Seven of Hearts Wine

Owner(s) Byron Dooley, Dana Dooley
Web site www.sevenofheartswine.com
 
Link to this site
Seven of Hearts Wine

Wines from distinct appellations within Oregon's Willamette Valley and neighboring regions including specific vineyards. The neoclassical label on the bottle symbolizes the owners passion for the traditional style of Pinot Noir. The sister label is Luminous Hills which consists of estate Pinot Noir.

A tasting room is located in the small town of Carlton and is open Thursday through Monday from 12:00 to 5:00. The wines are sold on the website.

See Luminous Hills for more information.

Reviewed Wines

2014 Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

18 months · Inviting perfume of black cherry, exotic spices and fertile earth. Light to mid weight in dark red and purple fruit concentrate. Noteworthy attack and length in the mouth, with engaging elegance, balanced tannins and a finish deserving of special reserve designation. Previously 90-91 Score: 93. Reviewed February 4, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.61, 987 cases, $24. Multiple appellations, multiple clones. Aged in French oak barrels, 22% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Ripe fruit aromas are dominated by scents of wood and brine. The mid weight core of cherry, plum, and purple berries is backed by a thread of oak. The firm but silky tannins add support and there is some modest length on the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH3.47, TA 0.60, 99 cases, $35. 50% Wädenswil, 25% Pommard, 25% 114. 25% whole clusters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A jazzy nose with hi-tone aromas of crushed black cherries, sous-bois and sandalwood. Bold and weighty, but still refined, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and spice. Exquisitely balanced t n’ a with some length on the finish. Big for Oregon, but not big by California standards. This vineyard excelled in this vintage. Score: 93. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Seven of Hearts Bjornson Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.61, 98 cases, $35. 25% Wädenswil, 25% Pommard, 25% 667, 12.5% 777, and 12.5% 115. 25% whole clusters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Smelling this wine felt took me to a barrel room with an added fruit note of cherry and brown spice. Somewhat demure, but flavorful, featuring juicy red cherry and strawberry fruits with spice in the background. Silky in the mouth and showing great harmony, this wine is very forward drinking with considerable charm. Score: 91. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.60, 124 cases, $49. 60% Armstrong Vineyard and 40% Bjornson Vineyard. 40% Pommard, 20% Wädenswil, 20% 777 and 20% 115. 20% whole clusters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, black plum and marionberry have a steely tone leading to a good attack of black cherry, boysenberry and plum fruits that engage the palate and linger on the intensely fruited finish. The balance is most impressive and of reserve quality, although the fruit is not as giving now as it possibly will be with more bottle age. Score: 90-91. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Seven of Hearts Very Special Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.68, 123 cases, $75. 40% Luminous Hills Vineyard, 20% Armstrong Vineyard, 20% Bjornson Vineyard and 20% Lia’s Vineyard. 40% 115, 30% Pommard, 20% 777 and 10% Wädenswil. 40% whole clusters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. The array of aromas are quite pleasing and persistent, consisting of cherry, strawberry, sandalwood and caramelized oak. On entry, there is more explosion of red fruit flavor than one would expect from the light color. There is plenty of spice from the whole cluster, but no herbal character. The wine is deftly balanced, with a satiny texture and the majestic finish lingers with succulent acidity. Not the biggest wine in the Seven of Hearts lineup, but the generous finish separates it from others in the lineup. Score: 93. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.72, RS 0.157%, 126 cases, $15. Grapes sourced from Luminous Hills Vineyard (Pommard) and Armstrong Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA (Wädenswil and 777). Blocks were farmed specifically for Rosé, macerated for 8 days at a cold temperature, then pressed off and fermented in neutral French oak barrels where the wine was aged for 6 months before bottling. · Moderate reddish pink color in the glass. A pleasing wine with aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry and blood orange. Bright and refreshing with enough body to stand up to more substantial foods. Score: 87. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2013 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.64, 98 cases, $35. A barrel selection from the lots produced from this vineyard. 50% Pommard plus 667, 114, 777 and Wädenswil grown in Willakenzie series sedimentary soil. 25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 37.5% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry, cranberry, and dried herbs. Light to mid weight array of red fruit flavors that are vivid with good crispness. The tannins are suave, there is a faint touch of oak, and the finish is juicy and satisfying. Score: 89. Reviewed September 3, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Seven of Hearts Bjornson Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.62, 73 cases, $35. Pommard and 777 clones grown in volcanic Jory and Nekia soils. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 17% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reflects some whole cluster with aromas of black cherry, wilted rose petal and spice box. Highly satisfying on the palate in a smooth, sleek and easygoing style, with a flavorful black cherry core, a touch of oak and spice, and a silky finish that urges another sip. Score: 91. Reviewed September 3, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Curmudgeon Cuvée Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.664, 25 cases, $42. A homage to the late Bob Wood who was a wine lover that was the first to “discover“ Seven of Hearts. Clones 114, 667 and Pommard. 50% whole cluster fermented, aged in 100% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate light reddish purple color in the glass. Very expressive nose, offering an appealing blend of cherry, crushed strawberry, spice and toasty oak aromas. The light to mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry offer good mid palate intensity and length. Nicely crafted, with a bright acid spine, pleasing oak in the background, and a snappy finish. Score: 90. Reviewed September 3, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Rosé Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., RS 0.14%, 126 cases, $15. Sourced from Luminous Hills, Armstrong and Lia’s vineyards. · Medium pink watermelon in color in the glass. Bright aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon and peach with a hint of pastry cream. Not a wimpy rosé, but one with a little heft and backbone offering bright flavors of strawberries and cherries and a finish that is crisp and refreshing. The perfect summer BBQ wine. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Chateau Figareaux Columbia Valley Rosé of Cabernet Franc

12.0% alc., 98 cases, $18. A direct press after eight days of skin contact at very cold temperatures. · Moderately light red rose color in the glass. Aromas of red strawberries, blood oranges and rose petals. Light, delicate and demure, with red berry and cherry flavors and a note of green herbs in the background. Juicy, with bright acidity. Decent. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.59, 756 cases, $20. A blend from all five Willamette Valley vineyards the winery works with and includes five different Willamette Valley appellations. Native yeast fermentation, 25% whole cluster, no additions. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of fresh cherry lead to a mid weight essence of spiced red cherry accented with a whisper of oak. The tannins are supportive without being intrusive and the finish is bright and fruity. Score: 88. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 329 cases, pH 3.31, TA 0.72, $24. Gran Moraine and Willakia vineyards, clones 76, 95, 96. Aged in 50% neutral French oak and 50% stainless steel. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, crabapple, and buttered brioche are echoed on the palate with added flavors of green apple and grapefruit. Crisp with bright acidity and a lip-smacking finish. Score: 87. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Bjornson Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.64, 73 cases, $25. Vineyard is adjacent Seven Springs Vineyard. Two-thirds Pommard and one-third 777. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Tenacious aromas of cranberry and black cherry. More body and intensity, with layers of flavor including cranberry, cherry, spice and chocolate. Very forward, with a long, assertive finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Gran Moraine Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.3% alc., pH 3.28, TA 0.76, 73 cases, $32. Clone 76. Aged in 33% new French oak. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Very appealing aromas of lemon zest, pear and subtle oak. An acid-driven, bright wine with satisfying flavors of lemon pie filling, pear, green apple and vanilla. Slightly creamy and easy to like. An excellent food wine. Score: 90. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Willakia Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.1% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.73, 73 cases, $32. Clones 95 and 96. Aged in 33% new French oak. · Very light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. The aromas and flavors of lemon pie filling, yellow apple and buttery brioche are pleasant and there is good backing acidity. Slightly creamy on the palate with a refreshing finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.62, 147 cases, $35. Willakenzie soils. Pommard, 777, 667, and Wädenswil. A barrel selection. 33% whole cluster fermented. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Not as giving at this stage as some of the other wines with the earth-kissed, red cherry and strawberry fruit slightly compressed in the tannins. A hint of floral perfume, spice and vanilla add interest. A young wine with potential. Score: 90. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Curmudgeon Cuvée Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.59, 49 cases, $35. This wine honors the memory of wine curmudgeon, Bob Wood. This wine is designed to be a wine Bob would like and one that would age to allow him to be toasted year after year. Clones 114, 777 and Pommard. 100% whole cluster fermented. Aged in 100% neutral French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, spice, rose petal and cedar elevate from the glass. More structured with mid weight flavors of cherry, ripe strawberry, exotic spice, cedar and edible flower. Impressive intensity and length on the bright finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Durant Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.65, 112 cases, $35. One of the oldest vineyards this winery works with including the 41-year-old Pommard Bishop Block. Dijon 114 and 115 also. 50% of blend co-fermented. 56% whole cluster fermented. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Beguiling scents of cherry, spice and rose petal. Very suave and seductive with a juicy and bright wild cherry core brought into focus with lively citric acidity. Well-structured for aging, but the tannins are not astringent. Rolls off the palate like a satin sheet at the finish with layers of flavor returning for an encore. Score: 93. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Lia’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.59, 126 cases, $35. Pommard, Wädenswil, Mariafeld, 115 and “828.” Jory volcanic soil. No whole cluster. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is rich with hi-tone aromas of dark red cherries and berries. Sleek and seductive on the palate, with a charge of cherry, raspberry and red plum flavors carrying over to a persistent aromatic finish. This wine has good presence without weight and impressive harmony. Score: 91. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.59, 147 cases, $45. This wine includes fruit from four vineyards in different appellations. A barrel selection. Clones are Pommard, 115, 777 and “828.” At least 40% whole cluster fermented. Aged in 33% new French oak. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of fresh red berries lead to a panoply of strawberry, raspberry and spice flavors that fill the mouth with goodness. Impressive fullness and length. The tannins are evident but are broad, ripe and supportive. The berry fruit returns in waves on the wonderful finish. A special wine with potential. Score: 94. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Very Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.59, 126 cases, $75. This wine is only made in very special vintages. From Luminous Hills, Armstrong, Lia’s and Durant vineyards. 33% whole cluster fermented. Aged in 23% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Extroverted nose offering aromas of wild berries and exotic spices. Forceful and assertive on the palate, yet elegant, with a perfectly ripened core of berry fruit still mildly compressed by tannins. Similar to the Special Reserve, but more aloof at this stage. An ethereal wine that oozes pinotosity. Score: 95. Reviewed June 26, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 525 cases, $20. Sourced from five Willamette Valley AVAs. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777, Pommard and Wädenswil. 29% whole cluster. Aged in 25% new French oak barrels. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Pleasant array of darker cherry and berry fruit aromas with hints of oak and anise. Very light in weight, but caressing and flavorful, crisp and charming, with tastes of dark red and black berries and an echo of brown spice. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 175 cases, $35. Willakenzie series sedimentary soils. Clones Pommard and 777. Aged in 29% new French oak barrels. · Light ruby color in the glass. Delicate aromas of black cherries and dark red roses. Demure on the palate with plenty of finesse, featuring flavors of black cherries cloaked in fine-grain tannins, finishing with a pleasing, long kiss of cherries. Not a blockbuster, but a reflection of the vintage, well-crafted and thoroughly satisfying. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Seven of Hearts Lia’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 126 cases, $35. Jory volcanic soils, Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, Mariafeld and 115. Aged in 20% new French oak barrels. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Dark red cherries and berries are featured in this wine which has a tasty core of delicate fruit and some intensity on the finish, but the tannins are mildly imposing and there is a subtle green undertone of unripeness. Decent. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 133 cases, $42. Clones 114, 115, 777, Pommard, Wädenswil and Mariafeld from four sub-appellations including both volcanic and sedimentary soils. Aged in 27% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherries and berries, mushrooms, exotic woods and espresso. Tasty core of red cherries, cranberries and strawberries with engaging acidity. Light on its feet and modest in concentration, but flavorful. Much more intensity the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Seven of Hearts Very Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 98 cases, $75. Clones 114, 777, Pommard, Wädenswil and Mariafeld. Sourced from three sub-appellations (Armstrong, Lia’s and Luminous Hills vineyards) including both volcanic and sedimentary soils. Aged in 23% new French oak barrels. This wine is made only in special vintages. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The shy nose offers delicate aromas of dark red cherries, forest floor, musk and oak spice. A little more stuffing and structural bones than the Special Reserve, with a bigger, more persistent finish. Overall, more ephemeral and sexy. Can be enjoyed now, but will benefit from aging. Better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 469 cases, $20. Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 114, 115, 667 and 777 clones sourced from several Willamette Valley sub- AVAs. Aged in 22% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is nicely fruited with aromas of dark red and black stone fruits and berries. Earthbound flavors of black raspberries, black cherries and plums wrapped in firm supporting tannins, finishing with a fruit-driven flourish. A solid wine for everyday drinking. Good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5%alc., 98 cases, $35. Released March 15, 2012. Vineyard farmed by owners Dough and Michelle Ackerman. 50% Pommard and 50% 666 with 67% whole cluster fermentation. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Very bright and enticing aromas of fresh berries and rose petals. Big-boned core of purple and black berries and black plum with a subtle oak underpinning. The fruit is overshadowed by the prodigious tannins now, but there is enough fruit presence to grab your attention. More body and fruit than the Lia’s. Needs more time in the cellar, but very promising. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Seven of Hearts Lia’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 77 cases, $35. This prized vineyard was formerly known as Jacob-Hart. This blend is a coferment of some of the vineyard’s oldest and best blocks grown on Jory soil. Pommard, Wädenswil and Mariafeld (UCD 23) clones. Aged in 22% new French oak barrels. Released March 15, 2012. · Light in color. Subdued but teasing array of red Pinot fruit aromas. Light and elegant core of tasty darker raspberry and cherry fruit with a hint of spice and sandalwood. Opens nicely in the glass with ever-expanding flavor. Supple tannins make for easy drinking now. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc.,112 cases, $42. A blend of several vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton, Eola- Amity Hills and Chehalem Mountains AVAs. Volcanic and sedimentary soils. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777, Pommard, Wädenswil and Mariafeld. Aged in 27% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of black cherry preserves and musk. Well-endowed with a core of delicious dark cherry and dark red raspberry flavor. Silky and seamless on the palate with restrained tannins and noticeable finishing power. The wine is slow to evolve in the glass and was considerably better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Decant if you must drink now. Very good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 630 cases, $20. Released February 1, 2011 via tap program in Portland restaurants, May 1, 2011 in bottles. Sourced from five vineyards in three appellations. Pommard, Wädenswil, 777, 667 and 115 clones. 12% whole cluster, native yeast fermentation, 23% new French oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Hint of volatile acidity which lessens over time. Scent of spiced red berries and a hint of new oak. Flavors of red strawberries and cranberries and cherries with savory herbs. Bright acidity and mild tannins. A daily drinker. Decent. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Seven of Hearts Crawford Beck Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 98 cases, $35.Released May 1, 2011. 100% clone 115 from a single vineyard with volcanic soils. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 23% new French oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red fruits including strawberries, polished wood and cut flowers. Tasty essence of darker red berries and cherries with a subtle note of anise and a riff of citrus peel on the finish. Soft in the mouth with supple tannins and bright acidity at the end. Good. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 147 cases, $42. Released May 1, 2011. From four vineyards in three appellations (including Luminous Hills) and both volcanic and sedimentary soils. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777, Pommard and Wädenswil. 33% whole cluster fermentation, native yeast fermentation, aged in 23% new French oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nice array of aromas including fresh cherries, red currants, spice and a hint of vanilla. Cherry pie filling is the theme with crisp acidity, firm tannins and a lingering presence of perfectly ripe fruit on the finish. Very ephemeral in the mouth. Very Good. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »

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