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De Ponte Cellars

Web site www.depontecellars.com
 
Link to this site

Scott and Rae Baldwin started this small family winery in 2001 at 17545 Archery Summit Road in Dayton, Oregon. Consulting winemaker is Isabelle Dutarte, formerly assistant at Domaine Drouhin. 19 acres of estate Pinot Noir are owned.

Production is 2,000 cases annually of Pinot Noir. A second value-priced label is Clay Hill. A tasting room is open Thurs-Sat at the winery. I have been quite impressed by the Pinot Noirs and this is a producer to seek out. The wines can be obtained by calling 503-864-3698. Interestingly, the winery also crafts a small amount of Melon (Muscadet).

Reviewed Wines

2009 De Ponte Cellars Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 1,881 cases, $38. From the De Ponte estate vineyard. French oak aged for 12 months in 20% new and 80% 2 to 5 year-old barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Full-on perfume of fresh boysenberries, potpourri, incense, and Moroccan spices. Lip smacking black cherry and boysenberry essence with subtle oak, musk and spice undertones. Everything you want in a Pinot Noir: mouthwatering attack, bright acidity, ripe tannins, a lingering finish and impeccable balance. A stylish and sensual pleasure. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2005 De Ponte Cellars Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $38. · The aromatics blossom with coaxing to reveal deep cherries, violets and vanillin oak. Very elegant in style with charming spiced red fruits, soft texture and diaphanous finish. I like this a lot for its Vosne-Romanee character. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »