Lavinea Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Lavinea, Latin for “of the vine or of the vineyard,” is a small producer of single-vineyard Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay from mature vineyards in the Willamette Valley, Found by partners Greg Ralson and winemaker
Isabell Meunier, the debut vintage was 2014 and since then the wines have received high praise from the wine
press.
Meunier is a Quebec native who received her training at the Dijon University of Agriculture and in New Zealand
at Lincoln University. Prior to starting Lavinea, she was the winemaker for Evening Land Vineyards, working
closely with noted Burgundian vintner Dominique Lafon.
Lavinea wines are sourced from five vineyards:
Lavinea Tasting Room in Carlton has been closed for improvements but is expected to open in February
2022.The wines are available on the winery’s website at www.lavinea.com.
2018 Lavinea Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $75. A high elevation site
above Bethel Heights Vineyard exposed to the Van Duzer Corridor influence. Grapes for this wine were planted
in 2001 by Dai Crisp and farmed organically. Harvest Brix 23º. Spontaneous fermentation without inoculations.
Aged in mixed oak cooperage, 35% new.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. A complex nose offers aromas of
purple berries, wine cave, cardamom spice and earth. Rich yet gently powerful in a mid-weight plus style,
offering flavors of darkest cherry, boysenberry, earth, iron and a touch of complimentary oak. Silken in texture
with modest tannic sinew, and fruit-dominated, expansive length. This wine accurately reflects the Temperance
Hill ethos.
Score: 94
2018 Lavinea Elton Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., $75. Own-rooted Pinot Noir planted in
1983. Volcanic Jory soils. Harvest Brix 22.1º. Spontaneous fermentation without inoculations. Aged in mixed
cooperage, 25% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A perfume of cherry, raspberry and Herbs de
Provence leads to a middleweight styled wine with a giving core of cherry fruit that exhibits expansiveness on
the palate and through the finish. Fresh, juicy and polished with reserved tannins and a shadow of oak.
Score: 92
2016 Lavinea Tualatin Estate Vineyard Tualatin Hills Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., 239 cases, $65. Dry-farmed,
own-rooted Pommard and Dijon 667. The Pommard was planted in 1974. The unique soils are Laurelwood,
volcanic silt loam, and weathered iron mineral deposits over deep Jory clay. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Spontaneous
native yeast fermentation. Aged in 27% new oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Leading off are
aromas of red cherry, sous bois and a touch of oak. Light to mid-weight in style, featuring lean red
cherry and strawberry fruits embellished with a mantel of oak. Elegant in character, with
a long, lip-smacking finish.
Score: 91
2018 Lavinea Tualatin Estate Vineyard Tualatin Hills Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $65. Harvest Brix 23.8º. Spontaneous wild yeast
fermentation with no inoculations. Aged in mixed oak
cooperage, 30% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Reserved but pleasant aroma of red fruit leather. More fruit-forward
then the 2016 vintage with charming fruit flavors of
cherry and strawberry. There is a pleasing savory side to the wine with
fruit and savory nuances mingling nicely.
this is a poised wine with
admirable elegance and a very long finish. redolent
with red fruits.
Score: 93
