Dec 30, 2022
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Rain Dance Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Celia Austin, Ken Austin III |
| Web site | www.raindancevineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
Fifth generation Newberg resident Ken Austin III and his spouse, Celia, planted the first vines on their estate in the Chehalem Mountains in 2008, a few months after the Austin family began building the Allison Inn & Spa. The 15-acre Rain Dance Vineyard is planted to Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon clones 115, 667, 777 and 943 in Jory soil. Today Rain Dance Vineyards owns seven estate vineyard sites totaling 120 acres, 59 of which are currently planted. All vineyards are dry farmed using sustainable practices and are Salmon Safe and LIVE certified.
The Austins also purchased the Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Vineyard and produce PInot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Riesling from this vineyard.
The Austins had previously established Rain Dance Ranch in 1991 as a quiet place to raise their family. It became one of the country’s premier llama ranches and llamas are a prominent fixture on the hillside of Bell & Herd Roads in Newberg.
The first Estate Pinot Noir from the 2013 vintage was released May 1, 2015, crafted by winemaker Bryan Weil at Alexana Winery who has winemaking experience at Domaine Serene, Tyee Wine Cellars, and as head winemaker at Alexana Winery, all in Oregon.
A flagship Estate Pinot Noir and member exclusive Reserve Pinot Noir are offered from the home estate vineyard.. Total production is 700 to 899 cases a year.
The winery’s tasting room is located just off the corner of Bell Road and Highway 219 at the base of the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Rain Dance Marketplace. You can browse through llama-inspired and wine country gifts, feed llamas and check out one of Ken's classic cars on site while sampling Rain Dance wines. Tastings are available Tuesday through Sunday. Visit www.raindancevineyards.com. Prices are quite moderate considering the high quality.
Articles About Rain Dance Vineyards
2017 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
2018 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (10.33 7/6/2016)
Recently Tasted Oregon Wines (11.24 6/9/2018)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Chardonnay and another White (11.5 6/25/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.13 11/12/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted Willamette Valley Wines (11.5 6/25/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Rain Dance Estate Grand Oak Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Rosé
14.1% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.653,
50 cases, RS 0.83 g/L, $22, screw cap. Released May 5, 2018. Harvest Brix 22.3. 100% Dijon clone 114.
Whole cluster pressed with no skin soaking. Cold fermented. Aged in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Delicate
orange color in the glass. Aromas of blood orange, yellow apple, peach and fragrant melon. Slightly creamy in
the mouth and reminding of Orange Julius (which I always loved). A lighter styled but flavorful wine that has a
savory floral note as well in the background. A terrific table wine that has a very dry, thirst quenching finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Rain Dance Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.41,
TA 0.66, RS 0.05%, 81 cases, $22, screwcap. Harvest Brix
22.4º. Dijon clone 114. Whole cluster pressed, cold fermented,
vinified in 100% neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderate salmon
color in the glass. Exuberant aromas of strawberry,
watermelon, orange water, pale cherry and briar. Nicely
composed in a bright, crisp style, with flavors of blood orange and
strawberry, finishing with thirst quenching resolve. A superb rosé.
Score: 93.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2016 Rain Dance Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.37, TA 0.60, $30. Released
November 2017. Harvest Brix 22.8º. Clone 95. Aged
in Fresh oak barrels, 33% new, 33% once-filled and
34% neutral.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in
the glass. Complex and persistent aromas of lemon
curd, spice, white flower blossoms, tropical fruits and biscuit lead to a
wine of lovely composure that is discreetly endowed with flowing flavors
of citrus, apple, white peach, banana and vanilla. Very slightly viscous,
with a gracious acid backbone and some finishing brightness and
resolve. A complete wine and one of the best Chardonnays that I have
recently tasted from Oregon.
Score: 95.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2016 Rain Dance Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.51, 164 cases, $40.
Released May 5, 2018. 44% 667, 14% Pommard, 14% Wädenswil, 14% 943 and 14% 115. Harvest Brix 24.4º.
4-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 29% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely scented with
aromas of Bing cherry and mocha java. The mid weight core of black cherry fruit is framed by toasty, smoky
oak. Elegant in style, with amendable tannins, good juiciness and some finishing purpose. The oak oversteps
its role a bit, but overall this is a charming wine.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Rain Dance Nicholas Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Rosé
14.1% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.56, RS
0.16%, 149 cases, $22, screwcap. Released May 1, 2016.
Harvest Brix 24.2º. Whole cluster pressed, on skins 4 hours,
cold fermented, and aged in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderate strawberry red color in the glass. Very fragrant, even
over time in the glass, showing aromas of strawberry, raspberry, peach
and blood orange. A hearty styled rosé with flavors of cherry,
watermelon, strawberry and orange peel. Smooth and crisp in the mouth
with some length on the fruit-filled finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2015 Rain Dance Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.30, TA
0.58, 204 6-pack cases, $30. Inaugural Chardonnay.Sourced
from Nicholas Vineyard, a 40-acre vineyard planted in 2001,
2008 and 2015 in Jory and Laurelwood soils at an elevation of
544 feet. Harvest Brix 22.3º. Dijon 95. Double hand sorted,
whole cluster pressed, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new,
25% once filled and 50% neutral.
·
Moderately light golden yellow
color in the glass. Deep well of aromas including lemon, pineapple, white
peach, honeysuckle, spice and buttery brioche. Slightly creamy on the
palate, with vibrant flavors of citrus, banana, and vanilla cream with a riff
of stony minerality. Well endowed with spirited acidity making for
refreshing drinking.
Score: 93.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Rain Dance Vineyards Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.525, 220 cases, $30. Produced from LIVE certified grapes grown in
Laurelwood and Jory soils. Harvest Brix 25.5. 115, 667, 777 and Pommard clones. Aged 10
months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 22% once-filled and 45% neutral.
·
Gorgeous moderate
garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and marionberry lead to a mid weight plus styled
wine with a powerful attack of purple berry, plum and spice flavors framed by notable grainy
tannins and supported by balanced acidity. The lingering finish leaves quite an impression. Still a
youngster and will undoubtedly benefit from more time in the cellar.
Score: 91.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Rain Dance Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.52,
125 cases, $40. Sourced from the estate Rain Dance Vineyard, established in 2009, and planted to
15 acres of Pinot Noir on Jory soil. Harvest Brix 25.5º. 60% Pommard, 20% Wädenswil, 20% Dijon
667. Triple hand sorted, 4-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 40%
new, 40% once filled and 20% neutral.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Highly aromatic, sporting
hi-tone aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, wine cave, toast and white pepper. Mid weight in
style, with a somewhat lush array of black raspberry, and blueberry-pomegranate fruit flavors overlain with
complimentary toasty oak. Silky and sleek in texture, with admirable balance and a pleasing finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Rain Dance Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.47, 150 cases,
$40. Released May 1, 2016. Harvest Brix 24.8º. 57% Pommard, 28% Wädenswil, 14% 667. 4-day cold soak,
10-day fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 29% new, 29% once-filled and 42% neutral.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Riper nose and flavors, featuring black cherry and blueberry fruits,
a note of root beer, and a thread of smoky oak in the background. Cashmere tannins lead to a velveteen
mouthfeel in this soothing wine with some length on the upbeat finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Rain Dance Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
12.7% alc., pH 3.84, TA 0.50, 150 cases,
$40. Harvest Brix 21.5º. 67% Wädenswil, 33% Pommard. 4-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation, aged 10
months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. There is plenty of
oak input on the nose, with aromas of spice, smoke and clove along with the scent of black cherry fruit. Light to
mid weight in style, with a peppery, spicy cherry core. Rather delicate and elegant, with oak influence in the
background, finishing demurely.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2017 Rain Dance Estate Grand Oak Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Rosé
14.1% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.653, 50 cases, RS 0.83 g/L, $22, screw cap. Released May 5, 2018. Harvest Brix 22.3. 100% Dijon clone 114. Whole cluster pressed with no skin soaking. Cold fermented. Aged in neutral French oak barrels. · Delicate orange color in the glass. Aromas of blood orange, yellow apple, peach and fragrant melon. Slightly creamy in the mouth and reminding of Orange Julius (which I always loved). A lighter styled but flavorful wine that has a savory floral note as well in the background. A terrific table wine that has a very dry, thirst quenching finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Rain Dance Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.66, RS 0.05%, 81 cases, $22, screwcap. Harvest Brix 22.4º. Dijon clone 114. Whole cluster pressed, cold fermented, vinified in 100% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate salmon color in the glass. Exuberant aromas of strawberry, watermelon, orange water, pale cherry and briar. Nicely composed in a bright, crisp style, with flavors of blood orange and strawberry, finishing with thirst quenching resolve. A superb rosé. Score: 93. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2016 Rain Dance Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.37, TA 0.60, $30. Released November 2017. Harvest Brix 22.8º. Clone 95. Aged in Fresh oak barrels, 33% new, 33% once-filled and 34% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Complex and persistent aromas of lemon curd, spice, white flower blossoms, tropical fruits and biscuit lead to a wine of lovely composure that is discreetly endowed with flowing flavors of citrus, apple, white peach, banana and vanilla. Very slightly viscous, with a gracious acid backbone and some finishing brightness and resolve. A complete wine and one of the best Chardonnays that I have recently tasted from Oregon. Score: 95. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2016 Rain Dance Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.51, 164 cases, $40. Released May 5, 2018. 44% 667, 14% Pommard, 14% Wädenswil, 14% 943 and 14% 115. Harvest Brix 24.4º. 4-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 29% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely scented with aromas of Bing cherry and mocha java. The mid weight core of black cherry fruit is framed by toasty, smoky oak. Elegant in style, with amendable tannins, good juiciness and some finishing purpose. The oak oversteps its role a bit, but overall this is a charming wine. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Rain Dance Nicholas Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Rosé
14.1% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.56, RS 0.16%, 149 cases, $22, screwcap. Released May 1, 2016. Harvest Brix 24.2º. Whole cluster pressed, on skins 4 hours, cold fermented, and aged in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate strawberry red color in the glass. Very fragrant, even over time in the glass, showing aromas of strawberry, raspberry, peach and blood orange. A hearty styled rosé with flavors of cherry, watermelon, strawberry and orange peel. Smooth and crisp in the mouth with some length on the fruit-filled finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2015 Rain Dance Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.58, 204 6-pack cases, $30. Inaugural Chardonnay.Sourced from Nicholas Vineyard, a 40-acre vineyard planted in 2001, 2008 and 2015 in Jory and Laurelwood soils at an elevation of 544 feet. Harvest Brix 22.3º. Dijon 95. Double hand sorted, whole cluster pressed, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new, 25% once filled and 50% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Deep well of aromas including lemon, pineapple, white peach, honeysuckle, spice and buttery brioche. Slightly creamy on the palate, with vibrant flavors of citrus, banana, and vanilla cream with a riff of stony minerality. Well endowed with spirited acidity making for refreshing drinking. Score: 93. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Rain Dance Vineyards Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.525, 220 cases, $30. Produced from LIVE certified grapes grown in Laurelwood and Jory soils. Harvest Brix 25.5. 115, 667, 777 and Pommard clones. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 22% once-filled and 45% neutral. · Gorgeous moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and marionberry lead to a mid weight plus styled wine with a powerful attack of purple berry, plum and spice flavors framed by notable grainy tannins and supported by balanced acidity. The lingering finish leaves quite an impression. Still a youngster and will undoubtedly benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 91. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Rain Dance Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.52, 125 cases, $40. Sourced from the estate Rain Dance Vineyard, established in 2009, and planted to 15 acres of Pinot Noir on Jory soil. Harvest Brix 25.5º. 60% Pommard, 20% Wädenswil, 20% Dijon 667. Triple hand sorted, 4-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 40% new, 40% once filled and 20% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Highly aromatic, sporting hi-tone aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, wine cave, toast and white pepper. Mid weight in style, with a somewhat lush array of black raspberry, and blueberry-pomegranate fruit flavors overlain with complimentary toasty oak. Silky and sleek in texture, with admirable balance and a pleasing finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Rain Dance Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.47, 150 cases, $40. Released May 1, 2016. Harvest Brix 24.8º. 57% Pommard, 28% Wädenswil, 14% 667. 4-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 29% new, 29% once-filled and 42% neutral. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Riper nose and flavors, featuring black cherry and blueberry fruits, a note of root beer, and a thread of smoky oak in the background. Cashmere tannins lead to a velveteen mouthfeel in this soothing wine with some length on the upbeat finish. Score: 89. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Rain Dance Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
12.7% alc., pH 3.84, TA 0.50, 150 cases, $40. Harvest Brix 21.5º. 67% Wädenswil, 33% Pommard. 4-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. There is plenty of oak input on the nose, with aromas of spice, smoke and clove along with the scent of black cherry fruit. Light to mid weight in style, with a peppery, spicy cherry core. Rather delicate and elegant, with oak influence in the background, finishing demurely. Score: 88. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »