Dec 30, 2022
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Kramer Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Keith Kramer, Trudy Kramer |
| Web site | www.kramervineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
The Kramer estate comprises thirty years, two generations and 20 acres of sustainable farming. Owners Trudy and Keith Kramer began experimenting with wine in the 1970s and purchased their property in 1984. Their daughter, Kimberley, is the winemaker.
Kimberley didn't grow up wanting to be a winemaker, but became interested in making wine by chance. She liked to drink grower Champagne but couldn't afford to drink it as often as she would like so she made a sparkling wine. A sparkling wine has been made commercially at Kramer since 2009 using Müller-Thurgau grapes, and at $26, is a tremendous value. The sparkling wine is with encapsulated yeast and employs a burr stone to make a carbonated wine that mimics a sparkling wine.
In addition to Pinot Noir, the Kramers grow Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Müller-Thurgau. In 2015, the winery began offering customers wines in growlers for fill-up and take-home. The first growler selections were the 2014 Estate Pinot Gris and a barrel of 2014 Pinot NOir.
Articles About Kramer Vineyards
2014 Oregon Pinot Noir Second Team All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2017 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
2017 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
Diversity of Styles Popularize Pinot Noir Rosé (11.23 5/12/2018)
More 2010 Oregon Pinot Noirs (9.11 9/11/2012)
Recent Sips of Oregon Wines: Pinot Amore´ (10.1 12/11/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (11.3 5/6/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., pH 3.35, TA
0.63, RS 0.2 g/L, 100 cases, $22. Released April 13,2018. Estate grapes planted in the late 1980s. Harvest
Brix 21.7º. Grapes de-stemmed into 1.5-ton fermenter and pressed after six days. Racked to tank for primary
fermentation and aged on fine lees for 5 months prior to bottling.
·
Moderate pinkish-red color in the glass.
Really enticing aromas of fresh red berries and rose petal. Juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry, blood orange and
spice . Excellent grip, silky on the palate, with a pleasing gift of aromatic fruit on the bracing, dry finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed May 12, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.67, 200 cases, $22.
A blend of grapes from Stormy Morning Vineyard and Kramer Estate Vineyard. Harvest Brix 22.5º. 100% destemmed,
4-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
A lighter style wine with aromas and flavors
of black cherry, cranberry, raspberry, exotic spice and white pepper. Noticeable oak overlay with sprightly
acidity leading to a tart finish of some persistence.
Score: 87.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.46, TA
0.67, 375 cases, $28. A blend of clones from several blocks of the Estate Vineyard, including ownrooted
and grafted vines planted between 1985 and 1995 and consisting of Wädenswil, Pommard
and Gamay Beaujolais clones. Harvest Brix 21.4º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged in
French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of earth, oak and
balsam dominate upon opening. Plenty of like able fruit on the palate including flavors of black
cherry, black raspberry and pomegranate. Well-composed with a savory thread adding interest.
When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, more dark fruit showed up on
the nose and the finish offered more aromatic persistence. Decant if you must drink now.
Score: 92.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 125 cases, $34. A blend of grapes
from the Estate Vineyard and Yamhill vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 5-day cold soak, aged for 16 months
in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely appointed nose with aromas of dark
red and purple berries, dark chocolate and clove. Richly extracted, with earthy flavors of boysenberry,
blackberry, and black tea infused with juicy acidity and backed by sinewy tannins.
Score: 88.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Cardiac Hill Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 125 cases, pH 3.55,
TA 0.59, 125 cases, $45. Sourced from the steepest hillside of vines in the Estate Vineyard. A high clay content
in the soil stresses the vines leading to low yields. Pommard and Dijon 115 clones. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day
cold soak, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas of
earth and forest floor play off fruit aromas of raspberry, cranberry and strawberry. Darker fruited on the palate,
with mid weight flavors of blackberry and black raspberry that attack with notice and are expansive in the
mouth. The refined tannins provide good structure and the finish exceeds expectations with generosity. Still
sumptuous when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Heritage Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.68,
125 cases, $45. Sourced from the oldest block of Pinot Noir in the Estate Vineyard. Own-rooted
Pommard clone planted in 1989. Harvest Brix 22.1º. 75% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, aged 18
months in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose starts off
great after opening and builds in charity over time in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, rose, spice and
cola are replicated in the mid weight flavors on the palate along with notes of plum and Marionberry.
Gentle in the mouth, with seductive tannins and bright acidity in superb balance, finishing with
enduring length and a subtle citrus note. This wine just kept getting better and better over time in the glass so
decanting would be advised. This Pinot offers depth, dimension and freshness in a compelling package.
Score: 94.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Rebecca’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
12.1% alc., pH 3.54, TA
0.61, 75 cases, $48. Rebecca’s block in the Estate Vineyard was planted to high vine density and Pommard
and 115 clones in 1992. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new.
Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly individualistic, with a rustic and
earthy character. Aromas of cherry, blueberry and mulch lead to flavors of wood-infused cherry and blueberry
fruits framed by firm tannins. There is a noticeable oak imprint, and the wine finishes with some power and
tartness. Still dominated by earthy, oaky elements when tasted the following day from a previously opened and
re-corked bottle. I found it challenging to cozy up close to this one.
Score: 88.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Kramer Vineyards “Celebrate!” Müller-Thurgau Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley sparkling wine
12.5% alc., pH 2.99, TA 0.82, RS 0.6%, 99 cases, $22. Sourced from vines planted in 1986-1988 in Peavine
and Willakenzie silty clay loam soils. Harvest Brix 19.1º. Whole cluster pressed, fermentation in stainless tank,
racked and aged on lees in stainless for 5 months. To sparkle, the wine was transferred to a high-pressure
tank, chilled, and carbon dioxide bubbled in through a diffusion stone until the ideal level of pressure was
achieved.
·
Faint golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemongrass, pear, melon and wilted rose. Dry and
crisp on the palate, with flavors that echo the aromas. A refreshing drink with a good bead and a citrus-driven
aftertaste.
Score: 87.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Kramer Vineyards “Celebrate!” Pinot Gris Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley sparkling wine
11.0%
alc., pH 3.18, TA 0.49, RS 1.5%, 325 cases, $22. Harvest Brix 17.7º. Whole cluster pressed, racked to
stainless tank for primary fermentation. When fermentation complete, racked and aged on lees in stainless for
5 months. To sparkle, the wine was transferred to a high-pressure tank, chilled, and carbon dioxide bubbled in
through a diffusion stone, until the ideal level of pressure was achieved.
·
Steely white color in the glass. Nicely
perfumed with aromas of tropical fruits, Muscat, apricot and peach. Fruity, off dry, with a good bead, offering
flavors of banana, peach, pear and vanilla. Winemaker recommends toasting with this wine on its own, or
using it for mimosas and as a part of creative mixtures with cranberry, pomegranate or guava juices. Have
some fun with it!
Score: 88.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Kramer Vineyards Reserve Dijon Clones Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.7% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.59, 125 cases, $28. Estate grown. Harvest Brix 19.7º. Whole cluster
pressed, barrel fermented sur lie for 10 months in 60% neutral French oak barrels adn 40%
stainless steel barrels. Full malolactic fermentation with minimal lees stirring.
·
Light yellow gold
color and clear in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of tropical fruits, pear, floral bouquet and a
hint of Muscat. Relatively light in weight but pleasing with crisp flavors of apple, pear, nectarine and
honeydew melon. Nicely balanced with a silky mouthfeel and the slightest hint of tannin on the dry
finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH
3.50, TA 0.61, 300 cases, $24. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 75% de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, pump over
and punch downs twice daily until dry. Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Composed
of various clones from several of the estate vineyard blocks.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in
the glass. Engaging perfume of black cherry, blackberry, spice and vanilla. A forward drinking wine
with plenty of cherry, berry and spice flavor to satisfy. Admirable intensity on the attack with some
power on the finish that ends with a rush of young tannins. This wine will benefit from more bottle age but is hard
to resist now.
Score: 90.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Kramer Vineyards Cardiac Hill Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.64, 100 cases, $42.
Crafted from LIVE-certified grapes. Sourced from the steepest
hillside vines on the estate vineyard. Clones are Pommard and
Dijon 11. Harvest Brix 23.3º. Willakenzie soil with a high clay
content which stresses the vines and leads to small yields. 100%
de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, pumped over and punched down
twice daily until dry, then pressed. Aged 17 months in 25% new French oak
barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the
glass. I am crazy about this nose which features aromas of black cherries,
complex floral notes, complimentary spice and a hint of smoky oak. On the
palate, the mid weight flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, raspberry and
spice are enticing. The bright acidity gives the vibrant apple fruit flavor a lift. There are plenty of tannins to go
the distance. A delightful wine with charm and sophistication.
Score: 94.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Kramer Vineyards Heritage Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.47, TA
0.62, 100 cases, $42. Sourced from the oldest block of Pinot Noir in the estate vineyard first planted in 1984.
100% own-rooted Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 23.2º. 75% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, pumped over and
punched down twice daily until dry. Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple
color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark fruits and sous-bois. Charming flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and
spice, building in intensity over time in the glass. Remarkable appeal and length, with substantial tannins. Still
opulent the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Kramer Vineyards Rebecca’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH
3.40, TA 0.62, 75 cases, $42. From an estate vineyard block planted in 1992 to 4’ x 4’ spacing. Pommard and
Dijon 115 clones. Harvest Brix 23.0º. 100% de-stemmed. 6-day cold soak, pumped over and punched down
twice daily until dry. Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark
reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and underbrush lead to intense flavors of blackberry
and black plum. Reasonably good attack and finish, with enough structure to satisfy. Only hints at its ultimate
promise at this time and should elevate with more time in the bottle.
Score: 90.
Reviewed December 11, 2014
ARTICLE »
2010 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.58,
125 cases, $20. From a sustainably farmed estate vineyard, including various clones from several
blocks. Winemaker is Trudy J. Kramer. 100% de-stemmed, 10-day cold soak, aged 10 months in
33% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Love the nose
which is fragrant with aromas of exotically spiced black cherries with a hint of toast. Over time in the
glass, the scent of cardamom spice and rose petals emerge. Moderately rich essence of black
cherries and cranberries with a black tea, tar and citrus note in the background. Has some backbone, but the
tannins are ripe and not intrusive. Highly enjoyable now. Very good.
Reviewed September 12, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Brut Sparkling Wine
12.5% alc., pH 3.10, TA 0.90,
Residual Sugar 0.3%, 149 cases, $24. 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir.
·
Faint yellow color in
the glass with a good bead. Complex nose with an array of scents including green apple, lemon zest,
white peach, roasted nuts and dough. Flavors of green apple, lemon and toasted brioche are lifted
by bright acidity, and hang on through the long, bone dry finish. Highly enjoyable. Very good.
Reviewed September 12, 2012
ARTICLE »
2017 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.63, RS 0.2 g/L, 100 cases, $22. Released April 13,2018. Estate grapes planted in the late 1980s. Harvest Brix 21.7º. Grapes de-stemmed into 1.5-ton fermenter and pressed after six days. Racked to tank for primary fermentation and aged on fine lees for 5 months prior to bottling. · Moderate pinkish-red color in the glass. Really enticing aromas of fresh red berries and rose petal. Juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry, blood orange and spice . Excellent grip, silky on the palate, with a pleasing gift of aromatic fruit on the bracing, dry finish. Score: 92. Reviewed May 12, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.67, 200 cases, $22. A blend of grapes from Stormy Morning Vineyard and Kramer Estate Vineyard. Harvest Brix 22.5º. 100% destemmed, 4-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. · A lighter style wine with aromas and flavors of black cherry, cranberry, raspberry, exotic spice and white pepper. Noticeable oak overlay with sprightly acidity leading to a tart finish of some persistence. Score: 87. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.67, 375 cases, $28. A blend of clones from several blocks of the Estate Vineyard, including ownrooted and grafted vines planted between 1985 and 1995 and consisting of Wädenswil, Pommard and Gamay Beaujolais clones. Harvest Brix 21.4º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of earth, oak and balsam dominate upon opening. Plenty of like able fruit on the palate including flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and pomegranate. Well-composed with a savory thread adding interest. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, more dark fruit showed up on the nose and the finish offered more aromatic persistence. Decant if you must drink now. Score: 92. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 125 cases, $34. A blend of grapes from the Estate Vineyard and Yamhill vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 5-day cold soak, aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely appointed nose with aromas of dark red and purple berries, dark chocolate and clove. Richly extracted, with earthy flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, and black tea infused with juicy acidity and backed by sinewy tannins. Score: 88. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Cardiac Hill Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 125 cases, pH 3.55, TA 0.59, 125 cases, $45. Sourced from the steepest hillside of vines in the Estate Vineyard. A high clay content in the soil stresses the vines leading to low yields. Pommard and Dijon 115 clones. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas of earth and forest floor play off fruit aromas of raspberry, cranberry and strawberry. Darker fruited on the palate, with mid weight flavors of blackberry and black raspberry that attack with notice and are expansive in the mouth. The refined tannins provide good structure and the finish exceeds expectations with generosity. Still sumptuous when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Heritage Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.68, 125 cases, $45. Sourced from the oldest block of Pinot Noir in the Estate Vineyard. Own-rooted Pommard clone planted in 1989. Harvest Brix 22.1º. 75% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose starts off great after opening and builds in charity over time in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, rose, spice and cola are replicated in the mid weight flavors on the palate along with notes of plum and Marionberry. Gentle in the mouth, with seductive tannins and bright acidity in superb balance, finishing with enduring length and a subtle citrus note. This wine just kept getting better and better over time in the glass so decanting would be advised. This Pinot offers depth, dimension and freshness in a compelling package. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Kramer Vineyards Rebecca’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
12.1% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.61, 75 cases, $48. Rebecca’s block in the Estate Vineyard was planted to high vine density and Pommard and 115 clones in 1992. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly individualistic, with a rustic and earthy character. Aromas of cherry, blueberry and mulch lead to flavors of wood-infused cherry and blueberry fruits framed by firm tannins. There is a noticeable oak imprint, and the wine finishes with some power and tartness. Still dominated by earthy, oaky elements when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. I found it challenging to cozy up close to this one. Score: 88. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Kramer Vineyards “Celebrate!” Müller-Thurgau Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley sparkling wine
12.5% alc., pH 2.99, TA 0.82, RS 0.6%, 99 cases, $22. Sourced from vines planted in 1986-1988 in Peavine and Willakenzie silty clay loam soils. Harvest Brix 19.1º. Whole cluster pressed, fermentation in stainless tank, racked and aged on lees in stainless for 5 months. To sparkle, the wine was transferred to a high-pressure tank, chilled, and carbon dioxide bubbled in through a diffusion stone until the ideal level of pressure was achieved. · Faint golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemongrass, pear, melon and wilted rose. Dry and crisp on the palate, with flavors that echo the aromas. A refreshing drink with a good bead and a citrus-driven aftertaste. Score: 87. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Kramer Vineyards “Celebrate!” Pinot Gris Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley sparkling wine
11.0% alc., pH 3.18, TA 0.49, RS 1.5%, 325 cases, $22. Harvest Brix 17.7º. Whole cluster pressed, racked to stainless tank for primary fermentation. When fermentation complete, racked and aged on lees in stainless for 5 months. To sparkle, the wine was transferred to a high-pressure tank, chilled, and carbon dioxide bubbled in through a diffusion stone, until the ideal level of pressure was achieved. · Steely white color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of tropical fruits, Muscat, apricot and peach. Fruity, off dry, with a good bead, offering flavors of banana, peach, pear and vanilla. Winemaker recommends toasting with this wine on its own, or using it for mimosas and as a part of creative mixtures with cranberry, pomegranate or guava juices. Have some fun with it! Score: 88. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Kramer Vineyards Reserve Dijon Clones Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.7% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.59, 125 cases, $28. Estate grown. Harvest Brix 19.7º. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented sur lie for 10 months in 60% neutral French oak barrels adn 40% stainless steel barrels. Full malolactic fermentation with minimal lees stirring. · Light yellow gold color and clear in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of tropical fruits, pear, floral bouquet and a hint of Muscat. Relatively light in weight but pleasing with crisp flavors of apple, pear, nectarine and honeydew melon. Nicely balanced with a silky mouthfeel and the slightest hint of tannin on the dry finish. Score: 91. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.61, 300 cases, $24. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 75% de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, pump over and punch downs twice daily until dry. Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Composed of various clones from several of the estate vineyard blocks. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Engaging perfume of black cherry, blackberry, spice and vanilla. A forward drinking wine with plenty of cherry, berry and spice flavor to satisfy. Admirable intensity on the attack with some power on the finish that ends with a rush of young tannins. This wine will benefit from more bottle age but is hard to resist now. Score: 90. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Kramer Vineyards Cardiac Hill Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.64, 100 cases, $42. Crafted from LIVE-certified grapes. Sourced from the steepest hillside vines on the estate vineyard. Clones are Pommard and Dijon 11. Harvest Brix 23.3º. Willakenzie soil with a high clay content which stresses the vines and leads to small yields. 100% de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, pumped over and punched down twice daily until dry, then pressed. Aged 17 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. I am crazy about this nose which features aromas of black cherries, complex floral notes, complimentary spice and a hint of smoky oak. On the palate, the mid weight flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, raspberry and spice are enticing. The bright acidity gives the vibrant apple fruit flavor a lift. There are plenty of tannins to go the distance. A delightful wine with charm and sophistication. Score: 94. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Kramer Vineyards Heritage Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.62, 100 cases, $42. Sourced from the oldest block of Pinot Noir in the estate vineyard first planted in 1984. 100% own-rooted Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 23.2º. 75% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, pumped over and punched down twice daily until dry. Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark fruits and sous-bois. Charming flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and spice, building in intensity over time in the glass. Remarkable appeal and length, with substantial tannins. Still opulent the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Kramer Vineyards Rebecca’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.62, 75 cases, $42. From an estate vineyard block planted in 1992 to 4’ x 4’ spacing. Pommard and Dijon 115 clones. Harvest Brix 23.0º. 100% de-stemmed. 6-day cold soak, pumped over and punched down twice daily until dry. Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and underbrush lead to intense flavors of blackberry and black plum. Reasonably good attack and finish, with enough structure to satisfy. Only hints at its ultimate promise at this time and should elevate with more time in the bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed December 11, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Kramer Vineyards Estate Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.58, 125 cases, $20. From a sustainably farmed estate vineyard, including various clones from several blocks. Winemaker is Trudy J. Kramer. 100% de-stemmed, 10-day cold soak, aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Love the nose which is fragrant with aromas of exotically spiced black cherries with a hint of toast. Over time in the glass, the scent of cardamom spice and rose petals emerge. Moderately rich essence of black cherries and cranberries with a black tea, tar and citrus note in the background. Has some backbone, but the tannins are ripe and not intrusive. Highly enjoyable now. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Kramer Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Brut Sparkling Wine
12.5% alc., pH 3.10, TA 0.90, Residual Sugar 0.3%, 149 cases, $24. 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. · Faint yellow color in the glass with a good bead. Complex nose with an array of scents including green apple, lemon zest, white peach, roasted nuts and dough. Flavors of green apple, lemon and toasted brioche are lifted by bright acidity, and hang on through the long, bone dry finish. Highly enjoyable. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 ARTICLE »