Native Flora Wines
Tasting at Native Flora is a serene experience offered in the proprietor’s home at a secluded 33-acre property
perched at 800 feet elevation in the Dundee Hills. Proprietors Scott and Denise call it “The Dundee Hills Winery
Sanctum.” Tasting is very relaxed and personal, and only arranged by appointment. The wines are crafted in a
restrained, higher acid style that suits winemaker Scott Flora.
There is a 15-acre estate vineyard adjacent the home and winery that is planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc.
The first vintage release was 2009. The wines are sold primarily to visitors to the winery and much of the
winery’s business is through favorable word of mouth. A considerable amount of wine is also sold out of state.
I visited in late July for the second time to taste some newer releases. My previous visit was featured in the
PinotFile last year: www.princeofpinot.com/article/1718/. The 2011 vintage wines had been held back for more
development until Scott considered them acceptable. Timing of wine releases is not motivated by economic
considerations. The wines I tasted had been opened the day before and were tasted with a Coravin.
Scott makes a point to indicate that no water or acid additions are used in making Native Flora wines. He feels
his wines will age beautifully for 10+ years.
For appointments, visit the website at www.nativeflora.com. Some Rosé, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and sparkling
wine is also offered.
2014 Native Flora Next Time Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $48. Bottled two
months ago. Aged in about 20% new French oak barrels.
·
Light reddish purple color in the glass.
Intoxicating aromas of cherry, redwood, rose petal and spice. Regal and balanced, with a light to mid
weight core of cherry, pomegranate and spice flavors, underlain with soft tannins. Forward drinking,
with pleasing persistence and length.
Score: 93-94
2014 Native Flora The Heretic Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., $65. An attempt to
produce an “Old World” style. Sourced from a steep north slope block and picked at lower Brix. Aged in 12.5%
new French oak barrels.
·
Light reddish purple color in the glass. Perfumed with sensuous notes of cherry, spice
and sandalwood. Light and elegant, but flavorful, with a more noticeable acid backbone. A melange of cherry,
spice and subtle oak flavors are vibrant and satisfying.
Score: 91-92
2014 Native Flora Jaguar Reserve Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
200 cases, not
released. Aged in 12.5% new French oak barrels.
·
Light reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring
aromas of crushed cherries, baking spices and sandalwood lead off. A remarkable attack and everexpanding
array of red fruits is slightly overshadowed currently by an overlay of oak that should
integrate with more time in bottle. The finish is robust and memorable.
Score: 93-94
2013 Native Flora Venerable Youth Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 202 cases, $44. A
combination of 50% 25-year-old vines and 50% young vines from Sunset View Vineyards.
·
Light reddish purple
color in the glass. Riper fruited, with aromas and flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and black plum. Nicely
spiced, very elegant in demeanor, with appealing harmony.
Score: 91
2012 Native Flora Next Time Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
180 cases, $48. Tasted previously
one year ago.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry and spice lead to a very
elegantly styled, mid weight wine replete with lush black cherry fruit laced by a deft touch of oak in the
background. The sap builds in intensity over time in the glass.
Score: 92
2011 Native Flora First Time Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 302 cases, $48. A blend
of four Pinot Noir clones grown in the estate Tuition Vineyard.
·
Very light cherry red color in the glass. An acid-
driven wine, with delicate, yet vibrant aromas and juicy flavors of red cherry, cranberry, spice and savory herbs.
Oak plays a supportive role in the background. A gastronomy Pinot that will perform well at the dinner table.
Score: 90
2011 Native Flora Jaguar Reserve Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
A four barrel selection, 96 cases, $75.
·
Light
reddish purple color in the glass. The nose lacks interest with primarily oak-driven scents and very little fruit.
Rather austere, even shallow on the palate, featuring a melange of red fruits back by polished tannins. The
finish is modest and cleansing. This wine will appeal to those who prefer restrained, high acid wines.
Score: 88
