2018 Resonance Vineyard Decouverte Vineyard Pinot Noir

Resonance Vineyard is a 20-acre vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA now owned by one of Burgundy’s most illustrious domaines, Maison Louis Jadot. The Oregon vineyard was first planted to Pinot Noir in 1981 by Kevin and Carla Chambers, owners of an Oregon vineyard management and development company. For nearly 20 years the couple sold their grapes from Resonance to other wineries, and along the way they achieved biodynamic certification. Starting in 2006, however, the Chambers began making their own wine with some of their Resonance Vineyard grapes. In 2013 the vineyard was purchased by Maison Louis Jadot, one of Burgundy’s most storied producers. It was the first time the Louis Jadot had purchased vineyards outside of Burgundy, and the maison sent Jacques Lardière, their legendary winemaker who was at that time retired, to oversee cultivation, vinification and aging of the wines. In reviewing one of the 2014 vintages, Wine Advocate noted that “Jacques Lardière, the eternal retiree, has crafted another delicious Pinot Noir that is going to win a lot of fans.” The estate makes Pinot Noir and white wines.

Dundee Hills AVA is in Yamhill County, and it is entirely contained within the Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon’s best known appellation. Dundee Hills is about 30 miles southwest of Portland, and has 1,300 vineyard acres. It was awarded AVA status in 2004 and, like much of Oregon, is known for Pinot Noir. Several of Oregon’s 20th century wine pioneers established their vineyards and wineries in Dundee Hills, adding to its status as a region long-recognized for producing high quality, iconic Oregon wines. Eyrie Vineyards, Erath Winery and Sokol Blosser remain some of Oregon’s most celebrated producers, and all were founded in what is now Dundee Hills in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.