Coeur de Terre Vineyard

Articles About Coeur de Terre Vineyard

Reviewed Wines

2016 Coeur de Terre Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 2,168 cases, $22. 60% of fruit from the Estate Vineyard combined with fruit from other vineyards in the McMinnville AVA and one vineyard that borders the AVA. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Effusive aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and rhubarb please the nose and reach more intensity over time in the glass. Oak-kissed black cherry core in an easygoing, forward-drinking style that has enviable balance and an energetic, juicy finish. A great value in a wine that would make the perfect companion to everyday meals. Score: 91. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Coeur de Terre Héritage Reserve Estate McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 303 cases, $38. This wine is meant to capture the expression of the oldest vines on the estate vineyard. It is a barrel selection of all four blocks. Yield 1.86 tons per acre. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of black fruits, fertile earth and botanical input. An array of purple and black fruits are beautifully balanced by benevolent tannins and acidity. There is an underlying savory vegetal thread. Nothing earth shaking here, but a very solid and satisfying effort. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Coeur de Terre Renelle’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 69 cases, $65. Willakenzie sedimentary soils. The oldest block on Coeur de Terre Vineyard planted in the spring of 1999. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Expressive aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. Notably graceful and polished with a discretely concentrated core of blackberry and pomegranate fruit flavors. The exquisite balance and extremely long finish make this wine stand out among all the 2016 Block offerings. Score: 94. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Coeur de Terre Sarah Jane’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 68 cases, $65. Willakenzie soils. A mixture of six clones planted in 2000. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of plum, black cherry and pomegranate are reflected in the flavors of this voluptuous wine that is infused with dominating tannins. Still, the wine has good juiciness and a gloriously intense finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Coeur de Terre Tallulah’s Run Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 68 cases, $65. Dijon 115, 667 and 777. Both volcanic and sedimentary soils. This block was planted in 2004 with 1778 vines per acre. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Generous aromas of spiced blackberry and friendly oak lead to a middleweight-styled wine with earth enhanced fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry. Silken and seductive in texture, with fine-grain tannins and a persistent, sweet, blackberry-infused finish. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Coeur de Terre Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.61, RS 0 g/L, 2,588 cases, $22, screw cap. 60% from Coeur de Terre Estate Vineyard. Harvest Brix 22.8º-24.2º Multiple clones including 113, 114, 115, 667, 777, Wädenswil and Coury. Soils range from sedimentary, to metamorphic to volcanic in origin. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Spiced cherry and fertile earth aromas lead to a middleweight styled wine offering cherry, plum and spice flavors backed by spirited acidity. T lip-smacking finish has good length. Score: 89. Reviewed January 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Coeur de Terre Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.61, 2,588 cases, $22. Harvest Brix 22.8º-24.2º. 60% Estate Vineyard with the remaining mostly from the McMinnville AVA. Pommard, Wädenswil, 113, 114, 1215, 667, 777 and Coury clones. Both sedimentary and volcanic soils. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Spiced cherry and fertile earth aromas lead to a middleweight styled wine offering cherry, plum and spice flavors backed by spirited acidity. The lip-smacking finish has good length. Score: 89. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Coeur de Terre The Heritage Reserve Estate McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.68, 932 cases, $36. A barrel selection from the entire Estate Vineyard. Harvest Brix 23.6º. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass Aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, forest and woodpile lead off. Husky and lush, offering plenty of purple and black fruit goodness back by firm but not aggressive tannins. Striking length to the finish. This wine’s profile is true to its McMinnville AVA origin. Score: 92. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Coeur de Terre Abby’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.67, 98 cases, $65. Clones are from a selection of vines in the Estate Vineyard and farmed organically since inception. Complex sedimentary based soils. Harvest Brix 22.9º, 2.5 tons per acre. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A nuanced nose offers aromas of darker cherry, Asian spices, mushroom, underbrush and earth. The best nose in the 2015 lineup. A little lighter in weight with redder fruit compared to the Sarah Jane’s Block, featuring cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. This wine does not have quite the finish of the Sarah Jane’s Block, but has more elegance and charm. Different, but in a good way. Score: 94. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Coeur de Terre Renelle’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.64, 109 cases, $65. Original vineyard block planted in 1999, farmed organically from inception. Harvest Brix 23.8º, 2.6 tons per acre. · Dark garnet color in the glass. A solid wine with nicely expressive aromas of dark cherry, wooded path and vanilla. The mid weight plus core of blackberry and black grape fruit flavors have a touch of spice and black tea. There is a little more barrel contribution in this wine that offers a deep persistence of black raspberry and blackberry fruit on the intense finish. Score: 92. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Coeur de Terre Sarah Jane’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.67, 91 cases, $65. Six clones planted in 2000 in Willakenzie sedimentary soils and farmed organically since inception. Harvest Brix 23.7º, 2.4 tons per acre. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Tenacious aromas of blackberry, black cherry, wet soil and char. A big boy wine in a mid weight plus style, offering a flood of intense and succulent black fruits with striking presence in the mouth and with uncommon finishing generosity. The tannins are perfectly matched to the fruit load, contributing a slight astringency to the finish. I love the fruit in this wine! Score: 94. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Coeur de Terre Tallulah’s Run Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.69, 114 cases, $65. Harvest Brix 23.2º, 2.6 tons per acre. A South portion consists of clone 115 planted in sedimentary soils and a North section contains mainly clones 667 and 777 in both volcanic and sedimentary soils. Planted in 2004 at 1,778 vines per acre. · A complex nose offers aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, earth, pipe smoke, old leather and oak spice. The black cherry fruit fills the mouth with overreaching intensity. Hints of earth, pine needle and citrus contribute complexity. Integrated tannins and some finishing presence complete the pleasure. Score: 93. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »

2014 Coeur de Terre Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., TA 0.61, RS 0 g/L, 2,509 cases, $22, screwcap. Harvest Brix 24.4º. 60% of fruit is from the Coeur de Terre Estate Vineyard using a selection from all blocks. Clones include Pommard, 2A, 113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and Coury. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Bright aromas of fresh cherry and raspberry, spice and sandalwood. Lighter weighted, with flavors that echo the aromas. Nice balance and fortitude with a sweet cherry kiss at the end. Score: 89. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Coeur de Terre Héritage Reserve Estate McMinnville Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.69, 727 cases, $36. Harvest Brix 24.5º. A barrel selection from the entire Estate Vineyard meant to represent the whole of the vineyard and the spirit of the vintage from the estate. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of plum, boysenberry and seasoned oak. Silky in the mouth, with noticeable vibrancy, offering juicy flavors of purple berries and caramelized oak. Quite seamless, with discreet sappy resolve, finishing with good verve. Score: 90. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Coeur de Terre Abby’s Block Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 60 cases, $65. Harvest Brix 24.3º. This block is located mid slope in the Estate Vineyard at 400 to 450 feet elevation. The soils is a unique sedimentary based type. Organically farmed from inception. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Leading the way are attractive aromas of cherry, turned earth, mulch and dark chocolate. Very charming in the mouth with a suave texture and an elegant disposition. Giving flavors of dark red berries and blueberries, finishing with good intensity and a slight bit of astringency. Score: 92. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Coeur de Terre Renelle’s Block Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.59, RS 0 g/L, 82 cases, $65. Harvest Brix 24.4º. This is the original block planted at Coeur de Terre in 1999 and has been farmed organically since its inception. It is the mother block supplying cuttings for all the other blocks in the Estate Vineyard. Due south exposure with sedimentary soils that have a high clay component on the south side, to a more sandy composition on the upper end. Yield 2.6 tons per acre. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Oak dominated nose and palate upon opening, but the oak infusion dissipates soon in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, peppery spice and vanilla lid to a mid weighted wine that is soft in the mouth with firm but balanced tannins. Complex and interesting, with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, mushroom, earth and a brush of spice. A lot going on in this wine that comes together beautifully and exudes charm over time in the glass. Score: 93. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Coeur de Terre Sarah Jane’s Block Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.56, RS 0 g/L, 46 cases, $65. Harvest Brix 24.4º. Soils are Willakenzie in this block and there is a mixture of six different clones of Pinot Noir. This block was planted in 2000 and farmed organically since its inception. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, spice, game, mulch, cedary oak and walnut oil. Robust and concentrated yet soft and polished, with mid weight plus flavors of blackberry and blueberry-pomegranate. Earthy, with a bit of savory herbs adding character. The most tannic wine in the 2014 lineup, but not unwieldy. The creamy mouthfeel makes an impression. Score: 92. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Coeur de Terre Tallulah’s Run Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.57, RS 0 g/L, 67 cases, $65. Comprised of two contiguous blocks, one planted to 667 and 777 and the other to 115. Planted in 2004 to 1778 vines per acre. Organically farmed since its inceptions. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. An earthy nose adds an assortment of black fruit aromas with noticeable oak. Silky, sexy and smooth in the mouth with a mid weight charge of purple and black fruits backed up with an iron-driven minerality. Nicely composed, with mellow fine-grain tannins. Score: 91. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Coeur de Terre Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

50% estate fruit and 50% sourced fruit. Intended for by the glass restaurant programs. · Light violet-red color in the glass. Mid weight flavors of cherry, strawberry and spice. Very forward and easy to drink with soft tannins and juicy acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed July 27, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Coeur de Terre Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Rustique Rosé

12.9% alc., $20. A saignée of estate Syrah with a touch of Riesling. · Moderate pinkish red color and clear in the glass. Aromas of strawberry, cherry and herbs echoed on the flavorful palate that is crisp and rewarding. Medium-bodied, with flavors of strawberry, cranberry, and peppery spice. Finishes with a panoply of flavors including tart cherry, raspberry, strawberry and herbs. A great summer fling. Score: 89. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Dry Riesling

$19. Sourced from Hyland Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA, a cool, high elevation site with some of the oldest Riesling vines in Yamhill County dating back 30 years. Aged 18 months in stainless steel. · Bone dry, with a good grip, but not imposing acidity. Plenty of flavors including green apple, citrus, and peach. Highly enjoyable. Score: 90. Reviewed July 27, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $19, screwcap. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Initial aromas of blackberry, plum and sweet oak tend to fade over time in the glass. Mid to full-bodied spice black plum and black raspberry fruit. Very forward and generous with a muscular tannin load. A fruit bomb with complimentary oak and an intensely fruity finish. Score: 86. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.61, 2,480 cases, $26. Released May 15, 2014. Average harvest Brix 24.3º. 50% estate vineyard fruit with the rest from other vineyards in the McMinnville AVA and one vineyard that borders the AVA. Multiple clones including Pommard, Wädenswil, 113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and Coury selection. Indigenous and commercial yeast fermentation, aged 11 months sur lie in 20% new, 40% once-filled, 30% twice-filled and 10% neutral French oak barrels. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of black cherry, dried herbs and oak spice. Mid weight + flavors of dark plum and boysenberry. Highly flavorful with complimentary tannins and juicy acidity. Easy to like. Score: 88. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre The Heritage Estate Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

$36. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Mid weight plus in style with plenty of flavorful darker fruits offering good mid palate presence and some finishing intensity. Score: 90. Reviewed July 27, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Estate The Heritage Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.575, 466 cases, $36. Harvest Brix 24.2º. Release November 2014. A selection from all four blocks of the estte vineyard. Both younger and mature vines. Aged sur lie for 12 months in 35% new, 30% once-filled, 25% twice-filled and 10% neutral French oak. · Inky dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruited with aromas of blackberry, black currant, raisin and vanilla. Rich and full-bodied, with a generous palate of very ripe purple and black fruits and a touch of strawberry and spice mixed in. The charge of tannins on the finish overwhelms the fruit now and needs time to soften. Score: 89. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Estate McMinnville Willamette Valley Syrah

$40. Struggles to ripen and rarely achieves a Brix of 21º or above. · A Pinot Noir-styled Syrah in an elegant style with appealing raspberry flavor and a good spark of acidity adding vibrancy. Score: 89. Reviewed July 27, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Renelle’s Block Estate Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

$65. Oldest block in vineyard. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. A spectacular offering with a generous array of black cherry, blueberry and blackberry fruits that really sing on the palate. A savory earthiness adds interest. The tannins are nicely balanced, and the spicy finish leaves a lasting impression. Score: 92. Reviewed July 27, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Sarah Jane’s Block Estate Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

$65. 50% Pommard and 50% Dijon clones. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Earth-kissed dark fruits on the nose lead to a full-bodied, earth-toned wine featuring an array of black fruit flavors. The tannins have modulated since last tasted, but this remains a firm, somewhat rustic and structured wine with a dry, slightly astringent finish. Score: 89. Reviewed July 27, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Tallulah’s Run Estate Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

$65. · The prettiest and most forward of the block-designated Pinot Noirs, Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of succulent purple fruit accented with a riff of savory herbs. Well-structured, with fine-grain tannins that are beginning to fold in nicely, finishing with a generous fruit presence on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 27, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Estate Abby’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.54, 68 cases, $65. Release November 2014. This block is mid slope in the vineyard. Clones are a selection of vines from the estate vineyard (Pommard, 667, 777, 113, 114 and 115) and grafted in the estate nursery. 4- day cold soak, indigenous and commercial yeast fermentation, aged 13 months in 30% new, 35% once-filled and 35% twice-filled French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is to die for, with bright aromas of fresh black cherries and spice. The most elegant and refined and most appealing of the block-designated wines. The fruit is dark red rather than black in profile and more juicy and uplifting. The balance is spot-on, the tannins are less daunting, and the dark red cherry finish is alluring. Score: 92. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Estate Renelle’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.56, 79 cases, $65. Release November 2014. Sourced from the original estate plantings (1999) which are a mixture of 9 clones (Pommard and two Wädenswil and several Dijon clones) and several rootstocks. This is the mother block for the rest of the estate vineyard plantings. 4-day cold soak, indigenous and commercial yeast fermentation. Aged 13 months in 45% new, 30% once-filled, and 25% twice-filled French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Restrained aromas of blackberry and black plum with a tug of charred oak. Very generous on the palate with a sappy, even sweet, charge of purple and black fruits. Substantial tannins match the fruit load. Oak plays a large role in the experience at present. Hard to find any terroir here, but the magnificent fruit is luscious. Needs time to integrate the oak and tannins. Score: 90-91. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Estate Sarah Jane’s Block Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.54, 87 cases, $65. Release November 2014. Sarah Jane’s Block was the second estate block planted. Traditional Willakenzie soils. Clones are Pommard, 667, 777, 113, 114, and 115. 4-day cold soak, indigenous and commercial yeast fermentation, aged 13 months in 40% new, 30% oncefilled and 30% twice-filled French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Inky dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, fennel, and conifer. A full-bodied, very savory, earthy wine featuring black fruit and black tea flavors. Juicy and trim with the savory component adding interest. The daunting tannins tend to swallow up the luscious fruit. More like Syrah than Pinot. Score: 89-90. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Estate Tallulah’s Run Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.55, 67 cases, $65. Clones 115, 667 and 777. 4-day cold soak, indigenous and commercial yeast fermentation, aged 13 months in 40% new, 30% once-filled and 30% twicefilled French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Inky dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, black currant and ollaliberry syrup. Sappy purple fruits coat the tongue with layers of flavor. Bold tannins match the hedonistic fruit in a balanced recipe. The huge fruit-filled finish leaves a stunning impression. Closer to Syrah than Pinot, but a voluptuous wine that is hard to ignore. Nicely crafted in this style. Score: 90. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Couer de Terre Abby’s Block Estate Reseve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

$65. Not tasted at this sitting. Previously reviewed and quite alluring. · Score: 92. Reviewed September 3, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 Coeur de Terre Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.61, 1,580 cases, $22, screwcap. Released September 17, 2012. Harvest Brix 22.5º. 60% Estate with the remaining fruit from the McMinnville AVA. Both young and old vines. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, Coury, 113, 114, 115, 667 and 777. Aged 11 months in 20% new, 40% once filled, 30% twice filled and 10% neutral French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of strawberries, hard red candy, leaf and straw replicated in the flvors with the addition of a touch of watermelon and dried hay. The tannins are very supple and the wine exhibits zingy acidity which lifts the finish. A go-to daily drinker. Decent. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Estate McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $36. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Perfumed with scents of raspberry, blackberry and toasted oak. Mid weight core of juicy, oak-infused black cherry and darker berry fruits. Currently showing a generous oak sheen and plenty of tannin, both of which should integrate with more time in bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Abby’s Block McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $65. Planted in 1999 to 9 clones and is the mother block for the rest of the vineyard plantings. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Rich, sumptuous nose offering an array of darker red and black stone and berry fruits with a touch of oak-driven aromas of dark chocolate and molasses. A full mouthful of well-ripened black cherry and dark berry fruit backed by prominent fine-grain tannins that keep the fruit in line. The most sap in the lineup with a generous fruit-driven finish. A little one-dimensional now, but has special potential, and will benefit from a year or two in the cellar. Score: 91. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Renelle’s Block McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $65. Mid-slope with unidentified soils unique to the vineyard. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Modest in weight but flavorful, with a charge of black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate fruit accented with sweet oak. Shows more polish and finesse and an appealingly tart cherry finish charged with acidity. Will benefit from another year in bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Tallulah’s Run Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $65. From two adjacent blocks mid-slope in the vineyard with fractured siltstone and sandy loam soils. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is very shy and lacking in fruit, offering instead aromas of mocha, brioche and malt. Mid weight flavors of red cherry and cranberry with a touch of oak spice. Silky in texture with an uplifting and pleasing finish. The aromas haven’t arrived and the fruit seems buried like many Pinots from the 2011 vintage, so I recommend another year or two in bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Coeure de Terre Vineyard Sarah Jane’s Block McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $65. The second block planted on the estate (from Renelle’s Block) and the largest block. Willakenzie soils. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. This wine is awkward and not particularly appealing yet. The nose lacks fruit, offering primarily oak-driven scents. The juicy black cherry core is swallowed up in oak and tannin. The sappy fruit and length of finish indicate potential, but I would not touch this wine for another 2 years. Score: 88. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Coeur de Terre Estate McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 275 cases, $36. Old and young vines from the estate vineyard. Aged 14 months in 30% new, 30% once filled, 30% twice filled and 10% neutral French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with alluring aromas of black cherries, ground savory and herbs. Soft and graceful on the palate, with nicely balanced tannins, a good grip of acidity and complimentary quality oak, featuring juicy middleweight flavors of dark red cherries, brown spices, and savory dried herbs. Nicely balanced and highly enjoyable. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Coeur de Terre Abby’s Block Estate Grown Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $58. Located mid-slope on the Estate Vineyard. Unique soil type that is transitional between sedimentary and volcanic, uncharacterized but only found in this vineyard. 4 acres planted in 2002 to 667, Pommard and Wädenswil clones. Dedicated to the family’s first daughter, Abigail Parker Neal, born in 2002. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Dark red stone and berry fruits are featured in this wine which leans heavily on an appealing savory, dried herb riff. Modest in weight with well-honed tannins and juicy acidity, this wine is assertive on attack, through the mid palate and on the generous finish. A pleasure to drink. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Coeur de Terre Renelle’s Block Estate Grown Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 59 cases $58. This 3-acre block was the original planting in the Estate Vineyard circa 1999. It is composed of 8 clones and referred to as the mother block since it supplied the cuttings for all other Pinot Noir vines in the Estate Vineyard. Willakenzie sedimentary soils.This wine is dedicated to Renelle Lynn Neal (Scott’s mother). · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Effusive aromas of black cherry tart, spice, crusty brioche, and ground savory. Rich and full-flavored, with a layered array of red and purple fruits complimented by a hint of cola and savory herbs. The mouth feel is velvety and the bright acidity brings vibrancy to the wine. The finish goes on and on. A very special wine that will please every Pinot connoisseur. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Coeur de Terre Sarah Jane’s Block Estate Grown Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $58. From the second block planted in the Estate Vineyard in 2001. 4 acres of 667, 777 and 115 planted in Willakenzie marine sedimentary soil. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Stunning and nearly overwhelming in aromatic intensity featuring a deep perfume of black cherries, blackberries and plum. Delicious core of ornate black stone fruits that make you sit back and take notice. A touch of smoky oak and dried herbs add interest. Impressive fullness and concentration on the palate without being jammy. Seamless with perfect integration of tannins and acidity. A poster child for Oregon Pinot Noir. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Coeur de Terre Tallulah’s Run Estate Grown Reserve McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $58. From two blocks that are contiguous planted mid-slope in the Estate Vineyard in 2004 with a massale selection from Renelle’s Block. Dedicated to the family’s second daughter, Tallulah Renelle Neal. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of raspberries, cherries, tarry oak and cigar box. Soft and polished in the mouth with mid weight flavors of black raspberry, black cherry, brown spice and tarry oak. An interesting wine with some finishing weight and balanced tannins. Good (+). Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Coeur de Terre McMinnville Willamette Valley Rosé Rustique

13.3% alc., pH 3.45, $17. Released May 1, 2010. A blend of Pinot Noir from Hyland Vineyard (Coury clone), Syrah from Coeur de Terre Estate Vineyard, and Riesling from Hyland Vineyard. Pinot Noir grapes were de-stemmed and pressed off the skins after 3 days, Syrah grapes were de-stemmed and sat on the skins for 1 day. A small amount of juice was saigneed from the Syrah and added to the pressed off Pinot Noir. Fermented in stainless fermentors using 3 yeast strains. Cold stabilized and sterile filtered before bottling. · Demure aromas of strawberries, taffy, melon and a touch of lavender. Slightly confected red strawberry core with hints of orange peel, cranberry and honeydew melon. Light and refreshing. Decent. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2009 Coeur de Terre Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

12.7% alc., pH 3.15, 248 cases, $17. Released May 1, 2009. Sourced from the Coleman Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA. De-stemmed and pressed off immediately. 20% was racked to neutral oak puncheon and 80% to stainless tank. Residual sugar 10g/L. Cold stabilized and sterile filtered before bottling. · Very pale yellow color in the glass. A pleasing potpourri of tropical fruits and white peaches with notes of cut grass and lemon curd. Easygoing with a crisp finish. A fine example of this style. Good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Coeur de Terre Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.72, 473 cases, $20. Released May 1, 2010. Estate grown and bottled. The wine is crafted from fruit from younger vines combined with more mature fruit from Renelle’s Block for structure and balance. Cold soak for 3 days, free run and press sent to barrel, indigenous and commercial yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in 30% new, 60% seasoned and 10% neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Enticing aromas of earth-kissed dark stone fruits with notes of oak toast, anise and mint in the background. Plum and cherry cola are the flavor theme but it is the earthiness that is most striking. One can taste the soil in this wine. Easy drinking with reigned in dry tannins and a refreshing finish. Good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Coeur de Terre Vineyard Estate McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.74, $34. Released May 1, 2010. Estate grown fruit only including a combination of younger vines and more mature fruit. Cold soak for 3 days, free run and press sent directly to barrel, fermentation with indigenous and commercial yeasts, racking if necessary, aged 14 months in 30% new, 60% seasoned and 10% neutral French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Shy but charming perfume of darker fruits with toasty oak to the front. Similar to the Oregon bottling but more refined with softer tannins. Black cherry and blackberry flavors with underpinnings of earthy loam, minerals, tobacco and toasty oak. Nicely crafted and very promising, but needs time like so many 2008 Oregon Pinot Noirs. Good (+). Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »