From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: It is a ruby marvel, releasing a beautiful floral bouquet to the nose. The palate is greeted by a celebration of bright cherries mingled with a touch of earthy funk, a symphony playing in harmony and balanced by moderate tannins leading to a long, smooth finish. As time passes, this wine promises an evolution, a journey that will unveil more profound layers of complexity and pleasure, promising a crescendo over the next 8-10 years.
Pairing: As you savor this masterpiece, let it serenade your senses alongside a meal of roasted chicken lavished with herbs and butter or perhaps with cold vegetable dishes that echo the freshness of Oregon. The versatility of this Pinot Noir, with its high acidity and fruity notes, makes it an exquisite companion to an array of culinary delights. Whether as an aperitif adorned with cheese snacks or canapés or as a companion to a hearty meal.
Roasted Chicken Provençal
Adapted by Sam Sifton
About: Within the verdant Willamette Valley, Evesham Wood mirrors the grandeur of nature in each bottle crafted. Its inception in 1986 by the visionary couple Russ and Mary Raney marked the beginning of a journey grounded in the philosophy that "small is beautiful." With a meticulous selection of optimal sites within the valley, the couple cultivated a rich tapestry of vines, intertwining the French and Germanic traditions with Oregon's fertile soils.
The couple's initial venture saw the birth of a vineyard baptized "Le Puits Sec," meaning "the dry well," a name reflecting the presence of a dry well in the vineyard, which would soon nourish not just the flora but the soul of wine enthusiasts. The vineyard blossomed over the years, embracing an expansive portfolio of varietals, including the focal point of our journey, the Pinot Noir. Across different phases, the vineyard experienced a metamorphosis, a grafting of Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, and the infusion of German and Austrian varietals that embraced the land as their new home.
But its soil or its vines do not just define a vineyard but by the lineage of passion that nurtures it. In 2010, the torch was passed to Erin Nuccio, owner of Haden Fig, marking a symbiotic continuity that would preserve the core principles upon which Evesham Wood was built: the pursuit of quality through minimal intervention, nurturing low-yield fruit to optimal ripeness, and a steadfast commitment to the environment.
The Illahe Vineyard, with its early bud break and blossoms, offers a warm embrace to the varietals. At the same time, the Mahonia Vineyard stands in with its sustainable farming and promotes community and environmental well-being. Sojeau Vineyard, with its genesis in 2007, welcomes the late afternoon sun and winds from the Van Duzer Corridor, crafting a profile of tactile tannins and vibrant acids.
Technical prowess meets artistry, where the blend harmoniously unites vineyards like Illahe, Mahonia and Sojeau, each contributing a unique note to this grand symphony. With dedicated effort and love, these grapes undergo a transformative journey in small lots, kissed by the hands of artisans twice a day.
