Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn

Articles About Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn

Reviewed Wines

2016 Youngberg Hill Aspen McMinnville Willamette Valley Chardonnay

12.9% alc., RS 0, 336 cases, $40, screw cap. Release July 18, 2018. Clones 75, 76, 95 and 548 planted in uplifted marine sedimentary soil (Willakenzie). Vine age 10 years. Harvest Brix 21.1º. Barrel fermented in once-used French oak barrels for 6 months. Full malolactic fermentation. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose arrives over time in the glass, offering uplifting aromas of green apple, straw, wax, per and buttery brioche. Clean and crisp with enviable vibrancy in the glass, displaying flavors of green apple, lemon, yellow grapefruit and poached pear. An acid-driven style, yet quite flavorful with a bright and steely finish. Score: 93. Reviewed May 12, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Youngberg Hill J-Block McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 620 cases, RS 0.00 g/ L, $60, screw cap. The J-Block, also known as the Jordan Block, sits on 4 acres facing south and was planted in 1989. This steep, high slope is more exposed to the coastal breezes each afternoon. 40% Wädenswil and 60% Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.9º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 37% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Inviting aromas of black cherry, fig paste and wood bin. Exhilarating mid weight flavors of black cherry and black berry that saturate the mid palate and hold court through an impressively long and intense sweet cherry finish. Beautifully balanced, with suave tannins and commendable energy. Score: 93. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Youngberg Hill Natasha McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 859 cases, RS 0.00 g/L, $60, screw cap. The Natasha Block at Youngberg Hill Vineyard consists of 6.6 acres at 600 feet elevation planted in 1989. Marine sedimentary Willakenzie soil. 40% Wädenswil and 60% Pommard. Harvest Brix 24.2º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 37% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Sensual aromas of blueberry and black raspberry fruits. Soft and polished in the mouth, with a discreet core of dark fruits backed by agreeable tannins, finishing with aplomb. Score: 92. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Youngberg Hill Bailey McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 197 cases, RS 0.00 g/L, $75, screw cap. Released September 2018.The Bailey Block at Youngberg Hill Vineyard was planted in 2008. Named for the last name of the winemaker, it is planted to clone 777 at 660-700 feet elevation. Soils are primarily volcanic. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherry, rose petal and milk chocolate. Light to mid weight in style with expansive array of purple and black fruit flavors. A slight smoky thread pervades. Easily approachable with mild, dry tannins and a very lengthy finish. Score: 92. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Youngberg Hill Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 286 cases, $35, screw cap. Released April 2018. Grapes from the estate vineyard (youngest vines), Bjornson Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, and Yamhill Valley Vineyards in the McMinnville AVA. Dijon 777. Harvest Brix 22.7º. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of black cherry, raspberry, toasty brioche, vanilla and walnut. The mid weight plus charge of black cherry, black raspberry and cassis flavors are intense and opulent, expansive in the mouth and carry a creamy texture through a generous finish that gives a slight notion of alcoholic warmth. The higher alcohol gives the wine body and sweetness. Score: 89. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Youngberg Hill Aspen Block Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.4% alc., pH 3.12, TA 0.66, RS 0, 190 cases, $40, screwcap. Uplifted Marine sedimentary soils (Willakinzie). Clones 75, 76, 95 and 548. 10-year-old vines. Aged 6 months in once-used French oak barrels including fermentation. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of apple, custard, citrus fruits and vanilla. A gentle style that is smooth on the palate, offering fruit flavors of citrus, apple and melon integrated nicely with uplifting acidity. Score: 90. Reviewed May 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Youngberg Hill Jordan McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 448 cases, $50 . Released April 2018. The Jordan Block consists of 4 acres of estate vines situation on a steep and high slope, getting more benefit from prevailing afternoon coastal breezes. 60% Pommard and 40% Wädenswil clones. 28- year-old vines. Harvest Brix 23.3º. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The chosen one in this vintage with invigorating aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry and earthy flora. Discretely concentrated in a mid weight style, featuring vivid flavors of black cherry and black raspberry. This amiable wine has good energy, supportive tannins, righteous oak, and a spirited finish of some length. Score: 92. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Youngberg Hill Natasha McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 558 cases, $50. Released April 2018. The Natasha Block is 6.6 acres in the estate vineyard. 28-year-old vines on owned-rooted Wädenswil and Pommard clone planted in marine sedimentary soil. 40% Wädenswil and 60% Pommard. Harvest Brix 24.5º. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal effusive aromas of boysenberry and blackberry with added compliments of sweet mulch and fertile earth. In the mouthe, there is a succulent and well-ripened mid weight plus core of purple and blackberry fruits with some toasty oak in the background. The tannins are quite noticeable and surface on the mildly astringent finish that has good fruit-driven persistence. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the tannins had softened. I would suggest decanting if you drink now. Score: 90. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Youngberg Hill Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.20, TA 0.62, RS 0, 243 cases, $35. A blend of clones 777 and “828,” from vineyards in the McMinnville and Eola-Amity Hills AVAs. Average vine age 9 years.Harvest Brix 22.7º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark red cherry and berry with savory notes of bark, timber and underbrush. Somewhat lush on the palate, with a flavor core of dark red cherry accented with notes of red licorice, savory herbs and earth. Balanced tannins, integrated acidity, finishing with cherry-fueled goodness. Score: 89. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Youngberg Hill Jordan Block McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.20, TA 0.67, RS 0, 448 cases, $50, screwcap. Volcanic soil. 60% Pommard and 40% Wädenswil clones. Harvest Brix 21.7º. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of blackberry jam, cassis, espresso and sage. Richly endowed with a mid weight plus charge of purple and black fruits framed by a substantial but complimentary tannic structure. Nicely crafted, with deft oak management, no bitterness, and some length on the pleasingly lengthy finish. Score: 90. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Youngberg Hill Natasha Block McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.20, TA 0.62, RS 0, 437 cases, $50, screwcap. Willakenzie marine sedimentary soil. Harvest Brix 22.3º. 60% Pommard and 40% Wädenswil planted in 1989. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. Dark garnet color in the glass. · Deeply aromatic, with scents of very ripe black cherry, black raspberry accompanied by a slight oxidative note in the background. Full-bodied with plenty of ripe, sappy, and sweet black fruits underlain with a thread of oak. The lower pH and muscular tannins lead to some astringency and bitterness on the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Youngberg Hill Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.59, 378 cases, $35, screwcap. A blend of grapes from the McMinnville and Eola-Amity Hills AVAs. Clone 777. Harvest Brix 21.1º. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is both savory and fruity, with pleasing highlights of dark red stone and berry fruits along with sandalwood and mushroom. Comforting on the palate with discreetly concentrated flavors of vivid cherry and cranberry, balanced and supportive tannins, a deft touch of oak, and inviting generosity on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Youngberg Hill Jordan Block McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.10, TA 0.69, 265 cases, $50, screwcap. The 4-acre Jordan block is located on a steep slope at about 800 feet elevation. 60% Pommard and 40% Wädenswil clones planted in 1989. Harvest Brix 20.9º. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A discreetly bold offering featuring aromas and flavors of black cherry and black raspberry infused with oak seasoning. Intensely fruity on the mid palate and finish. The chunky tannins are daunting at this time because the high acidity in this wine accentuates the astringency. Score: 87. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Youngberg Hill Natasha McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.4% alc., pH 3.20, TA 0.63136 cases, $50, screwcap. Natasha is the larger of the two original blocks, 6.5 acres planted at 600 feet elevation in Willakenzie soil. 60% Pommard and 40% Wädenswil clones planted in 1989. Harvest Brix 20.9º. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Dark red and purple fruits are featured in this lighter weight wine with significant acid backbone. Aromas of black cherry, wine cave and dark rose petal are inviting, but on the palate, the tannins and acidity seem to fight for dominance. The very modest finish is acid-driven and thirst quenching. Score: 88. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Youngberg Hill Cuvée McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 298 cases, $35, screwcap. Some 777 clone fruit sourced from Bjornson (Eola-Amity Hills) and Hyland (McMinnville) vineyards as well as Youngberg Estate Camelot Block. 100% 777 clone. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of black cherry and raspberry with a hint of chocolate. Discreetly concentrated core of tasty black cherry and black raspberry fruits with a touch of spice. Nicely balanced tannins and bright acidity with a lengthy, sappy finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 21, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Youngberg Hill Jordan McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 300 cases, $45, screwcap. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This is an inviting wine that has plenty of structure to last. Aromas of black cherry, rose petal and nutty oak lead to a full-bodied palate of spicy black cherry and dark raspberry fruits. A little earthy undertone adds interest. Very intensely flavored, yet vibrant due to a lively cut of underlying acidity. The black cherry goodness seems to last forever on the finish. Score: 93. Reviewed June 21, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Youngberg Hill Natasha McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 137 cases, $45, screwcap. Pommard and Wädenswil clones. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very charming with an earth-kissed black cherry core. Plenty of spice livens the palate. Mid to full-bodied with a firm backbone of tannin and a long finish of impressive intensity. Score: 92. Reviewed June 21, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Youngberg Hill Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

12.2% alc., pH 3.6, 218 cases, $30, screwcap. Sedimentary and volcanic soils. Estate Pommard, Wädenswil and 777 clones. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, cranberry, spice and balsam lead to a lighter weight wine with bright flavors of red cherry and cranberry accented with a hint of herbs. The tannins are supple and the finish is cherry-driven. Score: 89. Reviewed June 21, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Youngberg Hill Jordan McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir

12.0% alc., pH 3.60, 297 cases, $40, screwcap. 60% Pommard and 40% Wädenswil, 23-year-old vines. Harvest Brix 21.9º. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with bright aromas of cherries, spice box, incense and peat. Light to mid weight flavors of fresh cherry with a streak of herbs in the background. Juicy and vivid with a riff of flinty minerality running through and impressive intensity in this vintage. Score: 92. Reviewed June 21, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Youngberg Hill Natasha McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir

11.5% alc., pH 3.70, 327 cases, $40, screwcap. 40% Wädenswil and 60% Pommard, 23-year-old vines. Harvest Brix 21.8º. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas and flavors are driven by red cherry and raspberry fruits with savory herbs in the background. Light in concentration, with the balance tilted toward firm tannins which stick out a bit on the dry finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 21, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Youngberg Hill Barrel Select McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 92 cases, $60. Released May 2014. 4 barrels from Jordan Block. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic with attention getting aromas of cherry, spice, nutmeg and other exotic spices. Very smooth and polished on the palate with refined tannins, offering a delicious core of cherry and plum fruit accented with brown spice and a hint of tobacco. An aged wine at the peak of its charms. Score: 93. Reviewed June 21, 2014 ARTICLE »

2009 Youngberg Hill Estate Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.50, 412 cases, $20, screw cap. Clones are 40% Wädenswil and 60% Pommard. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of wild red berries, cherries, red licorice, exotic wood and cut grass. Light bodied but with a flavorful core of slightly confected red fruits including cranberries and cherries with a hint of savory herbs. The finish offers a bright cut of acidity. A nicely composed wine that can stand on its on as an aperitif or work beautifully at the dinner table. Good (+). Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Youngberg Hill Vineyards Natasha McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.60, 370 cases, $30. The Natasha’s Block sits on 6.6 acres facing southeast and receives the maximum amount of sunlight. 50% Wädenswil and 60% Pommard clones. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A deeply perfumed nose offering a thrust of dark berry aromas with hints of dried herbs, walnuts and cut flowers. Middleweight dark berry flavors with riffs of savory herbs and anise, making an impression on the mid palate and lingering with intensity on the long finish. Prominent tannins are well balanced by good acidity. Like so many Pinot Noirs from the superb 2008 vintage in Oregon, this wine needs several years in the cellar to allow full integration of tannins and complete flavor development. This was demonstrated when a previously opened and re-corked bottle was tasted two days later and showed luscious fruit flavors with softer tannins and a velvety mouth feel. Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »