Our visit to Lenne Estate Winery culminated from two different sources. The first being that tasting panel members Gary and Connie know the proprietors Steve and Karen Lutz. The second was that Owen Roe was also pouring their wines there that day. You have seen Owen Roe highlighted on our website numerous times. It was thus that Carolyn and I decided to drive over to Lenne Estate the day they were pouring their new 2007 releases.
The winery and estate vineyards are a little bit off the normal wine tour route. Leaving Newberg heading west on Hwy 240 you are almost at the end of the road when you come across Laughlin Road. Maybe a little remote but with neighbors like Shea Winery & Vineyards you know the terroir is great for growing Pinot Noir out here. Carolyn and I like going to wineries and vineyards like this because they are off the beaten path. Not as crowded and leaves you more time to visit with winery staff, winemakers and even owners.
The view from the tasting room is breathtaking. It was cloudy the day we were there and as the sun was just breaking through the clouds Carolyn captured the center left picture. Reminds you of Tuscany, doesn't it? We had a wonderful time, were able to meet Steve Lutz and of course brought back some of their 2006 and 2007 Pinot Noir home with us. For those who love to get their wine before others Lenne Estate has a wine club you can join called the "Rootstock" club.
Following are some the highlights from our tasting:
2006 Lenne Estate Pinot Noir
Firm in texture, generous with its blackberry and dark plum flavors, a toasty char adding something extra to the long finish. 89 points Wine Spectator. $45
2007 Lenne Estate Pinot Noir
Steve Lutz has managed to put together a classic Pinot Noir with the difficult 2007 vintage. It is one of the better 2007s Carolyn and I have tasted, with good balance and acidity. More than a few of the 2007s have had a hollow middle to them, but not here. According to Steve, steep, windy, warm sites seemed to fare better against the late rains that hampered a good portion of the Willamete Valley. He decided to let the grapes hang after discussing the upcoming harvest with David O'Reilly of Owen Roe. They decided his site would be able to ride out the weather. Guess they were right! 91 Points Northwest Wine Fan. $45
We encourage you to visit the Lenne Estate link on this page to find out more about the winery and the people responsible for these great wines.
Northwest Wine Fan has very limited quantities of these Lenne Estate Wines available for purchase. Inquire by email or by telephone.
Postnote: Our visit to Lenne Estate ocurred in November of 2008, but due to technical difficulties with our website we have been unable to publish until now. |
