Dec 30, 2022
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Le Cadeau Vineyard
| Owner(s) | Deb Mortimer, Tom Mortimer |
| Web site | www.lecadeauvineyard.com |
| Link to this site |
Le Cadeau Vineyard is located on the southern tip of Parrett Mountain, near Newberg, OR in the Dundee Hills. This 14-acre, high-elevation (610’ – 725’), vineyard was developed and planted with a singular focus on growing distinctive, complex, estate Pinot Noir for Le Cadeau. Le Cadeau is known as "the rockiest vineyard in Oregon." It took a team of track-hoes, D-8 Cats, and tractors pulling assorted farm equipment more than two years to clear the raw land. But the effort and cost was worth it to owner Tom Mortimer who is a Burgundy freak. The advantage to planting vines in this rocky volcanic soil is that it promotes drainage, regulates temperatures, and reduces vine vigor--the result is small fruit clusters with little berries that produce rich, fragrant wines.
Four Pinot Noirs were produced from this vineyard in 2007 and 2008: Côte Est, Diversite, Rocheux and Equinoxe. The four wines are vinified by different and changing prominent Oregon winemakers (including names such as Steve Ryan, Josh Bergsgtrom, Cheryl Francis-Sam Tannahill, and Harry Peterson-Nedry), making for an interesting mix of wines from the same vineyard.
A second label, Aubichon, was introduced with the 2007 vintage. This offshoot is crafted by winemaker Jim Sanders, is made from non-estate fruit and is lower priced. The Le Cadeau wines have received high praise from the wine press since 2005. The wines are sold through a mailing list with some retail distribution. Tours and tasting by appointment (612-799-8969).
Articles About Le Cadeau Vineyard
Extensive Tasting of 2016 & 2017 Vintage Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (11.47 7/7/2019)
Le Cadeau Vineyard (5.52 10/2/2006)
Le Cadeau Vineyard: A Rocky Situation (8.37 5/13/2011)
On the Pinot Event Trail (9.3 2/22/2012)
Oregon Pinot Noir 2004 (6.15 2/12/2007)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (9.50 11/21/2014)
Small Sips of Oregon Pinot (8.6 11/29/2009)
Small Sips of the Rest (6.52 1/30/2008)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Le Cadeau Côte Est Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 145 cases, $50.
This cuvée combines fruit from a cooler part of the estate vineyard with clones 114, 115 and 667 planted in
Nekia (volcanic) soils. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely
aromas of black cherry, raspberry and spice box with an espresso note in the background. Mid weight plus in
concentration and bursting with black cherry goodness. Silky in the mouth with gracious tannins and noticeable
oak support.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Le Cadeau Diversité Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 245 cases, $50.
Nine clones including Pommard, Mariafeld, Dijon 667, 777, 113, 114, and 115, Mt Eden and Calera planted in
the Northern end of the Le Cadeau Vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of cherry, fertile earth and oak-driven spice and toast. Suave and
silky on the palate, with a mid weight charge of dark cherry fruit framed by a shadow of oak. The gossamer
tannins and seductive texture are enticing although the finish is only modest in length.
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Le Cadeau Rocheux Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 174 cases, $50. This cuvée is sourced from the
rockiest portion of the estate vineyard, the warmer Western slope. Dijon
777, Pommard and a small amount of Wädenswil. Aged 11 months in
French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Striking aromas
of dark red cherry, rose in bloom and subtle oak. Appealing energy and
juiciness, featuring mid weight flavors of dusty cherry and raspberry
framed by fine-grain tannins. Appealing in many ways, with fine-grain
tannins, a little earthiness and textural interest from entry to finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Le Cadeau Merci Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 124 cases,
$80. This wine is composed of estate plantings of heritage clones of Pinot Noir - Mt Eden, Swan and Calera,
planted in 2006 and 2008. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Textbook Pinot Noir aromas of black cherry and spicy oak. Mid weight plus in style, offering well-ripened fruit
flavors of purple and black berries. A hedonist’s delight, with modest tannins and a big, black-fruited finish. My
only nit is the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth.
Score: 93.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
ARTICLE »
2012 Le Cadeau Vineyard Merci Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc.,
95 cases, $80. Release December 2014. The finest barrels from the vintage crafted in tiny quantity. Three
heritage selections. Winemaker is Jim Sanders and growers and owners are Deb and Tom Mortimer.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Exotic aromas elevate the nose including black cherry,
Asian 5-spice, incense and smoke. Full-bodied core of delicious spiced black cherry and blackberry flavors
that are intense and persistent. There is plenty of smoky oak on board ala Henri Jayer. The mouthfeel is
polished and the finish is a joyous celebration of fruit and lip smacking acidity. A very unique wine, but the oak
plays too great a role for me personally.
Score: 90.
Reviewed November 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Équinoxe Oregon Pinot Noir
50 cases. Vinified by Jim Sanders.
·
A beautiful wine with shy
dark fruit aromas and intense dark fruit flavors. Still evolving with the structural backbone and acidity to last.
Good (+).
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Serendipity Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 68 cases.
·
Vinified by Tony Rynders. Demure,
but pleasing aromas of dark red cherries and berries with a hint of spice. Well-spiced array of dark red fruits
with a touch of savory herbs on the palate with bright acidity on the finish. Very good (+).
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Aubicon Cellars Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir
Beginning in 2007, Tom Mortimer and Jim Sanders
sourced from hillside vineyards farmed by Buddy Beck and produced about 300 cases of an Aubichon Reserve
Pinot Noir ($42) and Aubichon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($34).
·
Adequate, but simple and homogenous fruit
flavors, finishing with a little alcoholic heat. A daily drinker. Decent.
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Côte Est Oregon Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 351 cases, $48.
From the cooler east side of the property where fruit is shaded from morning sun
by neighbor’s trees. Winemaker Steve Ryan.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple
color in the glass. The nose lacks fruit, offering scents of pine, oak, spice and
cut flowers. The black raspberry and black cherry flavors have an earthy
underpinning and a slight vegetal note. Smooth on the palate with a short finish.
Tasted the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still
was rather closed with slightly more fruit showing on the nose and on the palate.
Hard to judge this wine currently which showed much better 9 months ago when
tasted at the vineyard. Like many Oregon Pinot Noirs from 2008, patience is
advised. Good.
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 270
cases, $48. From varied clones planted throughout the vineyard.
·
The aromas
and flavors of this wine are buried in oak with coffee being the most prominent
feature. Big-boned darker fruits are featured with flamboyant tannins. Tasted
the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine tasted like
a coffee drink. Time in the cellar should moderate the oak and allow the fruit to
emerge, but this will always be an oaky wine. Decent at best currently.
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Vineyard Équinoxe Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 196
cases, $48. Winemaker Jim Sanders. Sourced from the crest of the hill where
the vines receive equal sun on both sides during the day.
·
Very shy nose with
hints of cassis and oak. Crisp and tasty with a moderately rich core of dark
berry and plum fruit supported by spice. Sporting notable tannins, this wine
needs more time for integration, but shows potential. Good (+).
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Le Cadeau Vineyard Rocheux Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
$47. Sourced from the west side of the Le Cadeau Vineyard and vinified by the
Chehalem winemaking team including Henry Peterson-Nedry.
·
Scents of
raspberries and plum, sage and herbs from Provence, and a hint of green
veggies. Pleasing core of black cherries and plums with hints of cola, brier patch
and green beans. Moderately firm in structure with noticeable tannins and a
smooth mouth feel. Decent.
Reviewed November 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Le Cadeau Côte Est Oregon Pinot Noir
Vinified by Josh Bergstrom (2004-2006 vintages).
·
Great nose
with effusive aromas of marionberries. Delicious ripe and sweet tasting berry fruit wrapped in supple tannins
and finishing on a high note with refreshing acidity. Very good.
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2005 Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Oregon Pinot Noir
Vinified by Sam Tannahill.
·
Soft and smooth in the
mouth with supple tannins and appealing herb and mineral imbued flavors of red cherries. Has the balance to
age further. Good (+).
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2005 Le Cadeau Vineyard Cote Est Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Of the three, this one is the most fruit-forward and flashy. Pinot
Noirs from this vineyard are long and intense with interesting dark fruit, mushroom
and baking spice flavors. The texture here is soft, silky and sexy.
Reviewed July 30, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $50. Cheryl Francis
and Sam Tannahill craft this winemaker-designated cuvee.
·
Deep, dark ruby color. This is a dark,
brooding style of Pinot Noir. Black fruits (plum, blackberry), earth and minerals are evident from start to
finish. Full-bodied and straight-forward with a velvety texture. Fans of a bold, plush style will find interest
in this wine.
Reviewed January 30, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Le Cadeau Vineyard Rocheaux Oregon Pinot Noir
The grapes were picked relatively early and the
wine shows a lean minerality and tobacco flavor as a result. There are some leather aromas and pleasing
cherry and strawberry flavors. Decent.
Reviewed May 15, 2011
ARTICLE »
2004 Le Cadeau Vineyard Coté Est Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%, $45. In 2004, three
cuvees were made from the Le Cadeau Vineyard by three different winemaking
teams. This one was made by the crew at Bergstrom Winery. The grapes
were sourced from the east side of the vineyard. I featured this vineyard in a
past PinotFile (Volume 5, Issue 52). Tom and Deb Mortimer are the dedicated
owners and farmers of this vineyard. Only 480 cases of wine were produced
in 2004.
·
I loved the assertive aromatics in this wine which offered ripe dark
cherries, baking spices, and oak. This is a lush and voluptuous style with a velveteen
texture. The wine finishes cleanly with powdered oak tannins, dark fruit, and a hint of alcoholic
heat. A charmer.
Reviewed February 12, 2007
ARTICLE »
2004 Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45. A blend of diverse clones from the
vineyard. Crafted by Cheryl Francis and Sam Tannahill.
·
Hint of ethyl acetate in the nose. Plenty of ripe
dark fruits, moderate tannic backbone, lengthy finish. The structure trumps the fruit now but give it some
time in the cellar.
Reviewed February 12, 2007
ARTICLE »
2004 Le Cadeau Vineyard Rocheux Pinot Noir
13.9%, $45. Made by the winemaking team of
Chehalem Winery.
·
Rich nose of stone fruits and wet leaves. Dry tannins and short finish spiked with oak.
Reviewed February 12, 2007
ARTICLE »
2003 Le Cadeau Vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 630 cases, $40.
·
This Pinot Noir is rich and vivid and reflective of the warm vintage in Oregon. A
full and opulent nose of dark cherries, espresso, and oak really draws you in.
There is a hint of alcohol which is not intrusive. The flavors echo the aromatics,
with added raspberries and chocolate for good measure. There is detectable
minerality at work here also. The mouth feel is plush and silky, the tannins finegrained.
Oak treatment is very judicious. The finish features mouth coating
chocolate-covered cherries and stone fruits that linger until the next sip. As the
wine warms in the glass over time, the alcohol peeks out, so best to drink this
one cool. This Pinot will appeal to those who prefer a fat and opulent style of Pinot Noir that is interesting
to drink on its own or can match up with a big hunk of grilled beef.
Reviewed October 2, 2006
ARTICLE »
2017 Le Cadeau Côte Est Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 145 cases, $50. This cuvée combines fruit from a cooler part of the estate vineyard with clones 114, 115 and 667 planted in Nekia (volcanic) soils. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherry, raspberry and spice box with an espresso note in the background. Mid weight plus in concentration and bursting with black cherry goodness. Silky in the mouth with gracious tannins and noticeable oak support. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Le Cadeau Diversité Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 245 cases, $50. Nine clones including Pommard, Mariafeld, Dijon 667, 777, 113, 114, and 115, Mt Eden and Calera planted in the Northern end of the Le Cadeau Vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of cherry, fertile earth and oak-driven spice and toast. Suave and silky on the palate, with a mid weight charge of dark cherry fruit framed by a shadow of oak. The gossamer tannins and seductive texture are enticing although the finish is only modest in length. Score: 91. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Le Cadeau Rocheux Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 174 cases, $50. This cuvée is sourced from the rockiest portion of the estate vineyard, the warmer Western slope. Dijon 777, Pommard and a small amount of Wädenswil. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Striking aromas of dark red cherry, rose in bloom and subtle oak. Appealing energy and juiciness, featuring mid weight flavors of dusty cherry and raspberry framed by fine-grain tannins. Appealing in many ways, with fine-grain tannins, a little earthiness and textural interest from entry to finish. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Le Cadeau Merci Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 124 cases, $80. This wine is composed of estate plantings of heritage clones of Pinot Noir - Mt Eden, Swan and Calera, planted in 2006 and 2008. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Textbook Pinot Noir aromas of black cherry and spicy oak. Mid weight plus in style, offering well-ripened fruit flavors of purple and black berries. A hedonist’s delight, with modest tannins and a big, black-fruited finish. My only nit is the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2012 Le Cadeau Vineyard Merci Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 95 cases, $80. Release December 2014. The finest barrels from the vintage crafted in tiny quantity. Three heritage selections. Winemaker is Jim Sanders and growers and owners are Deb and Tom Mortimer. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Exotic aromas elevate the nose including black cherry, Asian 5-spice, incense and smoke. Full-bodied core of delicious spiced black cherry and blackberry flavors that are intense and persistent. There is plenty of smoky oak on board ala Henri Jayer. The mouthfeel is polished and the finish is a joyous celebration of fruit and lip smacking acidity. A very unique wine, but the oak plays too great a role for me personally. Score: 90. Reviewed November 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Équinoxe Oregon Pinot Noir
50 cases. Vinified by Jim Sanders. · A beautiful wine with shy dark fruit aromas and intense dark fruit flavors. Still evolving with the structural backbone and acidity to last. Good (+). Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Serendipity Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 68 cases. · Vinified by Tony Rynders. Demure, but pleasing aromas of dark red cherries and berries with a hint of spice. Well-spiced array of dark red fruits with a touch of savory herbs on the palate with bright acidity on the finish. Very good (+). Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Aubicon Cellars Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir
Beginning in 2007, Tom Mortimer and Jim Sanders sourced from hillside vineyards farmed by Buddy Beck and produced about 300 cases of an Aubichon Reserve Pinot Noir ($42) and Aubichon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($34). · Adequate, but simple and homogenous fruit flavors, finishing with a little alcoholic heat. A daily drinker. Decent. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Côte Est Oregon Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 351 cases, $48. From the cooler east side of the property where fruit is shaded from morning sun by neighbor’s trees. Winemaker Steve Ryan. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose lacks fruit, offering scents of pine, oak, spice and cut flowers. The black raspberry and black cherry flavors have an earthy underpinning and a slight vegetal note. Smooth on the palate with a short finish. Tasted the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still was rather closed with slightly more fruit showing on the nose and on the palate. Hard to judge this wine currently which showed much better 9 months ago when tasted at the vineyard. Like many Oregon Pinot Noirs from 2008, patience is advised. Good. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 270 cases, $48. From varied clones planted throughout the vineyard. · The aromas and flavors of this wine are buried in oak with coffee being the most prominent feature. Big-boned darker fruits are featured with flamboyant tannins. Tasted the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine tasted like a coffee drink. Time in the cellar should moderate the oak and allow the fruit to emerge, but this will always be an oaky wine. Decent at best currently. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Le Cadeau Vineyard Équinoxe Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 196 cases, $48. Winemaker Jim Sanders. Sourced from the crest of the hill where the vines receive equal sun on both sides during the day. · Very shy nose with hints of cassis and oak. Crisp and tasty with a moderately rich core of dark berry and plum fruit supported by spice. Sporting notable tannins, this wine needs more time for integration, but shows potential. Good (+). Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Le Cadeau Vineyard Rocheux Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $47. Sourced from the west side of the Le Cadeau Vineyard and vinified by the Chehalem winemaking team including Henry Peterson-Nedry. · Scents of raspberries and plum, sage and herbs from Provence, and a hint of green veggies. Pleasing core of black cherries and plums with hints of cola, brier patch and green beans. Moderately firm in structure with noticeable tannins and a smooth mouth feel. Decent. Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Le Cadeau Côte Est Oregon Pinot Noir
Vinified by Josh Bergstrom (2004-2006 vintages). · Great nose with effusive aromas of marionberries. Delicious ripe and sweet tasting berry fruit wrapped in supple tannins and finishing on a high note with refreshing acidity. Very good. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2005 Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Oregon Pinot Noir
Vinified by Sam Tannahill. · Soft and smooth in the mouth with supple tannins and appealing herb and mineral imbued flavors of red cherries. Has the balance to age further. Good (+). Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2005 Le Cadeau Vineyard Cote Est Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Of the three, this one is the most fruit-forward and flashy. Pinot Noirs from this vineyard are long and intense with interesting dark fruit, mushroom and baking spice flavors. The texture here is soft, silky and sexy. Reviewed July 30, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $50. Cheryl Francis and Sam Tannahill craft this winemaker-designated cuvee. · Deep, dark ruby color. This is a dark, brooding style of Pinot Noir. Black fruits (plum, blackberry), earth and minerals are evident from start to finish. Full-bodied and straight-forward with a velvety texture. Fans of a bold, plush style will find interest in this wine. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Le Cadeau Vineyard Rocheaux Oregon Pinot Noir
The grapes were picked relatively early and the wine shows a lean minerality and tobacco flavor as a result. There are some leather aromas and pleasing cherry and strawberry flavors. Decent. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »
2004 Le Cadeau Vineyard Coté Est Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%, $45. In 2004, three cuvees were made from the Le Cadeau Vineyard by three different winemaking teams. This one was made by the crew at Bergstrom Winery. The grapes were sourced from the east side of the vineyard. I featured this vineyard in a past PinotFile (Volume 5, Issue 52). Tom and Deb Mortimer are the dedicated owners and farmers of this vineyard. Only 480 cases of wine were produced in 2004. · I loved the assertive aromatics in this wine which offered ripe dark cherries, baking spices, and oak. This is a lush and voluptuous style with a velveteen texture. The wine finishes cleanly with powdered oak tannins, dark fruit, and a hint of alcoholic heat. A charmer. Reviewed February 12, 2007 ARTICLE »
2004 Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45. A blend of diverse clones from the vineyard. Crafted by Cheryl Francis and Sam Tannahill. · Hint of ethyl acetate in the nose. Plenty of ripe dark fruits, moderate tannic backbone, lengthy finish. The structure trumps the fruit now but give it some time in the cellar. Reviewed February 12, 2007 ARTICLE »
2004 Le Cadeau Vineyard Rocheux Pinot Noir
13.9%, $45. Made by the winemaking team of Chehalem Winery. · Rich nose of stone fruits and wet leaves. Dry tannins and short finish spiked with oak. Reviewed February 12, 2007 ARTICLE »
2003 Le Cadeau Vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 630 cases, $40. · This Pinot Noir is rich and vivid and reflective of the warm vintage in Oregon. A full and opulent nose of dark cherries, espresso, and oak really draws you in. There is a hint of alcohol which is not intrusive. The flavors echo the aromatics, with added raspberries and chocolate for good measure. There is detectable minerality at work here also. The mouth feel is plush and silky, the tannins finegrained. Oak treatment is very judicious. The finish features mouth coating chocolate-covered cherries and stone fruits that linger until the next sip. As the wine warms in the glass over time, the alcohol peeks out, so best to drink this one cool. This Pinot will appeal to those who prefer a fat and opulent style of Pinot Noir that is interesting to drink on its own or can match up with a big hunk of grilled beef. Reviewed October 2, 2006 ARTICLE »