people always ask…

Posted on July 6, 2010
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Everybody wants to know when harvest will start. Today I’ll give you all a helping hand. October 23rd. Yep, that’s right.

Oregon Wine Press hooks us up

Posted on July 3, 2010
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http://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=pronounce+it+purchased–1277764078–448

Just in case you were wondering…

Friday June 18

Posted on June 17, 2010
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So, tomorrow for the first time all the 2008 Pinot noir will be opened. Seven wines and to taste them just go to Storyteller Wines in PDX. Willamette Valley, Ana, Deux Vert, Hawk’s View, Zenith…. then Cuvee Katri and Cuvee Lucca. Come visit!

We get a shout out from Mr. Asimov!

Posted on June 8, 2010
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Right here…


Saturday June 5th at the Horseradish in Carlton.

Posted on June 5, 2010
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I’m going to pour a slew of Pinot today from 5 to 7, come slake your thirst.

New Love from the folks at www.oregonwine.com

Posted on June 5, 2010
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Ten steps!

Muy importante

Posted on May 22, 2010
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The 22nd, and the 29th and 30th of May we are open to the public and pouring some tasty vino at the ADEA Wine Company. This will be the last open house event we will do with the awesome people at this co-op. Why? Because as of August 1st we will move the winery to our new digs just outside of McMinnville on Highway 18. Catch us at ADEA while you can, and as always we are open by appointment. Gracias!

A brief history of wines…

Posted on March 7, 2010
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In the spirit of looking back upon the work I have been responsible for in the wine industry, and at the suggestion of some friends, I will list below the reviews from various critics.
They will be in chronolgical order with the Biggio Hamina Cellars wines first. I have left out Archery Summit from 1996 to 1998 (where I started as a vineyard worker in 1996 and left as assistant winemaker in 1999), and Elk Cove 1999 (I was a slave to the grape for Adam, and forklift driver extraordinaire) because I was helping out and not deciding the work. (And yes, I cut and pasted…)

Biggio Hamina Cellars, first vintage is 2007.

Some love from The Wine Advocate# 185 for our single vineyard Pinot noir:

The 2007 Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard was made with 90% whole clusters and aged in 20% new oak. Cherry red in color, the nose reveals clove, cinnamon, allspice, and assorted red fruits. Elegantly styled, on the palate it has a silky texture, racy acidity, plenty of sweet fruit, and good depth and concentration. It will drink well over the next eight years. 90 pts

The 2007 Pinot Noir Deux Vert was made with 70% whole clusters and 37% new oak. It is more deeply colored as well as more structured. Black cherry and black raspberry notes dominate the palate with the oak nicely integrated. This cuvee will benefit from 1-2 years of additional cellaring. 90+ pts.

The 2007 Pinot Noir Ana Vineyard is a bit more expressive aromatically featuring notes of cherry and raspberry. It sports a suave personality, ripe fruit, excellent balance, and a lengthy finish. It, too, will drink well over the next eight years. 91 pts.

Maysara Winery, Momtazi vineyard where I was Winemaker and Director of Operations from July 2005 to August 2007.

2005 Jamsheed
• 88 pts. Beverage Testing Institute, 2007 World Wine Championships (Oct, 2007)
• 87 pts. Wine Enthusiast (July, 2007)
• 90 pts. Best Value, Wine Spectator (December, 2007)
• EXCELLENT! - Wine Press Northwest (Winter 2007/2008)

2006 Jamsheed
• 90 pts. - Wine Spectator (December, 2008)
• 89 pts. - WINE ENTHUSIAST (November, 2008)
• 87 pts. Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar (May/June ‘08)
• HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - Northwest Palate (Sept/Oct 2008)
• 86 pts. Robert Parker’s WINE ADVOCATE (Nov ‘08)
• OUTSTANDING! - Wine Press Northwest (Winter 2008/2009)

2006 Estate Cuvee
• 90 pts. Wine & Spirits (April 2008)
• EXCELLENT! - Wine Press Northwest (Spring 2008)
• 89 pts. Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar (May/June ‘08)
• 89 pts. Robert Parker’s WINE ADVOCATE (Nov ‘08)

2005 Delara
• 97 pts. Justwinepoints, Wine X Magazine (April, 2007)
• OUTSTANDING! - Wine Press Northwest (Winter 2007/2008)
• 90 pts. - Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar (May/Jun 08)
• 90 pts. - WINE ENTHUSIAST (November, 2008)
• 88 pts. Wine Spectator (December, 2007)

2006 Delara
• 90 pts. - WINE ADVOCATE (October, 2008)

2005 Mitra
• 92 pts. - WINE ENTHUSIAST (November, 2008)
• 90 pts. Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar (May/Jun 08)

2006 Mitra
• 92 pts. - WINE ADVOCATE (October, 2008)

Patton Valley Vineyard, where I was Winemaker, Vineyard Manager and National Sales Director from September 2000 through July 2005.

2004 Patton Valley Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir — 90 points
Crisp in texture, with a beautiful bead of currant, blueberry and meaty, spicy flavors that point right through the long refined finish. This has all the elements, just needs time for them to come together. Best from 2007 through 2012. 1,550 cases made.
H.S., Wine Spectator, Nov. 30, 2006
2004 Patton Valley Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
A few months ago I had the opportunity to taste some wines from this small producer. They left a lasting impression and I am even more impressed with their 2004 offering. The wine had just been bottled and did not even have a label but make no mistake — this wine is ready to go. The smoky nose is full of complex black cherry flavors with just the right amount of tannins and spice. For about $28 this wine is a steal.
Mark Sontz, The Desert Sun, May 21, 2006
2003 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir Lorna-Marie Cuvee — 91 points
The 2003 Pinot Noir Lorna-Marie Cuvee is the finest wine I’ve tasted from this estate to date. Its candied dark cherry aromatics lead to a broad, lush, satin-textured core of sumptuous black as well as red cherry fruit. Medium to full-bodied and intense, it is crafted in a seductive style and boasts a long, seamless finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
Pierre Rovani, Wine Advocate, June, 2006 issue
2003 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir — 91 points
“Ripe, open-textured and distinctive for its complex black cherry, sassafras, sweet oak and dusky spice aromas and flavors, lingering impressively against superfine tannins. Drink now through 2013. 1270 cases made.”
(HS) Wine Spectator May 15, 2006 issue
2003 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir, Lorna-Marie Cuveé — 91 points
“Rich, generous, brimming with ripe plum, currant and sweet spices, a lovely mouthful that keeps spilling out its flavors as the finish lasts impressively against fine tannins and spicy oak notes. Best from 2007 through 2013. 85 cases made.”
(HS) Wine Spectator Online, April 12, 2006
2003 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley — 90 points
($30) Deep red. Ripe cherry, blueberry and blackberry scents, with strong suggestions of mocha, gunpowder tea and espresso. Round and sweet, but with no lack of nerve or freshness; the red fruit flavors show precision and thrust. Finishes spicy, bright and long, with a fine dusting of tannins over the ripe flavors. This has ripeness of fruit but also vivacity to burn.
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
2003 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir Lorna-Marie Cuvee Willamette Valley — 88 points
($60) Ruby-red. Rich, smoky and inviting, with powerful blackberry and dark chocolate scents and a strong toasty overlay. Thick and viscous, with some distinctly ripe notes of dark cherries, plum, roasted coffee and bitter chocolate. This has more weight and richness than the regular bottling, but I prefer that wine’s energy and clarity.
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
The Wall Street Journal Picks Patton Valley
Not just a stuffy financially-oriented newspaper, the WSJ also has fun sometimes. In the November 4, 2005 issue, two tasters tried over 50 Oregon Pinot Noirs in a blind tasting. They selected their top 10 wines, and the 2002 Patton Valley made the cut. Rated “Good/Very Good”, the tasters wrote “Unusually fragrant, almost perfumed, with cherry-berry fruit atop an earthy core.” They went on to tout the harmony of Oregon Pinot Noir with the flavors of Thanksgiving Dinner (we couldn’t agree more). Our 2002 is available as part of the Mini-Vertical Holiday 3-Pack.
2002 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir — 91 points
Estate-grown fruit is done here in a fresh, bright, citrusy style. Vivid and delicious, with snap and precision, this aromatic Pinot Noir has orange peel highlights and a pungent, tartly fruity palate. Food-friendly and nuanced, and a break from the jammy style.
Wine Enthusiast — August 2005
2002 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir — 91 points
Medium-deep ruby purple color; deep, spicy, concentrated black cherry aromas with a hint of anise; big, full with lots of black cherry and spicy flavors; moderately tannic with a good dose of toasty oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Big and bold style of Pinot with a lot of complex flavors.
Pinot Report — June 15, 2005
2002 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir, Lorna-Marie Cuvee — 92 points
Medium-deep ruby and purple color; deep, earthy, spicy, black cherry aromas; big, full and tannic with strong black cherry flavors; a good dose of toasty oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Deep and powerful, this Pinot has some complex flavors and aroma that you’ll want to give ample air time so that they can emerge.
Pinot Report — June 15, 2005
2002 Patton Valley Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($30) — 89pts
Bright, deep red. Rich, smoky, toasty nose emphasizes cherry and dark berries, with pronounced, exotic oak spices. Vanilla bean, nutmeg, sweet red berry and cocoa powder flavors are lifted and fresh, even with the generous oak notes looming. A tangy midweight. The oak asserts itself again on the solid finish.
From Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June issue on Oregon Pinot Noir
2002 Patton Valley Pinot Noir Lorna-Marie Cuvee ($60) — 91 pts
Bright, ruby red. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry and cassis, with a strong oak spice complementing the fruit. Dramatic, concentrated cherry, boysenberry and toffee flavors are complemented by exotic notes of cinnamon, roasted coffee and Thai basil, along with a vague spearmint quality. Finishes with a firm structure and no excess weight. This is a remarkably spicy, vibrant, lively wine for its considerable size.
From Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June issue on Oregon Pinot Noir
2000 Patton Valley Scores — 91 points
In the May issue of the Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wines, 131 pinot noirs were rated, including many of the big hitters from California and a group of Oregon wines including: Archery Summit, Domain Drouhin Oregon, Elk Cove and Ken Wright Cellars. The 2000 Patton Valley earned two stars and 91 points, one of only two Oregon wines earning two stars, and was in the top 20% of all wines judged. The Guide said “Achieving admirable ripeness and concentration levels, this wine succeeds for its dramatic berry and dried cherry fruit and for its complexing notes of cola, vanilla, plums and caramel. Fleshy at the front of the palate, but then buzzing with Oregonian acidity towards the finish, this one is a wine of many pleasurable faces and a few years of aging potential.”

“A first release from a new Oregon vintner comes across with a very friendly, fresh, fruity style.” Read article

MORRELL
One, Rockefeller Plaza
The Morrell Wine Experience PATTON VALLEY 2000 Willamette Valley — Extraordinary new-comer from the north west Oregon. Fabulous bouquet of raspberries and leather, wonderful richness and grace on the palate. Very French in style. A Morrell discovery.

Martin’s Guide To Wine Bargains
www.VintageWineEnterprises.com
Volume 12 Double Issue No. 15 & 16 our 11th Year. September 16, 2002
EXCEPTIONAL OREGON PINOT NOIR—A KEEPER! 2000 Patton Valley Oregon Pinot Noir — Estate Btld.

“Most impressive” was my feeling after enjoying this exceptional wine with dinner. When I took my first sip, my initial response was that it was maybe a bit “jammy/raison” like. Then after a couple of more tastes I realized that what I thought was a nice raison like flavor, was really the wines concentrated, full-bodied Pinot Noir character; a result relatively low yield production and being young.
I know it may sound far-feched to my readers but the wine reminded me a bit of the intense character of the Leroy French burgundies served at a recent tasting/dinner of the Los Angeles School of Wines.
Though this rich, well-balanced raspberry strawberry, tar, vanilla, plum flavored, and with a touch of tannin Pinot Noir is worth trying a bottle of now. It will definitely reward keeping. I would envision maturity between 2004 to 2008 and it should continue to offer good drinking until 2012 or so.
This was their second vintage and the total production was a mere 950 cases. The only wine they produce is this estate bottled Pinot Noir. Additionally they sell some of their grapes to such “super-premium” Oregon wineries as Beaux Freres and Elk Cove.
Rating: 9.2/9.4 Price: $29.95

2001 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir — 86 points.
Light and lithe, with pretty prune and spice flavors that finish tangy, echoing nicely on the finish. Drink now through 2005.

2000Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir — 89 points.
Wine Spectator

The Oregon Wine Report selected the 1999 Patton Valley Pinot Noir as a Top Five Value, citing, “an intriguing, tasty wine that delivers a lot of complexity at a very reasonable price.” The Magazine, one of the most respected independent wine tasting organizations in the Pacific Northwest, tasted 99 different Oregon pinot noirs from the 1999 vintage, including all of the top producers in the state. Please refer to www.oregonwinereport.com for more information on this tasting. We have a small amount of the 1999 available for sale.

 
 
 

2007 Willamette Valley Pinot noir

Posted on January 3, 2010
Filed Under tasting notes | Leave a Comment

I hadn’t had this wine since July as it had sold out at the winery in March, so I thought why not give it a go. This is an equal, at least fairly equal, blend of Ana, Deux Vert and Momtazi vineyards that only saw five percent new french oak. It does, however, nicely integrate its thirty five percent whole cluster quite well.

The nose is of strawberries covered in summer’s earthy dusty dirt. And that great, lively smell you get when you pick raspberries right off the vine. The color is a light garnet and is very misleading. There is tremendous depth to this wine and the tannins provided by the whole cluster ferment coat your mouth in a nice way. The mouthfeel is silky and the finish is gracious. I like it. It’s fun and serious.

Here’s a nice write up from Thad at Beyond the bottle

Posted on December 24, 2009
Filed Under debauchery, tasting notes | Leave a Comment

http://beyondthebottle.com

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