Dec 30, 2022
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Cooper Mountain Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Corrine Gross, Robert J Gross |
| Web site | www.coopermountainwine.com |
| Link to this site |
Cooper Mountain Vineyards, established in 1987, has been a pioneer among Oregon wineries in practicing organic and biodynamic farming. The original Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines were planted by husband and wife team, Dr. Robert (a psychiatrist and homeopath) and Corrine Gross in 1978. At first they were only winegrowers, selling Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from what is now called the Old Vines Vineyard.Organic certification by Oregon Tilth came in 1995 and Biodynamic certification by Demeter followed in 1999. By 2018, the winery had four estate vineyards totalling 125 acres.
The first wine, an estate grown Pinot Noir, was produced in 1987. Now Cooper Mountain offers seven varietals under three labels - Cooper Mountain, Cooper Hill and Life - with an annual production of 20,000 cases by 2018.
In 2002, Cooper Mountain Vineyards was the first winery in the United States to gain label approval for a no-sulfite-added wine and carry the USDA Organic seal. The winery's sulfite free Pinot Noir has developed a cult following and sells out quickly. In addition, there are Reserve bottlings and single vineyard options.
Barbara Cooper, the Gross's daughter, is the current Director of Operations. The winemaker, Gilles de Domingo, has been at the winery since 2004. He enjoys unique stylistic choices like fermenting Chardonnay in acacia wood from Senegal instead of French oak barrels.
The wines are sold on the website and through retail distribution.
Articles About Cooper Mountain Vineyards
2015 Oregon Pinot Noir Value Priced Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.23 12/27/2015)
2018 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
Large Review of 2009 & 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs With a Few from 2008 & 2011 (9.7 5/9/2012)
More Sips of 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir (8.30 1/27/2011)
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (7.2 9/15/2008)
Oregon Blockbuster to Beauty Movement (9.20 2/26/2013)
Oregon Pinot Noir Doctors (9.25 6/2/2013)
Oregon Pinot Noir Starts Here: A Sampling of Entry Level Wines (10.36 8/29/2016)
Pinot Briefs (11.29 8/24/2018)
Pinot Briefs (11.36 12/29/2018)
Rece$$ion Busters (7.15 3/26/2009)
Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir: Recently Sampled Wines (9.23 4/13/2013)
Vineyards Established 1972-1973 (12.29 6/5/2022)
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (11.23 5/12/2018)
Willamette Valley’s 50th Anniversary: A New Look at the Old Guard (10.18 9/29/2015)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Mountain Terroir Old Vines Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $65.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of an array of wellripened,
dark fruits with a hint of tar and oak. The worthy core of
blackberry, Marionberry, cassis, pie spice and mushrooms-onthe-
grill flavors present in a fuller-bodied style. The extroverted
fruit core is tamed by ripe tannins and backed by a sidecar of
oak. More expressive and enjoyable when tasted the next day
from a previously opened bottle. Consider decanting now to tame
the tannins.
Score: 93.
Reviewed May 30, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Life Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $40. No
sulfites added (may contain naturally-occurring sulfites). Certified organic and biodynamic.
Johnson School and Meadowlark vineyards. Native fermentation. Aged 8 months in French oak
barrels, 40% 2-year-old, 60% neutral. Unfined.
·
Very dark garnet color in the glass. Demure
aromas of blackberry, blueberry-pomegranate and barrique. The fruit fades rather quickly in the
glass over time. Full-bodied and ultra-rich, with a hedonistic core of purple and black fruits along
with a velvety mouth feel. Fruit-driven and Syrah-like, yet tannins and acidity are in
complimentary balance with the fruit load. A uniquely-crafted style, that is richly concentrated, but still retains
charm.
Score: 90.
Reviewed May 10, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $25. Made with
Demeter® Certified Biodynamic® grapes.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. An appealing
appellation wine from an outstanding vintage, with aromas of blackest cherry, underbrush and
teasing oak, leading to mid weight flavors of black cherry and blackberry complimented with a deft
touch of oak. Juicy and very agreeable now, yet there is enough tannin to suggest decanting or a
little more time in the bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed May 10, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Mountain Terroir Meadowlark Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
$50. Certified Biodynamic® by Demeter®. Vineyard Series. Meadowlark Vineyard planted in 1982 in
Willakenzie soil. Native fermentation. Aged 10 months in oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Charming aromas of blackberry, blueberry, sandy loam and toasty oak entice. Very satisfying in the mouth, with
a polished texture, and a mid weight core of boysenberry and black raspberry fruit wrapped in gentle tannins. A
classy wine with impeccable balance, drinking perfectly now.
Score: 93.
Reviewed May 10, 2018
ARTICLE »
2013 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $25. Winemaker Gilles
de Domingo. Certified Biodynamic® by Demeter®.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. Shy aromas of red cherry
are accompanied by notes of tea leaf and tobacco. The light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and berry are
underlain with an herbal thread suggesting the fruit was under ripe. Rather plain, with soft tannins and a slight
medicinal note. This wine fails to challenge the senses but is very drinkable.
Score: 86.
Reviewed August 29, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Cooper Mountain Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.60, RS dry, 3,200
cases, $28, screwcap. This wine is a blend of all four of the estate Biodynamic vineyards.
·
Dark
reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of underbrush, stem and beet root. More fruity
and giving on the palate, with a luxurious core of purple and black fruits accented with spice and
backed by muscular tannins and a good grip of acidity. The wine finishes with a burst of sweet dark
fruit and a wave of tannins. Unusually rich and bold for Oregon, but reflective of the vintage.
Probably less tannic and better overall in a couple of years.
Score: 89.
Reviewed September 29, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.95% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.61, 3,200 cases,
$25. 100% estate fruit from biodynamic grapes. Aged in 15% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is medicinal and grassy with faint red fruit aromas evident. On the
palate the red fruit is austere and herbal, and is somewhat out-muscled by tannin and acidity. A very delicate,
noticeable nervy wine that finishes with abundant citrus peel presence. Needs more time in bottle. Decent.
Reviewed February 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Cooper Mountain Vineyards “Life” Willamette Valley Organic Wine
13.0% alc., $35. No sulfite added during winemaking. Certified organic by
Oregon Tilth. Biodynamic® by Demeter®.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color
in the glass. Very fruity, upfront nose offering aromas of strawberry, cherry, red
fruit punch and sandalwood. A Beaujolais styled wine, with pleasant flavors of
red fruits including red plum and a subtle hint of savory herbs. Mild, but evident
tannins, with a bright finish. Crafted for early drinking and an excellent wine for
the table. Good.
Reviewed June 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Life Willamette Valley Organic Wine
13.0% alc., 200 cases, $35. Aged in 30% new and
40% second-use French oak barrels. No sulfites added during
winemaking. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth. Biodynamic® by
Demeter®. This bottling began as an experiment in 2002, but has
become very popular. Consumers are advised to drink this wine
upon acquisition, although the winemaker believes it will hold up
well for short-term aging.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in
the glass. Very fruity nose featuring bright aromas of cherries, strawberries and
red fruit punch. Flavorful and forward, offering tastes of dark red and blue
berries, red plum and a complimentary savory herb note. The tannins are well
managed and the acidity brings life to the fruit. An excellent food wine in a Beaujolais style. Good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.59,
2,100 cases, $24. Aged in 32% new French oak barrels. Made with organic and Biodynamic® grapes.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas are oak-driven and include brewed coffee and
straw. Delicious core of cherries and red berries. Relatively light in weight with substantial oak and fruit
tannins, finishing lively with some length. Crisp and juicy. The oak sheen overshadows the fruit at this stage.
Less oak is evident the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. If you pop the cork now, I
recommend decanting. Should develop better integration of oak over time in the cellar. Good.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Cooper Mountain Vineyards “Life” Willamette Valley Organic Wine
13% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.55, 180 cases, $35 (sold out). No
sulfites added during winemaking. Biodynamic® by Demeter®. Aged
in 40% new French oak, unfined.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of fresh black cherries with a hint of
grassy herbs and spice. Juicy and bright, with medium weighted
flavors of dark red fruits including cherries, cranberries and even pomegranate.
Crisp and refreshing with excellent tension. A different take on Pinot Noir that is
quite pleasing and one of the best organic wines I have sampled. Good.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Cooper Mountain Vineyard Mountain Terroir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $50. Biodynamic® by Demeter®.
·
Moderately light reddishpurple
color in the glass. This wine shows a heavy oak topcoat that is currently
burying the luscious and markedly intense dark red fruit core. A middleweight
wine with restrained tannins and balancing acidity, that will benefit from more
time in bottle to fully integrate the oak. That said, this wine displays a
remarkably fleshy fruit profile. Good.
Reviewed June 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Cooper Mountain Vineyard Mountain Terroir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA
0.57, 290 cases, $45. Biodynamic® by Demeter®.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very
shy nose with delicate aromas of blackberry jam. Mid weight flavors of plum reduction sauce and blackberries
accented with tempered oak, balanced with firm tannins and finishing with notable power. Very tasty and offers
a sensual, velvety mouth feel to boot. Very good.
Reviewed June 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Mountain Terroir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 290 cases, $45. Biodynamic® by
Demeter®. Aged in 35% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple color
in the glass. The nose veers to the ripper side with aromas of black fruits, plum
cake, and oak. Delicious and luscious with mouth filling presence. Pure and
polished with a generous core of purple and black fruits accented by anise
(oak), spice and loamy earth, framed by well-balanced fine-grain tannins and
acidity. This wine shows a little more oak that I would prefer at this stage, but
the fruit purity is very striking. Will benefit from another year or two in the cellar.
Very good.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24. Sourced from certified organic and Biodynamic
vineyards.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy black
cherry, blackberry and redwood aromas. Rich and intense layered
core of black cherries and dark plums wrapped in ripe, firm tannins,
and sparked by a lift of acidity. Showing more on the palate than the
nose now, but possessing the balance to develop nicely in the bottle. Patience
needed. Plenty of Pinot for the price. Good.
Reviewed January 27, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Cooper Mountain Vineyards 20th Anniversary Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $19 (winery retail is $24). Estate bottled. A
blend from certified organic and biodynamic vineyards.
·
A trilogy on the nose
of black cherries, raspberries and black currants. Juicy core of black
raspberry fruit, subtlety spiced with fine-grained tannins anchoring the nicely
structured backbone and a touch of refreshing citrus-laden acidity bringing
up the finish. This wine is a steal at this price.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24. Certified organic
and biodynamic vineyards.
·
Fairly dark reddish-purple color. The aromas emerge with time in the glass
offering plum, blackberry and herbs. Mildly tart berry and cherry fruit flavors on the lean side with a touch of
herbs and wood, finishing with a tangy bite. Needs food.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2017 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Mountain Terroir Old Vines Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $65. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of an array of wellripened, dark fruits with a hint of tar and oak. The worthy core of blackberry, Marionberry, cassis, pie spice and mushrooms-onthe- grill flavors present in a fuller-bodied style. The extroverted fruit core is tamed by ripe tannins and backed by a sidecar of oak. More expressive and enjoyable when tasted the next day from a previously opened bottle. Consider decanting now to tame the tannins. Score: 93. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Life Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $40. No sulfites added (may contain naturally-occurring sulfites). Certified organic and biodynamic. Johnson School and Meadowlark vineyards. Native fermentation. Aged 8 months in French oak barrels, 40% 2-year-old, 60% neutral. Unfined. · Very dark garnet color in the glass. Demure aromas of blackberry, blueberry-pomegranate and barrique. The fruit fades rather quickly in the glass over time. Full-bodied and ultra-rich, with a hedonistic core of purple and black fruits along with a velvety mouth feel. Fruit-driven and Syrah-like, yet tannins and acidity are in complimentary balance with the fruit load. A uniquely-crafted style, that is richly concentrated, but still retains charm. Score: 90. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $25. Made with Demeter® Certified Biodynamic® grapes. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. An appealing appellation wine from an outstanding vintage, with aromas of blackest cherry, underbrush and teasing oak, leading to mid weight flavors of black cherry and blackberry complimented with a deft touch of oak. Juicy and very agreeable now, yet there is enough tannin to suggest decanting or a little more time in the bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Mountain Terroir Meadowlark Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $50. Certified Biodynamic® by Demeter®. Vineyard Series. Meadowlark Vineyard planted in 1982 in Willakenzie soil. Native fermentation. Aged 10 months in oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Charming aromas of blackberry, blueberry, sandy loam and toasty oak entice. Very satisfying in the mouth, with a polished texture, and a mid weight core of boysenberry and black raspberry fruit wrapped in gentle tannins. A classy wine with impeccable balance, drinking perfectly now. Score: 93. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »
2013 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $25. Winemaker Gilles de Domingo. Certified Biodynamic® by Demeter®. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Shy aromas of red cherry are accompanied by notes of tea leaf and tobacco. The light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and berry are underlain with an herbal thread suggesting the fruit was under ripe. Rather plain, with soft tannins and a slight medicinal note. This wine fails to challenge the senses but is very drinkable. Score: 86. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Cooper Mountain Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.60, RS dry, 3,200 cases, $28, screwcap. This wine is a blend of all four of the estate Biodynamic vineyards. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of underbrush, stem and beet root. More fruity and giving on the palate, with a luxurious core of purple and black fruits accented with spice and backed by muscular tannins and a good grip of acidity. The wine finishes with a burst of sweet dark fruit and a wave of tannins. Unusually rich and bold for Oregon, but reflective of the vintage. Probably less tannic and better overall in a couple of years. Score: 89. Reviewed September 29, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.95% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.61, 3,200 cases, $25. 100% estate fruit from biodynamic grapes. Aged in 15% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is medicinal and grassy with faint red fruit aromas evident. On the palate the red fruit is austere and herbal, and is somewhat out-muscled by tannin and acidity. A very delicate, noticeable nervy wine that finishes with abundant citrus peel presence. Needs more time in bottle. Decent. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Cooper Mountain Vineyards “Life” Willamette Valley Organic Wine
13.0% alc., $35. No sulfite added during winemaking. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth. Biodynamic® by Demeter®. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruity, upfront nose offering aromas of strawberry, cherry, red fruit punch and sandalwood. A Beaujolais styled wine, with pleasant flavors of red fruits including red plum and a subtle hint of savory herbs. Mild, but evident tannins, with a bright finish. Crafted for early drinking and an excellent wine for the table. Good. Reviewed June 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Life Willamette Valley Organic Wine
13.0% alc., 200 cases, $35. Aged in 30% new and 40% second-use French oak barrels. No sulfites added during winemaking. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth. Biodynamic® by Demeter®. This bottling began as an experiment in 2002, but has become very popular. Consumers are advised to drink this wine upon acquisition, although the winemaker believes it will hold up well for short-term aging. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruity nose featuring bright aromas of cherries, strawberries and red fruit punch. Flavorful and forward, offering tastes of dark red and blue berries, red plum and a complimentary savory herb note. The tannins are well managed and the acidity brings life to the fruit. An excellent food wine in a Beaujolais style. Good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.59, 2,100 cases, $24. Aged in 32% new French oak barrels. Made with organic and Biodynamic® grapes. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas are oak-driven and include brewed coffee and straw. Delicious core of cherries and red berries. Relatively light in weight with substantial oak and fruit tannins, finishing lively with some length. Crisp and juicy. The oak sheen overshadows the fruit at this stage. Less oak is evident the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. If you pop the cork now, I recommend decanting. Should develop better integration of oak over time in the cellar. Good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Cooper Mountain Vineyards “Life” Willamette Valley Organic Wine
13% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.55, 180 cases, $35 (sold out). No sulfites added during winemaking. Biodynamic® by Demeter®. Aged in 40% new French oak, unfined. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of fresh black cherries with a hint of grassy herbs and spice. Juicy and bright, with medium weighted flavors of dark red fruits including cherries, cranberries and even pomegranate. Crisp and refreshing with excellent tension. A different take on Pinot Noir that is quite pleasing and one of the best organic wines I have sampled. Good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Cooper Mountain Vineyard Mountain Terroir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $50. Biodynamic® by Demeter®. · Moderately light reddishpurple color in the glass. This wine shows a heavy oak topcoat that is currently burying the luscious and markedly intense dark red fruit core. A middleweight wine with restrained tannins and balancing acidity, that will benefit from more time in bottle to fully integrate the oak. That said, this wine displays a remarkably fleshy fruit profile. Good. Reviewed June 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Cooper Mountain Vineyard Mountain Terroir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 290 cases, $45. Biodynamic® by Demeter®. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very shy nose with delicate aromas of blackberry jam. Mid weight flavors of plum reduction sauce and blackberries accented with tempered oak, balanced with firm tannins and finishing with notable power. Very tasty and offers a sensual, velvety mouth feel to boot. Very good. Reviewed June 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Mountain Terroir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 290 cases, $45. Biodynamic® by Demeter®. Aged in 35% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose veers to the ripper side with aromas of black fruits, plum cake, and oak. Delicious and luscious with mouth filling presence. Pure and polished with a generous core of purple and black fruits accented by anise (oak), spice and loamy earth, framed by well-balanced fine-grain tannins and acidity. This wine shows a little more oak that I would prefer at this stage, but the fruit purity is very striking. Will benefit from another year or two in the cellar. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24. Sourced from certified organic and Biodynamic vineyards. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy black cherry, blackberry and redwood aromas. Rich and intense layered core of black cherries and dark plums wrapped in ripe, firm tannins, and sparked by a lift of acidity. Showing more on the palate than the nose now, but possessing the balance to develop nicely in the bottle. Patience needed. Plenty of Pinot for the price. Good. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Cooper Mountain Vineyards 20th Anniversary Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $19 (winery retail is $24). Estate bottled. A blend from certified organic and biodynamic vineyards. · A trilogy on the nose of black cherries, raspberries and black currants. Juicy core of black raspberry fruit, subtlety spiced with fine-grained tannins anchoring the nicely structured backbone and a touch of refreshing citrus-laden acidity bringing up the finish. This wine is a steal at this price. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24. Certified organic and biodynamic vineyards. · Fairly dark reddish-purple color. The aromas emerge with time in the glass offering plum, blackberry and herbs. Mildly tart berry and cherry fruit flavors on the lean side with a touch of herbs and wood, finishing with a tangy bite. Needs food. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »