Owner(s) | Shawn Bavaresco, Cameron Healy |
Web site | www.scottpaul.com |
Link to this site |
Proprietor/winemaker Scott Paul Wright had a thirty-year career in marketing and promotion for the radio and record industries before entering the wine business. He is the only former syndicated DJ (known on the radio as Shadow Stevens) in the wine business. He became the Managing Director of Domaine Drouhin, where he worked for several years before starting his own winery in 2004 in Carlton, Scott Paul Wines. The tasting room is housed in a restored circa-1915 creamery, and the winery building across the street has been completely and tastefully retrofitted inside a former grainery.
Scott Paul Wines is a boutique winery dedicated to producing ultra-premium Oregon Pinot Noir. The co-winemaker, Kelley Fox, previously worked at Eyrie Vineyards, Hamacher Wines and Toiri Mor. Scott’s wife, Martha, who operated her own business managing celebrity chefs, is the Brand Manager for Scott Paul. Kelly Karr, who worked in sales at Chehalem Winery for nearly a decade, is the Director of Sales and Marketing.
Scott Paul Wines also imports Burgundies under the name, Scott Paul Selections. Three of the producers from the portfolio attended the 2007 International Pinot Noir Celebration: Romain Taupenot of Domaine Taupenot-Merme, Aleth Girardin of Domaine Aleth Girardin, and Thierry Violot of Domaine Thierry Violot-Guillemard. The timing for Scott is fortuitous, because the 2005 vintage of Burgundy is as Allen Meadows says, “The best top-to-bottom vintage of young Burgundy I have ever tasted, period, full-stop!”
Scott has had a life-long passion for Burgundy. His tasting room is quite unique and the only one I know of in the United States that offers the visitor both New World and Old World Pinot Noir side by side. Scott’s wines are crafted in the Burgundian tradition with low-yields in the vineyard, hands off vinification in the winery with no pumps, no inoculation, no enzymes, no additives, no fining and no filtering (what exactly does Kelley and Scott do all day?), and small amounts of new French oak (20% at most). He follows the dictum that “Pinot Noir makes itself,” and his wines are a pure expression of Pinot Noir. Each vintage, there are three cuvées sourced from several of Oregon’s finest vineyards including Maresh, Momtazi, Shea, Ribbon Ridge and Stoller. Scott leases and biodynamically farms 11 acres of the Maresh Vineyard - 42-year-old own-rooted Pommard clones. Three Pinot Noirs are produced: Le Paulee, Cuvee Martha Pirrie, and Audrey. Total production is about 3,000 cases per year.
Scott does not craft single-vineyard Pinot Noirs (there is always an exception, see Audrey below) because “If we had vineyards that were reliably and demonstrably different and special in the New World, I fully believe the wines from those vineyards should be bottled and labeled separately. However, I think that we’re too early in the game to be making those calls yet. It’s rare to have a vineyard with vines over 30-years-old around here. Future generations will surely know which plots are indeed our Grand Cru vineyards, but we’ve truly only just begun.”
In late 2008, Scott Wright announced he will be producing a Scott Paul wine in Burgundy. The first wine is a 2008 Chambolle-Musigny Les Bussieres and will be released in 2010. Scott is a confirmed Chambolle freak. Who isn't?
In 2014, Scott announced that the owners of Scott Paul Wines began doing business as the Vintisanal Wine Company, LLC, beginning July 1. Scott Paul Wines will be the leading brand of limited production, fine wines by by Scott Wright and winemaker Kelley Fox from top vineyards in the Willamette Valley including the estate vineyard, Azana. A new wine brand was launched as part of the Vintisanal portfolio of wines known as Wildstock Wines, debuting in the fall of 2014. The wines are value priced at $25 and will be sold in the tasting room as well as in wide distribution. A Wildstock Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will be offered.
At the end of 2014, Scott Paul Wines was sold to businessman Cameron Healy, a sixth generation Oregonian who founded both Kettle Foods and Kona Brewing Company. Healy became a partner in Scott Paul Wines in 2005 and bought the remaining shares in 2014. Wright will stay on as a consultant through 2015, but his focus will be his new Burgundy and grower Champagne company. In 2015, winemaker Kelley Fox was replaced by Ian Burch, formerly of Evening Land Vineyards and an understudy to Dominique Lafon. Shawn Bavaresco, advertising marketing specialist, joined the winery as President and Partner.
Scott Paul Wines are sold in the tasting room which is open from 11- 4, Wednesdays through Sundays. Guided tastings are also available by appointment ($10-$25 depending on chosen flight). For appointments contact Kelly Karr at 503-319-5827. Read Scott’s original philosophy on Pinot Noir and the story of the rabbit logo on the website. 503-227-2107.
Update: Scott Paul Wines ceased operations at the end of April 2019.
2012 Scott Paul Le Paulée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., $39, screwcap. Sourced from Maresh and Nysa vineyards in the Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge and Azana vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Flamboyant aromas of ripe black cherries, black raspberries, red grapes and spice lead to a rich and satisfying mid weight palate of dark cherry, dark berry and black plum flavors. The mouth feel is pure velvet and plush, and the finish is persistent. Plenty of sap in this vintage. Score: 91. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Scott Paul Audrey Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $83. Magnums too ($175). Sourced from special old vine blocks of Maresh Vineyard. · Moderately dark reddish purple color that glows in the glass. Spectacular aromas of raspberry, dark cherry and spice that pick up intensity over time in the glass. Mid to full-bodied core of juicy black cherry and black raspberry flavors that are vivid and uplifting. The finish is intense with flavors fanning out in unabashed generosity. This wine has that old vine nuance that emotes. Big and curvy in this vintage, this normally elegant bottling still retains some of that seductiveness. More restrained at this stage than the Le Paulée, but offers more upside long term. A wine to contemplate. Score: 94. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Scott Paul Les Gourmandises Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., 93 cases, $40. Sourced from special 20-year-old blocks at Nysa Vineyard. “Les Gourmandises” is a French term for “Delicacies.” Natural fermentations, aged 10 months in 25% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish color in the glass. Scents of dark red berry jam, fresh cherries, dried herbs and oak. Light and silky with a delicate array of red fruits backed by gossamer tannins. High voltage acidity with a citrus peel infused finish. Somewhat herbal in character probably due to under ripeness. Better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing more expressive red cherry fruit but still sporting zingy acidity. Good. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Scott Paul Audrey Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $69, screw cap. A barrel selection of the finest, most elegant, silkiest wine in the cellar. Sourced from the winery’s blocks at Maresh and Nysa vineyards. · Light garnet color in the glass. Delicate but attractive scents of red cherries, herbs, oak and straw. Soft, elegant and charming in the glass with layers of red cherry, strawberry, red raspberry and cranberry fruits. A delicate, subtle wine with gossamer tannins that reflects the vintage and achieves the winery’s goal beautifully. Did I say elegant? Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Scott Paul La Paulée Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $32, screw cap. Finest lots of the vintage from the winery’s blocks of Maresh Vineyard. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged 10 months in 20% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light deep red color in the glass. Lovely perfume of dark cherries, herbs and mocha java. Plenty of body and weight with multiple layers of fruit that really jump out. Rich flavors of fresh dark cherries, raspberry coulis, mocha and sandalwood with gossamer tannins, bright acidity and easy drinkability. Could use a little more time in the cellar to shed its oak sheen but very hard to resist now. Pick any superlative you want. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Scott Paul D122 Ribbon Ridge Vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $30, screw cap. D122 is the narrow road that winds through grand cru vineyards of Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. Sourced from Pommard and Dijon clones planted in 2001. · Highly perfumed with scents of strawberries, rose hip, spice, spring bouquet and underbrush. Light and demure featuring flavors of red cherries and raspberries, cherry soda and edible flowers. A highly floral and intensely perfumed wine that is simply composed. Decent. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Scott Paul La Paulée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $32, screw cap. Finest lots of the vintage from Maresh, Ribbon Ridge and Momtazi vineyards. · Medium garnet color in the glass. Demure nose initially, picking up intensity over time in the glass, offering aromas of red cherries, red strawberries and herbs including sage. Middleweight core of red Pinot fruits with a hint of spice and oak wrapped in firm but caressing tannins, finishing with impressive fruit intensity. Seductively soft in the mouth. Suggest decanting if you choose to drink now. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Scott Paul Audrey Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $65, screw cap. A barrel selection of the finest of the vintage sourced from Maresh Vineyard which was originally planted in 1970. · This wine is currently holding back and needs a year or two of cellaring. Enticing aromas of wild berries, cherry tart and baking spices. Tasty core of cherry and berry fruit, discreetly rich, with a loamy underpinning. The mouth feel is satiny and the generous finish is lengthy and satisfying. The pedigree of the fruit is evident even at this reluctant stage. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Scott Paul Cuvée Martha Pirrie Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $25, screw cap. A selection from five sub-appellations of the Willamette Valley. Named after the Wrights’ daughter. · A light and delicate wine with pleasing aromas and flavors of red berries, spice and herbs. Simple and easy to drink, I like it for its finesse. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Scott Paul La Paulée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $30, screw cap. Made from the finest lots of the vintage from Ribbon Ridge, Momtazi, Shea and Stoller Vineyards. · Darkest in color of the three 2007 wines. Very lovely nose that is deep and satisfying, featuring ripe strawberries, red plums, cherries and savory Asian spice. Tasty and focused dark red fruits with a hint of earthiness and oak. The mouth feel is silky and the whole package is very harmonious. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Scott Paul Audrey Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $65, screw cap. A barrel of the finest, most elegant and silkiest wine of the vintage. Sourced from blocks of Maresh Vineyard in the Dundee Hills planted in 1970. The name of this wine comes from Audrey Hepburn and is crafted to reflect her stylish grace and elegance. Also available in magnums. · This is not a “reserve” wine that is pumped up with fruit and oak. Restrained but very alluring perfume of crushed red berries, Provencal herbs, Chinese five-spice and gentle oak. Light, feminine and very satiny, yet delivers plenty of vibrant fruit flavor. The tannins are gossamer and the pleasing finish hints of fresh herbs and oak. The pedigree of the vineyard shows through and this is the most sophisticated wine of the Scott Paul trio. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Scott Paul Cuvée Martha Pirrie Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 964 cases, $24, screw cap. This wine is named after the owner’s daughter’s nickname. It is a blended from several top vineyards in several appellations including Ribbon Ridge, Dundee Hills, Yamhill-Carlton, McMinnville and Eola-Amity Hills. · The nose is quite complex and changes frequently in the glass showing grassiness, minerality, barnyard, red fruits, spice, earth and toast. The flavors mirror the aromatics. A lighter, elegant style with brisk acidity. Reviewed November 12, 2007 ARTICLE »
2006 Scott Paul Audrey Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $55 (sold out). This is the top bottling from Scott Paul, a special cuvee of the best barrels in the cellar. Named after Audrey Hepburn. · A “Burgundian” nose of deep red fruits, cinnamon, cardamon, and barnyard. Big and serious, the dark fruit core is all crushed silk. Still simple and closed, with a touch of alcohol peeking out on the nose and finish. Not ready for prime time and patience will be rewarded. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Scott Paul Wines La Paulée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
This winery will be featured in the next issue of the PinotFile (#36). · Reviewed August 6, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Scott Paul Cuvée Martha Pirrie Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 469 cases, $24, screw cap. From Shea, Stoller and Ribbon Ridge Vineyards. Named after Daughter Martha Pirrie Wright. · This Pinot reminds me of a ballet dancer - light on its feet with plenty of grace. Lovely nose of cherries, sandalwood and spice. Flavors of ripe cherries, vanilla, herbs and leather lead to a clean finish buttressed by lively acidity. A little oak peeks out on the nose but is totally immersed in the flavors. You would be happy, happy with this one which is not at all tiring to drink. Boo, hoo, sold out (you may still find it in retail stores). Reviewed August 13, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Scott Paul Le Paulée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $35. This wine is assembled from the best lots of the vintage including blocks of Ribbon Ridge, Shea and Stoller vineyards. Demure aromas of cherry, wet oak and tobacco. · Cranberry and tart cherry flavors with savory herbs and a touch of orange zest. Light and elegant with a healthy acid spine. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Scott Paul Le Paulée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 945 cases, $40, screw cap. 40 barrels are selected from three vineyards for this blend. · Terrific potpourri of bright cherry, spice, cola and oak among the aromas. The flavors follow in step with the aromatics. Very sexy satin texture. Still a little shy on the palate, this wine needs a little cellaring to fully blossom. Reviewed August 13, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Scott Paul Le Paulée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
$40, April 2007 release. · Light in color and body, this wine delivers toasted herbs, cocoa, and cinnamon toast scents. Lovely red currents and wild strawberries on the palate made it difficult to spit out. The silky texture is alluring. This is a style of Pinot Noir for connoisseurs. Reviewed March 5, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Scott Paul Audrey Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 130 cases, $55. This represents a selection of a few favorite barrels of the vintage. Audrey is named after the cinematic icon Ms. Hepburn who personified grace and elegance. This is a unique wine in that all of the fruit came from Maresh Vineyard. This vineyard was planted in 1970 (making it the fourth oldest planting in Oregon), and is Wädenswil clone on own-rooted, non-irrigated vines. · I tasted this wine briefly at the IPNC Salmon Bake so I don’t have extensive notes. I remember that I was bowled over by the powerful and intoxicating aromatics. I found plenty to like as I sampled the wine and this is definitely the most striking, complex and age worthy Pinot Noir in the Scott Paul lineup. Reviewed August 13, 2007 ARTICLE »