- Tinte Cellars donation drive for Ukraine enters final week
- Jackson Family Wines invests in Walla Walla vines, wines
- 2022 Idaho Winery of the Year: Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery
- 2022 Idaho Winery to Watch: Rivaura Vineyards and Winery
- 2022 Washington Winery of the Year: Westport Winery Garden Resort
- 2022 Washington Winery to Watch: Liberty Lake Wine Cellars
- 2022 Oregon Winery of the Year: Chris James Cellars
- Long path of Andrew Riechers leads to early acclaim for Audeant Wines
- The Wine Knows: Upchurch hits sweet spot with Cab on Red Mountain
- Northwest Merlot remains memorable in talented hands
Lenné Estate 2014 Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $45
Steve Lutz pays tribute to his late father-in-law, Lenny, an English farmer who served as inspiration to plant this steep, 21-acre property near the town of Yamhill, Ore. (Lenny’s profile also appears on the label.) The flagship Pinot Noir for Lenné Estate is a product of the most fruitful vintage in the vineyard’s 15-year history. While five clones are planted, this bottling focuses on the Sept. 16-18 harvest of Dijon 115 and the hedonistic Pommard. Inviting aromas of cherry punch, boysenberry, Almond Roca and minerality are realized on the palate that’s balanced with medium tannins, juiciness and finished by a nibble of raspberry. The 2010 vintage will be paired by chef Karl Holl with Coal-Roasted Pork Loin as part of Lutzes’ Vineyard and Star Dinner, which serves to toast Lenne Estate’s first invitation to participate in the International Pinot Noir Celebration.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 250 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
Subscribe to our Wine of the Week newsletter
[…] Lenné Estate 2014 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40: The flagship wine for the Lutzes, an inviting fragrance of earthiness, berries and cherries lifts from the glass with this delectable Pinot Noir. Forest floor notes, olallieberries and bright red cherries are echoed on the palate, accompanied by crushed herbs, mocha and sweet spice. A nice level of acidity and silky tannins pull the package into fine balance, and the finish maintains good lift. […]