Vineyard: Lonesome Rock

AppellationWillamette Valley
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 De Ponte Cellars Lonesome Rock Ranch Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $44. This 30-acre site in the foothills of the Coastal Range has 6 acres planted to Pinot Noir. in very rocky soil. The label says, “Proud to be lonesome.” · Moderate garnet color in the glass. garnet color in the glass. The most aromatic in the 2015 lineup, with scents of cooked cherry, exotic spices, Herbs de Provence, and vanilla cream. Both fruity (purple berries) and savory (herbs, fertile earth) in flavor with balanced tannins and a seductive silky texture. The most earthy of the De Ponte lineup in this vintage, but finishes with a good charge of boysenberry fruit. The wine closes with the slightest hint of alcoholic heat. Score: 91. Reviewed February 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 De Ponte Cellars Lonesome Rock Ranch Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 742 cases, $44. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Complex nose with aromas of black cherry, cranberry, brier, pine tree, terra cotta and gravelly soil. Light to mid weight in style and quite elegant, yet offering intriguing flavors of black cherry and purple berry with a subtle chalky flavor and texture. Quite distinctive from the De Ponte Estate Pinot Noirs, with a lighter frame, a little more tannin and a grounded, earthy quality. In this case, being different is a good thing. Score: 93. Reviewed February 25, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 De Ponte Cellars Lonesome Rock Ranch Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 502 cases, 102 magnums, $44. This vineyard is among the small number of vineyards located closer to the Pacific Ocean in the Willamette Valley. Aged 10 months in 20% new French oak barrels and 80% in 2-5-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas are enticingly fresh featuring black cherry, spice, peppercorn, rose petal and a hint of anise-laced oak. Stunning elegance with very suave, structured tannins supporting the mid weight flavors of fresh black cherry and black raspberry. Highly seductive, with a subtle earthy vein in the background. Easy to like now. Score: 94. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 De Ponte Cellars Lonesome Rock Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $44. “Proud to be Lonesome” is a tagline on the label. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Still a little shy at this stage, but that is my only nit. Soaring scents of dark raspberry, blackberry, plum, cardamom spice and oak. Very intriguing. Delicious array of darker, spiced berry and stone fruits with an earthy undertone. The tannins are evident but supple, and the finish invites another sip. Can be enjoyed now, but there is no hurry. Score: 93. Reviewed June 18, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »