Dec 30, 2022
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Trisaetum Winery & Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Andrea Frey, James Frey |
| Web site | www.trisaetum.com |
| Link to this site |
James Frey was growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah in his backyard in 2001 in Orange County, California, and making wine at home became an obsession. He began to look for vineyard land in Oregon. Both he and his wife had spent time there and were enamored with the state. In addition, he found himself drinking more and more Pinot Noir and Riesling, both varieties well suited to Oregon's winegrowing regions.
In 2003, the couple acquired an old cattle ranch in the foothills of the Coast Range, outside McMinnville. Two years later they planted 22 acres of Pinot Noir and Riesling. They subsequently added another 17 acres near Newberg on Ribbon Ridge and again planted Pinot Noir (clones 115, 667, 777, Pommard, Wädenswil, and Coury) and Riesling. The soils are a unique mixture of Willakenzie with quartz-riddled sandstone and Pittsburgh bluff series, specific to Ribbon Ridge. They added an 8-acre vineyard in the Dundee Hills in 2011.
The Freys built a winery, dramatically lit underground wine caves, and a 1,500-square-foot art gallery to display James' artwork at Ribbon Ridge adjacent neighbors Beaux Frères and Brick House.
They named their winery Trisaetum ("Tris-say-tum"), a Latinized version of the names of the Frey's son Tristan and daughter Tatum. For two years they telecommuted from the Willamette Valley, with James finally quitting his advertising job for good in 2008. James had a distinguished career in photography, sculpting and abstract expressionist painting.
Frey vinifies six Rieslings, ten Pinot Noirs and three Chardonnays each vintage; all from the three estate vineyards. The winery is state-of-the-art, with a cold room to accept incoming grapes, an extensive sorting process that requires a team of fifteen people and utilizes a machine that is able to remove all debris including insects from the grapes. Several coopers are used and generally 25-35% French oak is new.
Beginning in 2013, Jacques Lardiére of Louis Jadot began vinifying Louis Jadot's Resonance wines at Trisaetum.
The winery's tasting room and art gallery is located at 18401 Ribbon Ridge Rd. in Newberg and are open Thursday to Sunday from 11:00 to 4:00. 503-538-9898. Pinot Noir and Riesling are offered. The wines are expensive but of ultra premium quality.
Articles About Trisaetum Winery & Vineyards
2017 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
2018 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
2018 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
Adventures on the Pinot Trail: World of Pinot Noir - The Seminars (9.39 3/29/2014)
IPNC 2012: Pinot Summer School in McMinnville, Oregon (9.10 8/22/2012)
Pinot Briefs (7.10 1/14/2009)
Pinot Noir Blanc: Pure Juice (9.11 9/11/2012)
Sips of Recently Tasted Willamette Valley Wines (11.5 6/25/2017)
Trisaetum Winery: An Artist Crafts Distinguished Oregon Pinot Noir (11.29 8/24/2018)
Reviewed Wines
2016 Trisaetum Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 3,800 cases, $36. Released April
2018.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple berries, earthy flora and sawn oak.
Bright, mid weight flavors of Bing cherry and boysenberry framed by reserved oak. Nicely
balanced, with modest tannins and some finishing persistence. A delightful everyday wine.
Score: 89.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 600 cases,
$49. Released July 2018. This 22-acre vineyard is planted on the site of the Frey family home. A mix of marine
sediment and volcanic soils.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soft in the mouth, even seductive, with vibrant
flavors of purple and black fruits in a mid weight plus style, offering sleek tannins and well-balanced oak. This
wine has the Yamhill-Carlton sinew yet is a very sexy wine.
Score: 93.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Estate Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 625 cases,
$49. Released July 2018. This 17-acre vineyard is on the same site as the winery and planted on a rare
combination of high-quartz sandstone soils.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Ever-expanding aromas of
blueberry, ripe strawberry and spice lead to a mid weight plus and affable core of darker fruits framed by
noticeable, but congenial tannins. Somewhat reserved, with an earthy tone and a modest finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Wichmann Dundee Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 525
cases, $49. Released July 2018. Old vines planted in volcanic Jory soil.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry and toasty oak. Very juicy, clean and silky on the palate, with middleweight
flavors of dark red stone and berry fruits. Impressive harmony, with buried tannins and a modest but welcome
finish. This wine is true to its Dundee Hills origins.
Score: 92.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Estates Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 520 cases, $69. Release September 2018.
This wine represents the most prized barrels from the three
estate vineyards.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Somewhat brooding aromas of dark fruits. Strikingly flavorful
fruit delivered in a mid weight plus style of sappy
boysenberry, purple grape and black raspberry fruits touched
by enticing spice and a hint of vanilla. The mouthfeel is very soothing
as a result of amendable tannins. Somewhat moody at this stage, but
the fruit still pops on the palate. Great potential here in future years, yet
delicious now with decanting.
Score: 94.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 4,000 cases, $36. Released June 2017. A blend of
fruit from Trisaetum’s three estate vineyards.
·
Moderate garnet
color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, pomegranate and
toast lead to a forward-drinking, juicy mid weight styled wine
of welcome harmony. Flavors of black cherry and blackberry
are enhanced with a touch of oak, and the wine finishes with a burst of
black raspberry goodness. An delightful everyday table wine.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Yamhill Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 459
cases, $49. Released March 2017. A single vineyard bottling from Trisaetum’s 22-acre Coast Range Estate
Vineyard. A mix of volcanic and sedimentary soils.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry
and underbrush lead to a mouth filling array of cherry and berry flavors alongside a rocky minerality. Nicely
balanced, with fine-grain tannins, a soothing, luxurious mouthfeel, and a cherry driven finish. Enters a little
better than it finishes.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Estate Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 432
cases, $49. Released March 2017. A single vineyard bottling from Trisaetum’s 17-acre Ribbon Ridge Estate
Vineyard. This site has rare high quartz sandstone soils.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Love the soaring
aromas of black cherry, spice and sandalwood that build in intensity over time in the glass. Impressive attack of
black cherry, black raspberry and sarsaparilla flavors framed by complimentary fine-grain tannins. Smooth and
silky in the mouth with impeccable balance, finishing with purpose and generosity.
Score: 93.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Wichmann Dundee Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
302 cases, $49. Released March 2017. A single vineyard bottling from Trisaetum’s 8-acre Wichmann Dundee
Estate Vineyard. Old vines planted in red volcanic soils.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of
muddled black cherry, wilted rose and brown spice arrive over time in the glass. Elegant in character, and light
to mid weight in extraction, featuring a core of fresh red cherry fruit and a sidecar of subtle herbs. The wine
offers soft, comforting tannins and a bright cherry cola finish. More enjoyable when tasted the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Estates Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 358 cases, $69.
Released June 2017. A combination of Trisaetum’s three estate vineyards. A selection of the most
prized barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is grand, with gloriously fresh aromas of
blackberry, black grape, spice and fertile earth. A flavor explosion greets the palate with layers of
purple and black fruit accented with notes of spice, savory herbs and toasty oak. Well-structured with
suede tannins and a remarkably long finish.
Score: 95.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Family Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 120 cases, $100. Released
August 2018.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass (lightest colored wine in the 2016 lineup). A striking
departure from the Estates Reserve. Aromas of red berry, spice cabinet and sandalwood. While the Estates
Reserve is burly, this wine is delicate and feminine in character. Sleek, refined and juicy with filigree tannins,
this mid weighted wine veers toward red fruits and is more Dundee Hills in temperament. The wine picks up
intensity and interest when tasted several hours after opening.
Score: 93.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Trisaetum Family Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 142 cases, $100. Release August 2017.
A combination of Trisaetum’s three estate vineyards.
·
Moderate
garnet color in the glass. Heady scents of black pie cherries,
grilled beef and brioche. Intense attack and mid palate presence
of black cherry and black raspberry fruits with added tastes of
dark chocolate and Asian-5-spice. The cashmere texture is quite
seductive, the sap is mouth coating, and the finish is grand cru in spirit.
An age worthy, connoisseur's wine.
Score: 95.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2010 Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 300 cases, $55.
·
Opens reluctantly in the glass
revealing shy fruit and a green, oaky edge. Lean flavors of strawberries and cherries backed by very bright
acidity. The fruit-driven finish drops off quickly, leaving a healthy cut of acidity in its wake. Lacks ripeness and
concentration. Decent.
Reviewed August 23, 2012
ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 3,800 cases, $36. Released April 2018. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple berries, earthy flora and sawn oak. Bright, mid weight flavors of Bing cherry and boysenberry framed by reserved oak. Nicely balanced, with modest tannins and some finishing persistence. A delightful everyday wine. Score: 89. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 600 cases, $49. Released July 2018. This 22-acre vineyard is planted on the site of the Frey family home. A mix of marine sediment and volcanic soils. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soft in the mouth, even seductive, with vibrant flavors of purple and black fruits in a mid weight plus style, offering sleek tannins and well-balanced oak. This wine has the Yamhill-Carlton sinew yet is a very sexy wine. Score: 93. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Estate Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 625 cases, $49. Released July 2018. This 17-acre vineyard is on the same site as the winery and planted on a rare combination of high-quartz sandstone soils. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Ever-expanding aromas of blueberry, ripe strawberry and spice lead to a mid weight plus and affable core of darker fruits framed by noticeable, but congenial tannins. Somewhat reserved, with an earthy tone and a modest finish. Score: 92. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Wichmann Dundee Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 525 cases, $49. Released July 2018. Old vines planted in volcanic Jory soil. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry and toasty oak. Very juicy, clean and silky on the palate, with middleweight flavors of dark red stone and berry fruits. Impressive harmony, with buried tannins and a modest but welcome finish. This wine is true to its Dundee Hills origins. Score: 92. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Trisaetum Estates Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 520 cases, $69. Release September 2018. This wine represents the most prized barrels from the three estate vineyards. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Somewhat brooding aromas of dark fruits. Strikingly flavorful fruit delivered in a mid weight plus style of sappy boysenberry, purple grape and black raspberry fruits touched by enticing spice and a hint of vanilla. The mouthfeel is very soothing as a result of amendable tannins. Somewhat moody at this stage, but the fruit still pops on the palate. Great potential here in future years, yet delicious now with decanting. Score: 94. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 4,000 cases, $36. Released June 2017. A blend of fruit from Trisaetum’s three estate vineyards. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, pomegranate and toast lead to a forward-drinking, juicy mid weight styled wine of welcome harmony. Flavors of black cherry and blackberry are enhanced with a touch of oak, and the wine finishes with a burst of black raspberry goodness. An delightful everyday table wine. Score: 90. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Yamhill Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 459 cases, $49. Released March 2017. A single vineyard bottling from Trisaetum’s 22-acre Coast Range Estate Vineyard. A mix of volcanic and sedimentary soils. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry and underbrush lead to a mouth filling array of cherry and berry flavors alongside a rocky minerality. Nicely balanced, with fine-grain tannins, a soothing, luxurious mouthfeel, and a cherry driven finish. Enters a little better than it finishes. Score: 90. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Estate Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 432 cases, $49. Released March 2017. A single vineyard bottling from Trisaetum’s 17-acre Ribbon Ridge Estate Vineyard. This site has rare high quartz sandstone soils. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Love the soaring aromas of black cherry, spice and sandalwood that build in intensity over time in the glass. Impressive attack of black cherry, black raspberry and sarsaparilla flavors framed by complimentary fine-grain tannins. Smooth and silky in the mouth with impeccable balance, finishing with purpose and generosity. Score: 93. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Wichmann Dundee Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 302 cases, $49. Released March 2017. A single vineyard bottling from Trisaetum’s 8-acre Wichmann Dundee Estate Vineyard. Old vines planted in red volcanic soils. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of muddled black cherry, wilted rose and brown spice arrive over time in the glass. Elegant in character, and light to mid weight in extraction, featuring a core of fresh red cherry fruit and a sidecar of subtle herbs. The wine offers soft, comforting tannins and a bright cherry cola finish. More enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Estates Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 358 cases, $69. Released June 2017. A combination of Trisaetum’s three estate vineyards. A selection of the most prized barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is grand, with gloriously fresh aromas of blackberry, black grape, spice and fertile earth. A flavor explosion greets the palate with layers of purple and black fruit accented with notes of spice, savory herbs and toasty oak. Well-structured with suede tannins and a remarkably long finish. Score: 95. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Trisaetum Family Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 120 cases, $100. Released August 2018. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass (lightest colored wine in the 2016 lineup). A striking departure from the Estates Reserve. Aromas of red berry, spice cabinet and sandalwood. While the Estates Reserve is burly, this wine is delicate and feminine in character. Sleek, refined and juicy with filigree tannins, this mid weighted wine veers toward red fruits and is more Dundee Hills in temperament. The wine picks up intensity and interest when tasted several hours after opening. Score: 93. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Trisaetum Family Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 142 cases, $100. Release August 2017. A combination of Trisaetum’s three estate vineyards. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Heady scents of black pie cherries, grilled beef and brioche. Intense attack and mid palate presence of black cherry and black raspberry fruits with added tastes of dark chocolate and Asian-5-spice. The cashmere texture is quite seductive, the sap is mouth coating, and the finish is grand cru in spirit. An age worthy, connoisseur's wine. Score: 95. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2010 Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 300 cases, $55. · Opens reluctantly in the glass revealing shy fruit and a green, oaky edge. Lean flavors of strawberries and cherries backed by very bright acidity. The fruit-driven finish drops off quickly, leaving a healthy cut of acidity in its wake. Lacks ripeness and concentration. Decent. Reviewed August 23, 2012 ARTICLE »