Broadley Vineyards
Craig and Claudia Broadley launched Broadley Vineyards in 1981 in the hills west of Monroe, Oregon with a
shoestring budget. The Estate Vineyard was first planted in 1982 and now consists of 33 acres of Pommard,
Wädenswil and Dijon Pinot Noir clones. The Estate Vineyard is managed using sustainable farming practices
and organic material is used to promote healthy growth of the vines.
Like many Californians who pioneered the Oregon wine industry, Craig and Claudia left Berkeley, California
for Oregon in search of a proper site to plant Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. They found their ideal location
in the southern part of the Willamette Valley AVA just outside of the small town of Monroe, just over an hour’s
drive south of McMinnville. Monroe is referred to as the ‘banana belt’ of the Willamette Valley because it is the
warmest and driest part of the AVA.
The success of Broadley Vineyards has come virtue of its unique, solitary, yet strategic location the skill of
second-generation winemaker Morgan Broadley, and the resultant wines that are individualistic for Oregon.
Because of the vineyard’s southern Willamette Valley location, Pinot Noir vines do not struggle to achieve
ripeness and stem lignification is more commonplace. As a result, Broadley Vineyard’s signature style is based
on the use of a high percentage of whole cluster during fermentation in wooden puncheons of various sizes.
Aging is typically carried out in 20%-30% new French oak barrels. Morgan is pictured below in 2017 at the
winery with his two daughters (wooden fermentation tanks in the background).
The majority of the Pinot Noir bottlings are sourced from the Estate Vineyard but other notable vineyards in the
Willamette Valley have been included in some bottlings such as Shea, Zenith, Saffron Fields, Open Claim and
Temperance Hill. Total production is about 5,000 cases and includes a Chardonnay made from grapes sourced
from the Eola-Amity Hills.
Tasting is by appointment at the winery. A majority of the winery’s Pinot Noir bottlings are sold through a mailing
list or the winery’s online store at www.broadleyvineyards.com. Cellar releases from previous vintages are
offered. A “When to Drink” section is a valuable reference.
2018 Broadley Vineyards Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 1,300 cases, $35. Released
November 2019. Pommard, 115, 667 and 777 clones. 15% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation. Split into
open-top stainless steel fermenters for 14-21 days. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 10% new.
·
Dark
garnet color in the glass. A complex nose unfolds with aromas of blackberry, cassis, damp earth and
cardamom spice. Somewhat rich and plush on the palate but energetic in a mid-weight style featuring purple
and blackberry flavors with a hint of black tea. Nicely balanced with some finishing generosity. Overdelivers for
the price.
Score: 92
2018 Broadley Vineyards Claudia’s Choice Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 225 cases, $55.
Released spring 2020. Named for Broadley Vineyards co-founder Claudia Broadley. A blend of Pommard and
Wädenswil clones with the majority Pommard. 40% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation in open-top French
oak fermenters. Aged 14-18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose
gains traction over time in the glass, revealing aromas of spiced black cherry and dried herbs. There are many
layers of flavor and noticeable length on the mid palate along with a full mouthfeel. Middleweight in style, with
black cherry and boysenberry fruits framed by moderately husky, dusty tannins. The tasteful fruit core makes
an impression and is complimented by a touch of oak. Still alluring when tasted the following day from a
previously opened bottle.
Score: 93
2018 Broadley Vineyards Jessica Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 200 cases, $55. Released
spring 2020. Named for Morgan Broadley’s wife and working partner in Broadley Vineyards. 100% Wädenswil.
50% whole cluster wild yeast fermentation in French open-top wood fermenters. Aged 14-18 months in French
oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The dark-fruited nose is annotated with
aromas of dark rose petal, forest and underbrush. More noticeably whole cluster driven in a mid-weight plus
style, with flavors of blackberry and black raspberry. Evident but not intrusive tannins provide a suitable backing
for the fruit load. More giving when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93
2018 Broadley Vineyards Marcile Lorraine Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 125 cases, $55.
Released spring 2020. Named for Craig Broadley’s (co-founder) mother. A blend of Dijon 115 and Pommard
clones. 50% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation in open-top French oak fermenters. Aged 14-18 months in
French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers clean and alluring
scents including blackest cherry, pomegranate and vanilla. A bit lighter on its feet than the other 2018 offerings
but with charming, well-spiced, red and black cherry fruit flavors matched to focused tannins. The incredibly
long finish seems to last over 30 seconds.
Score: 94
2018 Broadley Vineyards Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola- Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 72
cases, $55. Released November 2019.Temperance Hill is a
certified organic vineyard planted in 1981 by the Koo family
and managed by Dai Crisp since 1999. Soils are predominantly
Nekia, Rittner and Jory. Pommard clone. 70% whole cluster,
wild yeast fermentation in open-top French oak fermenters.
Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Dark garnet
color in the glass. Inviting aromas of blackberry, cherry cola,
burnt tobacco and a hint of vanilla. Beautifully crafted in a midweight
style with nicely-ripened and exuberant flavors of
blackberry and black raspberry. The fruit in this wine really
sings. Well-mannered tannins provide good structure and the
uplifting acidity brings juiciness. The finish is remarkably long
and satisfying. Flat-out terrific when tasted the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with even better
integration of tannins. A special wine that will benefit from cellaring.
Score: 95
