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Reserve Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 97 cases, $32. A 4-barrel selection aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 13 months. The barrels were selected for overall highest quality of the vintage as well as for the blend. First Reserve bottling. Clones 115, 667, 777 and 114. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with fresh aromas of dark red cherries and berries with complimentary oak spice. Substantial flavors of dark cherries and berries wrapped in generous tannins. Very soft and seamless on the palate with welcoming hi-tone fruit on the big, persistent finish. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »