Dec 30, 2022
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Love & Squalor
| Owner(s) | Matt Berson, Angela Reat |
| Web site | www.portlandwinecompany.com |
| Link to this site |
Matt Berson, the owner, and winemaker of Love & Squalor began work in the Oregon wine industry in 2003 at Patricia Green Cellars. He gained additional experience in the cellars of Brooks Wines, J. Christopher, Escarpment, NZ, and Ernst Loosen (Dr. Loosen). He has been the assistant winemaker for Ransom Wines and Brooks Wines. His wife, Angela Reat, helps in the cellar but primarily runs sales, marketing, and manages the tasting room.
Love & Squalor was founded in 2006 with the initial launch of 65 cases of wine, primarily Pinot Noir. The winery now produces a range of well-priced Pinot Noirs produced from fruit sourced from various Northern Willamette Valley AVAs. Riesling, Gamay Noir, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc are also offered.
Matt made his wines for years in a shared winery in McMinnville. The winery's new tasting room and winery are at the Portland Wine Company building in SE Portland.
Articles About Love & Squalor
2015 Oregon Pinot Noir Value Priced Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.23 12/27/2015)
Lumos Wine Company: Honest Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (12.27 2/20/2022)
More Juicy 2010 Oregon Pinot Incoming (9.15 11/24/2012)
Portland Wine Co - Love & Squalor Pinot Noir (12.27 2/20/2022)
Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (10.33 7/6/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (11.11 10/8/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.6 3/15/2015)
Still More Oregon Wines to Savor (9.15 11/24/2012)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $28. Grapes mostly de-stemmed. Native
fermentation. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass.
Aromas of black currant, forest floor and slight volatile acidity. Mid-weight plus in style with flavors of black
raspberry, blackberry, spice and citrus peel. The fruit is well-ripened and toothsome. Grippy tannins infuse the
finish.
Score: 87.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 Love & Squalor Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 50 cases, $48. Release spring
2022. A selection of the winemaker’s four favorite barrels in the cellar. Sourced from Vista Hills Vineyard (667
and 777), Temperance Hill Vineyard (667, 113, 114 and Pommard) and Sunnyside Vineyard (Gamay and
Wädenswil).
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of Bing cherry, cola and
mocha. A harmonious wine with a good acid underbelly and modest tannins. The mid-weight, brambly dark red
cherry and black raspberry fruits are satisfying.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 50 cases, $54. Released fall
2021. Clones are 113, 114, 667 and Pommard.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Sensational nose that elevates over
time in the glass to offer soaring aromas of dark cherry,
potpourri, tilled earth and spice. Light to mid-weight in style and
rather elegant in character, with a delicious array of dark red
and purple fruits infused with bright acidity and framed by
delicate tannins. The finish is long like a three hour movie you
don’t want to end.. This is an unusual interpretation of this
vineyard that known is more for its rich, dark fruit, intense color
and bold tannins.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 50 cases, $54. Released fall
2021. Clones are 113, 114, 667 and Pommard.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Sensational nose that elevates over
time in the glass to offer soaring aromas of dark cherry,
potpourri, tilled earth and spice. Light to mid-weight in style and
rather elegant in character, with a delicious array of dark red
and purple fruits infused with bright acidity and framed by
delicate tannins. The finish is long like a three hour movie you
don’t want to end.. This is an unusual interpretation of this
vineyard that known is more for its rich, dark fruit, intense color
and bold tannins.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 Love & Squalor Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 75 cases, $48. Released fall 2021.
A selection of the winemaker’s three favorite barrels in the cellar. A blend of grapes from Vista Hills Vineyard in
the Dundee Hills and Temperance Hill Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills (50% each).
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. The nose is dominated by oak-driven aromas of mocha java and root beer shadowing red
cherry scent. Light to mid-weight in concentration displaying juicy red cherry fruit with a gentle cloak of oak.
Soft tannins, a silken texture and a modest finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 Love & Squalor Sunny Mountain Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 25 cases, $54.
Released fall 2021. 100% whole cluster. Clones are an interesting co-fermented mix of Pommard, faux 828,
and 23 (Mariafeld).
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas arrive over time in the glass and include
barrel cave, deep red cranberry, spice and roasted nuts. Pleasurable flavors of red berry and cherry with a
whisper of oak that tail off at the finish. Fine-grain tannins and a refined mouthfeel make for easy drinking.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 50 cases, $54.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fragrant aromas of cherry, bramble, rose and oak spice. Plush on the
palate, with resonant dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavors infused with racy energy and backed by tame
tannins. Excellent harmony with a lengthy finish. Atypical for this vineyard in that the fruits trend more to redder
types, there is less underlying earthiness and the overall impression is finesse rather than power.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 50 cases, $54.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fragrant aromas of cherry, bramble, rose and oak spice. Plush on the
palate, with resonant dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavors infused with racy energy and backed by tame
tannins. Excellent harmony with a lengthy finish. Atypical for this vineyard in that the fruits trend more to redder
types, there is less underlying earthiness and the overall impression is finesse rather than power.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 21, 2022
ARTICLE »
2015 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.54, 1,100 cases, $28. Release
November 2017. A multi-vineyard, multi-appellation blend intended to capture the essence of the vintage. Clones
are Pommard, 667, 777, 113, 114, 115, “828,” and 23. Grapes were mostly de-stemmed (3% whole cluster).
Small-lot fermentations were not inoculated and punched down by hand. Aged in neutral French oak barrels for
18 months.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Faint aromas of black cherry, blackberry and Nutella.
Straightforward mid weight flavors of black cherry and raspberry backed by significant tannins that tilt the
balance. Decent attack of fruit and mid palate richness, and a juicy, cherry-fueled finish. No oak involved.
Score: 87.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Love & Squalor Sunny Mountain Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.59, 50 cases, $52. Release spring 2018. This vineyard is located above the
town of Monroe in the southernmost reaches of the Willamette Valley AVA. 12 acres tended by Steve Price, a
former Professor of Viticulture at Oregon State University in Corvallis. The vineyard was planted in 2005 to
Pommard, “828,” and Mariafeld clones in sedimentary Belpine soil.100% de-stemmed, short cold soak, uninoculated
fermentation, manual punch downs, aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months. Racked twice
before bottling.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is earthbound, with aromas of earthy flora and
underbrush. On the palate, this mid weight plus wine offers a stunningly intense attack of berry flavors including
black raspberry, blackberry and Marionberry. Rich and lush, with matched, sultry tannins and a fruit-filled finish
that lingers. The wine reflects its warmer terroir origins.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.52, 50 cases,
$52. Release spring 2018. Vineyard is one of Oregon’s most esteemed.
Planted in 1981 and now spreads over 100 acres of volcanic soil.
Farmed by Das Crisp and his team. Most likely 100% clone 667. 100%
de-stemmed, un-inoculated fermentation, and aged in mostly neutral
French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Comforting
aromas of berry compote and fertile earth. A mid weight melange of
raspberry, cherry and blueberry fruits bring the wine a regal presence.
Satiny in texture, with a remarkable sweet fruited finish of uncommon
pleasure.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
pH 3.65, TA 0.53, 25 cases (1 barrel), $52. In release. Clones are Pommard, 667, 113 and 114. 10% whole
cluster, 90% de-stemmed, short cold soak, un-inoculated fermentation, manual punch downs. Aged 18 months in
French oak barrels, 66% once-filled.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of boysenberry, blackberry
jam and nutty oak. The mid weight core of sweet, sappy black fruits is well-spiced. There are harmonious tannins
and acidity, an appealing earthiness, an easygoing texture and some invigorating fruit on the finish, but the wine
loses my interest when tasted several hours later.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.60, 1,100 cases, $28.
Composed of grapes from eight vineyards. Pommard, 777, 667 and “828” clones. 100% de-stemmed, small-lot
fermentations with native yeasts. Aged in most neutral French oak barrels (8% new, 4% twice-filled) for 18
months.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. A lighter, forward drinking wine that is nicely balanced, but the
herb-infused cherry aromas and flavors suggest under ripeness. This is a casual wine with a short finish that
may benefit from slight chilling.
Score: 87.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.61, 900 cases,
$24. A multi-vineyard and multi-appellation blend. Pommard, 777 and 667 clones. Grapes were
mostly de-stemmed (10% whole cluster) and cold soaked for 7 to 8 days. Small-lot fermentations
were not inoculated and punched down gently by hand or foot. Aged in mostly neutral French oak
barrels for 18 months before bottling on May 22, 2014.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. Tres Pinot, with aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal and herbs, and the mid
weight flavor of black cherry. This wine reflects the ripeness of the vintage and offers easy drinking
with suave tannins, complimentary oak, a silky mouthful and a pleasing burst of cherry fruit on the finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed March 16, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Love & Squalor Antsy Pants Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.65, 150 cases, $48. Areserve wine produced from
selected barrels. Sourced from Saikkonen Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge
(32%, clone 667), Cherry Grove Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton (17%, clone
777), Cuddihy Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton (17%, unknown clones),
Winter’s Hill Vineyard in Dundee Hills (17%, Pommard clone), and
Methven Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills (17%, clone 115). 27% whole
cluster, cold soaked for 7 to 8 days. Small-lot fermentations not
inoculated and punched down gently by hand or foot. Aged in 33% twoyear-
old and 67% neutral French oak barrels for 18 months before
bottling on May 22, 2014.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and
flower garden. The perfectly ripened fruit makes a statement on the
palate and holds on to a lasting, satisfying finish. The wine has shoulders but is still refined. A hint of spice
from the whole cluster adds interest, the oak is beautifully integrated, and the overall impression is one of
sheer beauty. Should be fine in the cellar long term.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 16, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Love & Squalor Antsy Pants Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc., 75 cases, $36.
Antsy Pants is the name given to the vintner’s barrel selection bottling of any given vintage, and is
a reserve wine. Sourced from Temperance Hill Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills (34%, Pommard
clone)), Winter’s Hill Vineyard in Dundee Hills (33%, Pommard clone) and Saikkonen Vineyard in
Ribbon Ridge (33%, clone 667). The grapes are de-stemmed and cold soaked for 7 to 8 days.
Small-lot fermentations were not inoculated and punched down gently by hand or foot. Aged 18
months in neutral French oak barrels and racked twice before bottling on April 16, 2013.
·
Light
reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry, allspice, violet, bramble and dried
herbs. Modest in weight and delicate, but flavorful, with a core of red berry and cherry fruits framed by supple,
suede-like tannins. Very silky on the palate with some finish and admirable balance. This wine reflects the
vintage nicely.
Score: 90.
Reviewed March 16, 2015
ARTICLE »
2010 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.8% alc., 315 cases,
$21.
·
Love the name and label, but can’t rave about the wine. Moderately light
reddish color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of red fruits, red licorice, bramble
and spice. Mid weight core of cherry, raspberry and red plum flavors fashioned
in a silky, elegant style. Oak peeks out the following day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle. Decent.
Reviewed November 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2018 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $28. Grapes mostly de-stemmed. Native fermentation. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black currant, forest floor and slight volatile acidity. Mid-weight plus in style with flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, spice and citrus peel. The fruit is well-ripened and toothsome. Grippy tannins infuse the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Love & Squalor Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 50 cases, $48. Release spring 2022. A selection of the winemaker’s four favorite barrels in the cellar. Sourced from Vista Hills Vineyard (667 and 777), Temperance Hill Vineyard (667, 113, 114 and Pommard) and Sunnyside Vineyard (Gamay and Wädenswil). · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of Bing cherry, cola and mocha. A harmonious wine with a good acid underbelly and modest tannins. The mid-weight, brambly dark red cherry and black raspberry fruits are satisfying. Score: 92. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 50 cases, $54. Released fall 2021. Clones are 113, 114, 667 and Pommard. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Sensational nose that elevates over time in the glass to offer soaring aromas of dark cherry, potpourri, tilled earth and spice. Light to mid-weight in style and rather elegant in character, with a delicious array of dark red and purple fruits infused with bright acidity and framed by delicate tannins. The finish is long like a three hour movie you don’t want to end.. This is an unusual interpretation of this vineyard that known is more for its rich, dark fruit, intense color and bold tannins. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 50 cases, $54. Released fall 2021. Clones are 113, 114, 667 and Pommard. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Sensational nose that elevates over time in the glass to offer soaring aromas of dark cherry, potpourri, tilled earth and spice. Light to mid-weight in style and rather elegant in character, with a delicious array of dark red and purple fruits infused with bright acidity and framed by delicate tannins. The finish is long like a three hour movie you don’t want to end.. This is an unusual interpretation of this vineyard that known is more for its rich, dark fruit, intense color and bold tannins. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 Love & Squalor Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 75 cases, $48. Released fall 2021. A selection of the winemaker’s three favorite barrels in the cellar. A blend of grapes from Vista Hills Vineyard in the Dundee Hills and Temperance Hill Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills (50% each). · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is dominated by oak-driven aromas of mocha java and root beer shadowing red cherry scent. Light to mid-weight in concentration displaying juicy red cherry fruit with a gentle cloak of oak. Soft tannins, a silken texture and a modest finish. Score: 90. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 Love & Squalor Sunny Mountain Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 25 cases, $54. Released fall 2021. 100% whole cluster. Clones are an interesting co-fermented mix of Pommard, faux 828, and 23 (Mariafeld). · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas arrive over time in the glass and include barrel cave, deep red cranberry, spice and roasted nuts. Pleasurable flavors of red berry and cherry with a whisper of oak that tail off at the finish. Fine-grain tannins and a refined mouthfeel make for easy drinking. Score: 92. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 50 cases, $54. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fragrant aromas of cherry, bramble, rose and oak spice. Plush on the palate, with resonant dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavors infused with racy energy and backed by tame tannins. Excellent harmony with a lengthy finish. Atypical for this vineyard in that the fruits trend more to redder types, there is less underlying earthiness and the overall impression is finesse rather than power. Score: 92. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 50 cases, $54. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fragrant aromas of cherry, bramble, rose and oak spice. Plush on the palate, with resonant dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavors infused with racy energy and backed by tame tannins. Excellent harmony with a lengthy finish. Atypical for this vineyard in that the fruits trend more to redder types, there is less underlying earthiness and the overall impression is finesse rather than power. Score: 92. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »
2015 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.54, 1,100 cases, $28. Release November 2017. A multi-vineyard, multi-appellation blend intended to capture the essence of the vintage. Clones are Pommard, 667, 777, 113, 114, 115, “828,” and 23. Grapes were mostly de-stemmed (3% whole cluster). Small-lot fermentations were not inoculated and punched down by hand. Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Faint aromas of black cherry, blackberry and Nutella. Straightforward mid weight flavors of black cherry and raspberry backed by significant tannins that tilt the balance. Decent attack of fruit and mid palate richness, and a juicy, cherry-fueled finish. No oak involved. Score: 87. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Love & Squalor Sunny Mountain Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.59, 50 cases, $52. Release spring 2018. This vineyard is located above the town of Monroe in the southernmost reaches of the Willamette Valley AVA. 12 acres tended by Steve Price, a former Professor of Viticulture at Oregon State University in Corvallis. The vineyard was planted in 2005 to Pommard, “828,” and Mariafeld clones in sedimentary Belpine soil.100% de-stemmed, short cold soak, uninoculated fermentation, manual punch downs, aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months. Racked twice before bottling. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is earthbound, with aromas of earthy flora and underbrush. On the palate, this mid weight plus wine offers a stunningly intense attack of berry flavors including black raspberry, blackberry and Marionberry. Rich and lush, with matched, sultry tannins and a fruit-filled finish that lingers. The wine reflects its warmer terroir origins. Score: 92. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.52, 50 cases, $52. Release spring 2018. Vineyard is one of Oregon’s most esteemed. Planted in 1981 and now spreads over 100 acres of volcanic soil. Farmed by Das Crisp and his team. Most likely 100% clone 667. 100% de-stemmed, un-inoculated fermentation, and aged in mostly neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Comforting aromas of berry compote and fertile earth. A mid weight melange of raspberry, cherry and blueberry fruits bring the wine a regal presence. Satiny in texture, with a remarkable sweet fruited finish of uncommon pleasure. Score: 91. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Love & Squalor Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.53, 25 cases (1 barrel), $52. In release. Clones are Pommard, 667, 113 and 114. 10% whole cluster, 90% de-stemmed, short cold soak, un-inoculated fermentation, manual punch downs. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 66% once-filled. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of boysenberry, blackberry jam and nutty oak. The mid weight core of sweet, sappy black fruits is well-spiced. There are harmonious tannins and acidity, an appealing earthiness, an easygoing texture and some invigorating fruit on the finish, but the wine loses my interest when tasted several hours later. Score: 89. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.60, 1,100 cases, $28. Composed of grapes from eight vineyards. Pommard, 777, 667 and “828” clones. 100% de-stemmed, small-lot fermentations with native yeasts. Aged in most neutral French oak barrels (8% new, 4% twice-filled) for 18 months. · Light cherry red color in the glass. A lighter, forward drinking wine that is nicely balanced, but the herb-infused cherry aromas and flavors suggest under ripeness. This is a casual wine with a short finish that may benefit from slight chilling. Score: 87. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.61, 900 cases, $24. A multi-vineyard and multi-appellation blend. Pommard, 777 and 667 clones. Grapes were mostly de-stemmed (10% whole cluster) and cold soaked for 7 to 8 days. Small-lot fermentations were not inoculated and punched down gently by hand or foot. Aged in mostly neutral French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling on May 22, 2014. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Tres Pinot, with aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal and herbs, and the mid weight flavor of black cherry. This wine reflects the ripeness of the vintage and offers easy drinking with suave tannins, complimentary oak, a silky mouthful and a pleasing burst of cherry fruit on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Love & Squalor Antsy Pants Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.65, 150 cases, $48. Areserve wine produced from selected barrels. Sourced from Saikkonen Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge (32%, clone 667), Cherry Grove Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton (17%, clone 777), Cuddihy Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton (17%, unknown clones), Winter’s Hill Vineyard in Dundee Hills (17%, Pommard clone), and Methven Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills (17%, clone 115). 27% whole cluster, cold soaked for 7 to 8 days. Small-lot fermentations not inoculated and punched down gently by hand or foot. Aged in 33% twoyear- old and 67% neutral French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling on May 22, 2014. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and flower garden. The perfectly ripened fruit makes a statement on the palate and holds on to a lasting, satisfying finish. The wine has shoulders but is still refined. A hint of spice from the whole cluster adds interest, the oak is beautifully integrated, and the overall impression is one of sheer beauty. Should be fine in the cellar long term. Score: 92. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Love & Squalor Antsy Pants Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.6% alc., 75 cases, $36. Antsy Pants is the name given to the vintner’s barrel selection bottling of any given vintage, and is a reserve wine. Sourced from Temperance Hill Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills (34%, Pommard clone)), Winter’s Hill Vineyard in Dundee Hills (33%, Pommard clone) and Saikkonen Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge (33%, clone 667). The grapes are de-stemmed and cold soaked for 7 to 8 days. Small-lot fermentations were not inoculated and punched down gently by hand or foot. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels and racked twice before bottling on April 16, 2013. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry, allspice, violet, bramble and dried herbs. Modest in weight and delicate, but flavorful, with a core of red berry and cherry fruits framed by supple, suede-like tannins. Very silky on the palate with some finish and admirable balance. This wine reflects the vintage nicely. Score: 90. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »
2010 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.8% alc., 315 cases, $21. · Love the name and label, but can’t rave about the wine. Moderately light reddish color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of red fruits, red licorice, bramble and spice. Mid weight core of cherry, raspberry and red plum flavors fashioned in a silky, elegant style. Oak peeks out the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Decent. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »