My Latest in The Buyer:
LM Archer reports on key findings from Oregon Wine Month 2021
by L.M. Archer
“Whole cluster is something that’s become increasingly valuable, particularly in years that are warmer, because I find that I’m trying to preserve or capture more of the fruit that’s there,” says Tony Rynders.
LM Archer reports from Oregon Wine Month in which seven top producers from Willamette Valley Yamhill-Carlton AVA compare Pinot Noirs from three vintages: 2014, 2015 and 2018 – sharing the lessons learned and how they coped with the weather.
Winemakers included Adam Campbell of Elk Cove Vineyards, Lynn Penner-Ash of Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, Ken Wright of Ken Wright Cellars, Brian O’Donnell of Belle Pente Vineyard & Winery, Jay McDonald of EIEIO & Company Wines, Jessica Mozeico of Et FilleWine, and Tony Rynders from Tendril Wine Cellars.
Yamhill-Carlton AVA lies in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Skirted by mountains on three sides, this horseshoe-shaped wine region enjoys moderate weather and some of the area’s oldest marine sedimentary soils.
Founded in 2004, the subregion mandates that vineyards fall within altitudes of 200 (60.96 metres) to 1000 feet (304.8 metres). Here, flagship variety Pinot Noir shares centre stage with supporting grapes Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
Sustainability lies at the core of Yamhill-Carlton AVA, where many of the vineyards hold LIVE, Salmon-Safe, or Demeter Biodynamic® certifications. So does unpretentious cooperation among winemakers, inspiring the region’s motto, “Down to Earth.” This much was evident during May’s Oregon Wine Month.
Seven wines from seven winemakers
It’s a tight-knit community, one that is comfortable sharing, collaborating, and learning together. Many are neighbours. This easy congeniality informed the tastings, which better resembled jazz musicians riffing than winemakers talking.
The cross-section of vineyard sourcing offered a glimpse into regional diversity. Furthest north, Adam Campbell’s pioneering parents established Elk Cove Vineyards in 1974. There, they planted La Bohème in 1985, and Mt. Richmond in 1996. At 800 feet (243.84 m.), La Bohème constitutes one of Willamette Valley’s highest vineyards. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE.
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