White Rose Estate Winery & Vineyard
I stopped in at White Rose Estate in the Dundee Hills and tasted with winemaker Jesus Guillen. The property
has been beautifully landscaped since my last visit and the tasting room was buzzing with eager consumers.
The tasting room is unique for the Willamette Valley, offering no windows to view the outside, encouraging
visitors to seriously concentrate on the wines. The tasting room is open daily at 6250 NE Hilltop Lane in
Dayton ($15 fee applies).
Stems were lignified in 2014 so the wines have a high percentage of whole cluster. Whole cluster adds
interesting aromatic features and textural character that makes the White Rose Estate wines highly distinctive.
White Rose Estate is currently offering a number of Pinot Noir wines that were not available for tasting when I
visited: 2014 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2014 La Dolce Vita “20% Stem Inclusion”, 2014 La Dolce Vita “80%
Stem Inclusion,” 2014 Luciole Vineyard “20% Stem Inclusion,” 2014 Luciole Vineyard “80% Stem Inclusion,”
2014 Guillen Vineyard, and 2013 bottlings from Anderson Family, Beacon Hill, Luciole, Vista Hills, and White
Rose vineyards. Visit the website to purchase at www.whiteroseestate.com.
2014 White Rose Estate Winemaker’s Cuvée Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $105.White Rose Estate, Lia’s, Anderson Family and
Luciole vineyards. 95% whole cluster. 30% new French oak.
·
Moderately light
cherry red color in the glass. Typical whole cluster nose with aromas of
cherry, exotic spices, and rose petal. Striking flavors of fresh cherry and
strawberry in a mid weight style with a touch of anise. The tannins are fine
grain and the finish is extremely generous. In a word, marvelous.
Score: 94-95
2014 White Rose Estate Guillen Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
$80. Clone 115, 100%
whole cluster.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with scents of darker red cherry and
spice. Discreetly sappy with plenty of red and blue fruits to satisfy. A firm tannic backbone is supportive
without being intrusive in this elegantly crafted wine that has a finish that is both bold and dramatic.
Score: 93-94
2013 White Rose Estate Durant Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
·
Light cherry red color in the
glass. The nose exudes aromas of cherry, exotic spice and rose petal. Light in weight, with a delicate array of
flavors including red cherry, blueberry and Damsel plum. A gentle, feminine wine, that satisfies at the end with
a spice filled finish.
Score: 90-91
2012 White Rose Estate Winemaker’s Cuvée Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
A blend of four
vineyards including White Rose and Anderson. 85% whole cluster.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass.
The nose demands attention with hi-tone aromas of dried rose petal, pine sap, spice and cherry. Light
to mid weight in style and quite elegant, with a spiced cherry core framed by fine grain tannins. The
texture is particularly appealing and the overall impression is one of harmony.
Score: 94-95
