Dec 30, 2022
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Spindrift Cellars
| Owner(s) | Matt Compton, Tabitha Compton |
| Web site | www.spindriftcellars.com |
| Link to this site |
A small family owned boutique winery located in the southern Willamette Valley in the town of Philomath. Founded by Matt and Tabitha Compton in 2003. Matt Compton also owns West Vine Farms, a vineyard management company, and manages most of the vineyards from which Spindrift Cellars sources fruit including Deer Haven Vineyard, Esterling Vineyard and Irish Bend Vineyard.
The lineup of wines includes Pinot Noir and multiple other varietals all of which are bottled under screw caps. Matt also bottles special wines under his personal label, Compton Family Wines. The winery and tasting room are located at 810 Applegate Street in Philomath (check website for hours). Tasting is also available by appointment.
Articles About Spindrift Cellars
2019 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
2019 Value-Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
Mining Oregon’s Willamette Valley for Good Pinot Noir Priced at or Less Than $30 (11.37 1/17/2019)
Rece$$ion Busters (7.15 3/26/2009)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.12 10/27/2017)
Spindrift Cellars: The Little Winery That Could (11.38 2/2/2019)
Vineyards Established 1972-1973 (12.29 6/5/2022)
Reviewed Wines
NV SEA 02 Sparkling Wine
13.7% alc., pH 3.33, TA 0.58, RS 0.42%, 1,018 cases, $20, bottle
cap. Produced and bottled by Small Word Wine Co. LLC, McMinnville. Winemaker Matt
Compton. A blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc grapes. Proceeds from the sale of this
wine will be contributed to the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University. Gold Medal
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
·
Moderate pink color in the glass. The nose offers a
combination of pink grapefruit, cherry, and botanical aromas including algae. A hearty rosé style
wine featuring flavors of red cherry, red raspberry and blood orange with a mild sprinkling of
herbs in the background. Bright, upbeat and refreshing, with a slight sweetness on the finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.1% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.60, RS 0.07%,
252 cases, $22, screw cap. Grapes were whole cluster pressed, fermented and aged in French
oak barrels, 40% new, for 4 months. Partial malolactic fermentation with weekly lees stirring.
·
Light
golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of pear, vanilla custard and granola.
Cozy in the mouth, with flavors of pineapple, pear and lemon creme with a subtle grassy note.
Slightly creamy in texture and easy to like.
Score: 91.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.49, $22, screw
cap. This wine was featured and was one of the top wines reviewed in the previous issue in an
article devoted to Oregon Pinot Noir wines priced at $30 and below. Sourced from seven small
vineyards, many of which are over 15-years-old and all are dry-farmed. Clones include Pommard,
Wädenswil, 115, 777 and 667. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for over 10 months.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. I was drawn into the glass by the aromas of cherry,
strawberry, rose petal, and sandalwood. Light to mid weight in style, with a generous black cherry core of fruit
that shows good vigor and intensity. A solid wine with a delightful cherry-embossed finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.59, $22, screw
cap. Sourced from seven small vineyards in the Willamette Valley, all dry farmed and many
over 15 years of age. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, 115, 777 and 667. Aged in French
oak barrels for over 10 months.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. I was drawn into
the glass in this wine by the aromas of cherry, strawberry, rose petal, and sandalwood.
Light to mid weight in style, with a generous black cherry core of fruit that shows good
vigor and intensity. A solid wine with a delightful cherry-embossed finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed January 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodhall Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH
3.43, TA 0.64, 142 cases, $25, screw cap. Clone 108 first planted in 1976.
·
Light golden yellow color in
the glass. Aromas of lemon, apple and nori. Classy and vibrant, with fresh flavors of pear,
pineapple, vanilla and a hint of flint. Sensual rather than fruity, with gorgeous balance.
Score: 93.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay
13.3% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.57,
RS 0.3%, 345 cases, $25, screwcap. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, partial malolactic
fermentation, stirred on lees every week in barrel.
·
Light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose
reminds of Viognier with tropical fruit notes along with citrus and white rose petal aromas. Light
and easygoing, with a slightly viscous texture, and fresh flavors of lemon and pear. Refreshing,
with a sleek finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars BoVine Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.55, TA
0.60, 92 cases, $28, screw cap. 5-acre vineyard planted in 2008 by Matt Compton and located in
Alpine, Oregon. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 667.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. Freshness is the word for this wine. Aromas of raspberry, earthy flora and spice with a
complimentary hint of oak. Striking attack of Bing cherry, raspberry and baking spice flavors with a
subtle oak backwash. An exquisitely balanced wine that is ready out of the gate.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodhall Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $28,
screw cap. This Oregon State University Vineyard
consists of 26 acres located about 25 miles south
of the University’s Corvallis campus. First planted
in 1976, there are 6 acres of Pinot Noir planted on
south-facing slopes at 450 to 700 feet elevation.
Bellpine series and Dupree Series sedimentary
rocks.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. An earthbound wine
with considerable charm. Wholesome aromas and flavors of dark red
cherry and berry in a mid weight plus style. Gentle tannins, a soothing
texture and a glorious finish packed with showy ripe fruit.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodhall Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $28, screw cap.
·
Moderately
dark garnet color in the glass. An earthbound wine with
considerable charm. Wholesome aromas and flavors of dark
red cherry and berry in a mid-weight plus style. Gentle tannins,
a soothing texture and a glorious finish packed with showy ripe
fruit. Reviewed in 2019.
Score: 94.
Reviewed May 30, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc.,pH 3.55, TA
0.61, 148 cases, $32, screw cap. Sourced from five vineyards, most of which are over 15
years old and all are dry-farmed. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, 115, 777 and 667. All
vineyard fruit was co-fermented in a 2.5-ton open-top wood fermenter. Aged in French oak
barrels for a number of months.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Extroverted
aromas of red cherry, red berry and sandalwood. Caressing and elegant in the mouth, with
intense waves of dark red fruits accented with baking spices. A spirited wine with
impeccable harmony and a long aftertaste. I wanted to swallow this one.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.57, 1,467 cases, $22,
screwcap. Seven small vineyards contributed to this blend, many of which are over 15-years-old and all are dry
farmed. Soil types are mostly Alluvial and Bellpine series. Clones are Pommard, Wdenswil, 115, 777 and 667.
Average 2.25 tons per acre. Fermented in 1.5-ton open-top fermenters with manual punch downs. Aged in
French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A savory and earthen aroma greets the nose.
Light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and berry with a herbal undertone. Somewhat austere and simple, with
soft tannins and a finish alive with cherry scent.
Score: 87.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodall Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay
13.5% alc., $25,
screw cap. 1978 clone 108. Barrel and fermented and
aged 8 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Light
golden yellow color in the glass. Brims with aromas of
lemon, lime, tapioca and underbrush. Modest in weight,
but highly flavorful, offering flavors of lemon, pear and a
hint of caramel. Clean and beautifully balanced, with a
slightly creamy mouthfeel and some finishing persistence. I tried for
more deserving descriptors, but this was simply an intriguing and
relishable wine.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Compton Alpine Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.59, 444 cases, $38,
screwcap. Sourced from multiple vineyards in the “banana
belt” of the Willamette Valley where there is a relatively warm
microclimate within the hillsides of the Monroe area.
Weathered volcanic soils of Basalt and Jory type. Diverse
clones. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. Exceptional aromatic
seduction, with aromas of crushed dark berries, underbrush and spice.
Like a gift of heaven on the palate, with delicious mid weight flavors of
black cherry, black raspberry and warm spices. Outstanding harmony
with meticulous oak integration. This beauty really delivers the goods in
a darker, riper fruited package with seamless tannin and acid
integration. Pinot royalty that was even better when tasted later in the day from an open bottle. Buy this one by
the case or two to drink now and over the next few years. WOW!
Score: 94.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Compton Old Vine Series Llewellyn Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH
3.54, TA 0.62, 329 cases, $38, screwcap. Mostly Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 115 clones from old vines
averaging 35 years of age and all dry farmed. Small lot fermentations, aged 18 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very pleasant aromas of chocolate, cherry and spice. The mid weight
dark red cherry and blueberry flavors cascade through a welcome attack and mid palate, finishing with length
and cherry-fueled goodness. Nicely balanced with added accents of spice, tobacco and saline.
Score: 90.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Compton Old Vine Series Llewellyn Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry and raspberry align with a scent of earthy flora.
Light to mid weight in style featured bright flavors of red cherry and red berry framed by silky tannins. Very lacy
and elegant, with a shallow mid palate, a thread of woody oak in the background, and a modest finish.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry and raspberry align with a scent of earthy flora.
Light to mid weight in style featured bright flavors of red cherry and red berry framed by silky tannins. Very lacy
and elegant, with a shallow mid palate, a thread of woody oak in the background, and a modest finish.
Score: 88.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2006 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $25,
screw cap. This winery is located in Philomath, Oregon, 5 miles west of
Corvallis. The few wineries in this area are not as visible as those from
the northern Willamette Valley but the wines are equally fine. Aged 10
months in French oak barrels.
·
Unfiltered. Perfect marriage of crushed
berries, herb garden, flowers and barnyard on the nose. Tart berries,
including cranberries, on the palate with a touch of oak. Decent richness,
smoothly textured and a pleasing citrus lift on the persistent finish. Plenty to like
here.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
NV SEA 02 Sparkling Wine
13.7% alc., pH 3.33, TA 0.58, RS 0.42%, 1,018 cases, $20, bottle cap. Produced and bottled by Small Word Wine Co. LLC, McMinnville. Winemaker Matt Compton. A blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc grapes. Proceeds from the sale of this wine will be contributed to the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University. Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. · Moderate pink color in the glass. The nose offers a combination of pink grapefruit, cherry, and botanical aromas including algae. A hearty rosé style wine featuring flavors of red cherry, red raspberry and blood orange with a mild sprinkling of herbs in the background. Bright, upbeat and refreshing, with a slight sweetness on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.1% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.60, RS 0.07%, 252 cases, $22, screw cap. Grapes were whole cluster pressed, fermented and aged in French oak barrels, 40% new, for 4 months. Partial malolactic fermentation with weekly lees stirring. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of pear, vanilla custard and granola. Cozy in the mouth, with flavors of pineapple, pear and lemon creme with a subtle grassy note. Slightly creamy in texture and easy to like. Score: 91. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.49, $22, screw cap. This wine was featured and was one of the top wines reviewed in the previous issue in an article devoted to Oregon Pinot Noir wines priced at $30 and below. Sourced from seven small vineyards, many of which are over 15-years-old and all are dry-farmed. Clones include Pommard, Wädenswil, 115, 777 and 667. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for over 10 months. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. I was drawn into the glass by the aromas of cherry, strawberry, rose petal, and sandalwood. Light to mid weight in style, with a generous black cherry core of fruit that shows good vigor and intensity. A solid wine with a delightful cherry-embossed finish. Score: 90. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.59, $22, screw cap. Sourced from seven small vineyards in the Willamette Valley, all dry farmed and many over 15 years of age. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, 115, 777 and 667. Aged in French oak barrels for over 10 months. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. I was drawn into the glass in this wine by the aromas of cherry, strawberry, rose petal, and sandalwood. Light to mid weight in style, with a generous black cherry core of fruit that shows good vigor and intensity. A solid wine with a delightful cherry-embossed finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodhall Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.64, 142 cases, $25, screw cap. Clone 108 first planted in 1976. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, apple and nori. Classy and vibrant, with fresh flavors of pear, pineapple, vanilla and a hint of flint. Sensual rather than fruity, with gorgeous balance. Score: 93. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay
13.3% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.57, RS 0.3%, 345 cases, $25, screwcap. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, partial malolactic fermentation, stirred on lees every week in barrel. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose reminds of Viognier with tropical fruit notes along with citrus and white rose petal aromas. Light and easygoing, with a slightly viscous texture, and fresh flavors of lemon and pear. Refreshing, with a sleek finish. Score: 89. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars BoVine Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.60, 92 cases, $28, screw cap. 5-acre vineyard planted in 2008 by Matt Compton and located in Alpine, Oregon. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 667. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Freshness is the word for this wine. Aromas of raspberry, earthy flora and spice with a complimentary hint of oak. Striking attack of Bing cherry, raspberry and baking spice flavors with a subtle oak backwash. An exquisitely balanced wine that is ready out of the gate. Score: 92. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodhall Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $28, screw cap. This Oregon State University Vineyard consists of 26 acres located about 25 miles south of the University’s Corvallis campus. First planted in 1976, there are 6 acres of Pinot Noir planted on south-facing slopes at 450 to 700 feet elevation. Bellpine series and Dupree Series sedimentary rocks. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. An earthbound wine with considerable charm. Wholesome aromas and flavors of dark red cherry and berry in a mid weight plus style. Gentle tannins, a soothing texture and a glorious finish packed with showy ripe fruit. Score: 94. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodhall Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $28, screw cap. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. An earthbound wine with considerable charm. Wholesome aromas and flavors of dark red cherry and berry in a mid-weight plus style. Gentle tannins, a soothing texture and a glorious finish packed with showy ripe fruit. Reviewed in 2019. Score: 94. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 Spindrift Cellars Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc.,pH 3.55, TA 0.61, 148 cases, $32, screw cap. Sourced from five vineyards, most of which are over 15 years old and all are dry-farmed. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, 115, 777 and 667. All vineyard fruit was co-fermented in a 2.5-ton open-top wood fermenter. Aged in French oak barrels for a number of months. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Extroverted aromas of red cherry, red berry and sandalwood. Caressing and elegant in the mouth, with intense waves of dark red fruits accented with baking spices. A spirited wine with impeccable harmony and a long aftertaste. I wanted to swallow this one. Score: 94. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.57, 1,467 cases, $22, screwcap. Seven small vineyards contributed to this blend, many of which are over 15-years-old and all are dry farmed. Soil types are mostly Alluvial and Bellpine series. Clones are Pommard, Wdenswil, 115, 777 and 667. Average 2.25 tons per acre. Fermented in 1.5-ton open-top fermenters with manual punch downs. Aged in French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A savory and earthen aroma greets the nose. Light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and berry with a herbal undertone. Somewhat austere and simple, with soft tannins and a finish alive with cherry scent. Score: 87. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodall Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay
13.5% alc., $25, screw cap. 1978 clone 108. Barrel and fermented and aged 8 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Brims with aromas of lemon, lime, tapioca and underbrush. Modest in weight, but highly flavorful, offering flavors of lemon, pear and a hint of caramel. Clean and beautifully balanced, with a slightly creamy mouthfeel and some finishing persistence. I tried for more deserving descriptors, but this was simply an intriguing and relishable wine. Score: 92. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Compton Alpine Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.59, 444 cases, $38, screwcap. Sourced from multiple vineyards in the “banana belt” of the Willamette Valley where there is a relatively warm microclimate within the hillsides of the Monroe area. Weathered volcanic soils of Basalt and Jory type. Diverse clones. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Exceptional aromatic seduction, with aromas of crushed dark berries, underbrush and spice. Like a gift of heaven on the palate, with delicious mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and warm spices. Outstanding harmony with meticulous oak integration. This beauty really delivers the goods in a darker, riper fruited package with seamless tannin and acid integration. Pinot royalty that was even better when tasted later in the day from an open bottle. Buy this one by the case or two to drink now and over the next few years. WOW! Score: 94. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Compton Old Vine Series Llewellyn Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.62, 329 cases, $38, screwcap. Mostly Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 115 clones from old vines averaging 35 years of age and all dry farmed. Small lot fermentations, aged 18 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very pleasant aromas of chocolate, cherry and spice. The mid weight dark red cherry and blueberry flavors cascade through a welcome attack and mid palate, finishing with length and cherry-fueled goodness. Nicely balanced with added accents of spice, tobacco and saline. Score: 90. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Compton Old Vine Series Llewellyn Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry and raspberry align with a scent of earthy flora. Light to mid weight in style featured bright flavors of red cherry and red berry framed by silky tannins. Very lacy and elegant, with a shallow mid palate, a thread of woody oak in the background, and a modest finish. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry and raspberry align with a scent of earthy flora. Light to mid weight in style featured bright flavors of red cherry and red berry framed by silky tannins. Very lacy and elegant, with a shallow mid palate, a thread of woody oak in the background, and a modest finish. Score: 88. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2006 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $25, screw cap. This winery is located in Philomath, Oregon, 5 miles west of Corvallis. The few wineries in this area are not as visible as those from the northern Willamette Valley but the wines are equally fine. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels. · Unfiltered. Perfect marriage of crushed berries, herb garden, flowers and barnyard on the nose. Tart berries, including cranberries, on the palate with a touch of oak. Decent richness, smoothly textured and a pleasing citrus lift on the persistent finish. Plenty to like here. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »