Dec 30, 2022
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Joe Dobbes Wines
| Owner(s) | Joe Dobbes |
| Web site | www.joedobbeswines.com |
| Link to this site |
Joe Dobbes has been a prominent winemaker in Oregon since 1989, and picked up the nickname, "Hollywood Joe," because of his good looks. Dobbes apprenticed at Wiengut Erbhof Tesch, in the German Nahe region and at Domaine G. Roumier and Domaine Comtes Lafon. He began in Oregon as an assistant at Elk Cove Vineyards, then became the head winemaker at Eola Hills Wine Cellars, Hinman Vineyards/Silvan Ridge, and Willamette Valley Vineyards.
Dobbes founded his own winery, Dobbes Family Estate, and launched the Jovino and Wine by Joe brands in 2003. The company is Oregon's third largest wine producer, operating out of a 52,000-square-foot winery in Dundee. He owns a 214-acre vineyard and buys grapes from about 30 other vineyards. His many contacts and relationships in Oregon allow him obtain high quality grape sources extending from the North Willamette Valley north to the Rogue Valley. The Wine by Joe label and restaurant directed Jovino label are value play Pinot Noirs ($19 and $22 respectively in 2006). Wine by Joe was one of the first screw top ventures in Oregon and includes several varietals including the popular Joe's Secco. Total production of Wine by Joe in the 2011 vintage was about 32,000 cases. Total winery production was about 180,000 cases.
In 2010, Dobbes produced Oregon's first commercial Grenache Blanc, which replaced the discontinued Pinot Gris under the Dobbes Family Estate label. Eight different Pinot Noirs are produced under the Dobbes Family label ranging in price from $28 to $100.
Dundee Vintners, Dobbes' custom crush business, keeps his large staff busy. He crafts wine for many wineries including AlexEli Vineyard & Winery, Barron-Wahl Vineyards, Cliff Creek Cellars, Elstrom Estate, Paschal Winery, Fox Farm Vineyards, Quailhurst Wines, South Stage Cellars, Trinity Vineyards, Vitae Springs Vineyard and Youngberg Hill Vineyard & Inn.
In 2015, Travis Proctor was appointed production winemaker at Dobbes Family Estate Winery/Wine by Joe, and Andy McVay was promoted to associate winemaker for Dundee Vintners, the custom winemaking arm of the company.
The winery's tasting room is open daily, 11-6, in Dundee at 240 SE 5th St. Dobbes offers a full line of cuvee and single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from $38-$65 which have been reviewed very favorably in the wine press. 503-538-1141.
Articles About Joe Dobbes Wines
Reviewed Wines
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Grand Assemblage Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 2,937 cases, $25. A 9 vineyard blend with
each vineyard cropped at approximately 2 tons per acre. 70% whole
berry fermentation, 6 day cold soak, racked once before blending and
aged 10 months.
·
Moderate light in color. Very alluring nose of
strawberries, blueberries, slightly confected cherries, baking spice and
graham. A playful wine that is medium-bodied and features refreshing
flavors of strawberries, raspberries and cherries with the slightest hint of herbs.
Supple tannins, adequate acidity and an elegant disposition. A wine for foodies.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Skipper’s Cuvée Rogue Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 202 cases, $42. Skipper is Joe’s daughter Amelia’s nickname.
Sourced from vineyards located at 2,000 feet above sea level in Southern
Oregon’s Rogue Valley. This unique vineyard has daytime temperatures as
high as 96 degrees and nighttime temperatures as low as 35 degrees. The
vineyard was farmed to 3 tons per acre. Clones are Dijon 115 and 777. 25%
whole clusters. Indigenous yeast. Racked twice before bottling 15 months later.
Aged in 40% new French oak.
·
Moderately light garnet in color. Ripe fruit
aromas tending toward port and raisin. Cherry and berry core marked by root
beer and baking spice. Overripe flavors but nicely crafted and will find fans who
welcome the elegance.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Meyer Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 42 cases, $65. Clone 777.
The vineyard was farmed to 2.10 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed.
Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Penetrating aromas
of dark raspberries, black cherries, raisins, grapes and oak which build
in the glass and becomes almost orgasmic. My notes say Wow!
Smelled great! Delicious dark red fruits fan out nicely on the palate
caressing the tongue with softness. Tobacco and raisin flavors add interest.
Fine tannins and a citrus tang on the finish. I kept coming back to explore this
interesting wine which was unique in its aromatic and flavor profile.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Meyer Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 174 cases, $65. 100% Meyer Vineyard fruit. Laurelwood soil. 70%
whole cluster fermentation. 6 day cold soak, indigenous fermentation, aged 11
months in 50/50 new to neutral French oak, racked twice before bottling.
·
A
very elegant wine showing off attractive bright red cherry, pomegranate and
spice complimented by earth and hay. An engaging and harmonious Pinot with
supple tannins, a seductively silky mouth feel and vibrant acidity.
Reviewed December 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Nuestro Sueño Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 202 cases, $65. The dry-farmed 16-
acre vineyard name means “our dream” in Spanish and is owned and tended by
Celeste and Tom Symonette. Clones are Dijon 114, Pommard and Wädenswil.
The vineyard was farmed to 2.10 tons per acre. Racked twice before bottling.
Aged in 40% new French oak.
·
On the nose there are slightly roasted dark fruits,
raisins and porto. Slightly sweet roasted plum, berries, and raisins on the palate.
Solid fruit core but slightly overripe. The tannins are moderately demonstrative.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Quailhurst Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 237 cases, $65.
This vineyard is farmed by Marvin and Deborah Hausman. Dobbes
Family Estate has a monopoly on all of the fruit available for sale from
this vineyard and this wine is the first vineyard-designated Pinot Noir
offered by another winery. The vineyard was farmed to 2.10 tons per
acre. 100% de-stemmed with 70% whole berries intact in the
fermenter. Racked twice before bottling and aged 11 months in French oak.
·
Slightly reduced aromas of dark stone fruits, dark chocolate, charred oak and
smoke. Lovely black cherry and berry fruit liquor attack the palate and coat every nook and cranny in the
mouth. The fruit is ripe but stops short of overripeness. The flavors are stunning, close to a slightly sweet and
tart freshly baked cherry pie with a perfect crust and a hint of nutmeg spice. Everything is in harmony with
supple tannins and a tangy finish. A distinctive wine with great charisma.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Dobbes Family Estate Griffin’s Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 273 cases, $42. Blended from five vineyard lots and hand selected
barrels. Clones 113, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. Cropped at 2 tons per acre.
100% de-stemmed with about 70% whole berries intact in the fermenter.
Racked twice before bottling 18 months later. Darkly colored.
·
Very earthy nose
with restrained scents of dark fruits, herbs and hi-toned oak. A masculine wine
with both red and black fruits that is somewhat linear but drinks nicely. Rich in
texture with a dry finish featuring a lingering citrus note. Well-made.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Dobbes Family Estate Cuvée Noir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5%
alc., 277 cases, $52. This is wine a blend from the finest vineyard lots and
favorite barrels. Vines cropped at 2 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed with
about 70% whole berries intact in the fermenter. 6 day cold soak. Indigenous
yeast. Racked twice before bottling 18 months later.
·
Dark reddish-violet color.
Huge nose that really seduces you featuring dark raspberries, blackberries, oak
and flowers. A gutsy wine with a rich mid palate showing earth-dusted dark
stone fruits and berries with a compliment of oak and a touch of citrus on the
pleasing finish. An intense wine for hedonists that can be enjoyed now and
should hold up nicely over several years.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Grand Assemblage Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 2,937 cases, $25. A 9 vineyard blend with each vineyard cropped at approximately 2 tons per acre. 70% whole berry fermentation, 6 day cold soak, racked once before blending and aged 10 months. · Moderate light in color. Very alluring nose of strawberries, blueberries, slightly confected cherries, baking spice and graham. A playful wine that is medium-bodied and features refreshing flavors of strawberries, raspberries and cherries with the slightest hint of herbs. Supple tannins, adequate acidity and an elegant disposition. A wine for foodies. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Skipper’s Cuvée Rogue Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 202 cases, $42. Skipper is Joe’s daughter Amelia’s nickname. Sourced from vineyards located at 2,000 feet above sea level in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley. This unique vineyard has daytime temperatures as high as 96 degrees and nighttime temperatures as low as 35 degrees. The vineyard was farmed to 3 tons per acre. Clones are Dijon 115 and 777. 25% whole clusters. Indigenous yeast. Racked twice before bottling 15 months later. Aged in 40% new French oak. · Moderately light garnet in color. Ripe fruit aromas tending toward port and raisin. Cherry and berry core marked by root beer and baking spice. Overripe flavors but nicely crafted and will find fans who welcome the elegance. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Meyer Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 42 cases, $65. Clone 777. The vineyard was farmed to 2.10 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Penetrating aromas of dark raspberries, black cherries, raisins, grapes and oak which build in the glass and becomes almost orgasmic. My notes say Wow! Smelled great! Delicious dark red fruits fan out nicely on the palate caressing the tongue with softness. Tobacco and raisin flavors add interest. Fine tannins and a citrus tang on the finish. I kept coming back to explore this interesting wine which was unique in its aromatic and flavor profile. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Meyer Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 174 cases, $65. 100% Meyer Vineyard fruit. Laurelwood soil. 70% whole cluster fermentation. 6 day cold soak, indigenous fermentation, aged 11 months in 50/50 new to neutral French oak, racked twice before bottling. · A very elegant wine showing off attractive bright red cherry, pomegranate and spice complimented by earth and hay. An engaging and harmonious Pinot with supple tannins, a seductively silky mouth feel and vibrant acidity. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Nuestro Sueño Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 202 cases, $65. The dry-farmed 16- acre vineyard name means “our dream” in Spanish and is owned and tended by Celeste and Tom Symonette. Clones are Dijon 114, Pommard and Wädenswil. The vineyard was farmed to 2.10 tons per acre. Racked twice before bottling. Aged in 40% new French oak. · On the nose there are slightly roasted dark fruits, raisins and porto. Slightly sweet roasted plum, berries, and raisins on the palate. Solid fruit core but slightly overripe. The tannins are moderately demonstrative. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Dobbes Family Estate Quailhurst Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 237 cases, $65. This vineyard is farmed by Marvin and Deborah Hausman. Dobbes Family Estate has a monopoly on all of the fruit available for sale from this vineyard and this wine is the first vineyard-designated Pinot Noir offered by another winery. The vineyard was farmed to 2.10 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed with 70% whole berries intact in the fermenter. Racked twice before bottling and aged 11 months in French oak. · Slightly reduced aromas of dark stone fruits, dark chocolate, charred oak and smoke. Lovely black cherry and berry fruit liquor attack the palate and coat every nook and cranny in the mouth. The fruit is ripe but stops short of overripeness. The flavors are stunning, close to a slightly sweet and tart freshly baked cherry pie with a perfect crust and a hint of nutmeg spice. Everything is in harmony with supple tannins and a tangy finish. A distinctive wine with great charisma. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Dobbes Family Estate Griffin’s Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 273 cases, $42. Blended from five vineyard lots and hand selected barrels. Clones 113, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. Cropped at 2 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed with about 70% whole berries intact in the fermenter. Racked twice before bottling 18 months later. Darkly colored. · Very earthy nose with restrained scents of dark fruits, herbs and hi-toned oak. A masculine wine with both red and black fruits that is somewhat linear but drinks nicely. Rich in texture with a dry finish featuring a lingering citrus note. Well-made. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Dobbes Family Estate Cuvée Noir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 277 cases, $52. This is wine a blend from the finest vineyard lots and favorite barrels. Vines cropped at 2 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed with about 70% whole berries intact in the fermenter. 6 day cold soak. Indigenous yeast. Racked twice before bottling 18 months later. · Dark reddish-violet color. Huge nose that really seduces you featuring dark raspberries, blackberries, oak and flowers. A gutsy wine with a rich mid palate showing earth-dusted dark stone fruits and berries with a compliment of oak and a touch of citrus on the pleasing finish. An intense wine for hedonists that can be enjoyed now and should hold up nicely over several years. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »