A 93-point wine for under $40? Yes. Please. Let’s take a look at our Dundee Hill Pinot Noir.
We were so thrilled when we read Wine Spectator’s review of this wine — calling it “sleek and elegantly layered” and awarding it 93 points. No small feat for a $40 wine!
Wine Spectator wasn’t the only one to give this wine high marks. Esteemed reviewer James Suckling gave it 92 points saying “This is ripe and juicy, with notes of red and blue fruit and hints of violets, blood orange and tarragon. Medium-bodied with firm but crunchy tannins and bright acidity. Impressive tension and blue-fruited character with some citrusy notes at the end”
As we’ve worked with the fruit from this site over the last few years, we’ve become more and more enamored of it. While our Van Duzer Estate is defined by the wind, our Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is defined by the earth. The rich, red volcanic soil gives wines from this property elegance, complexity and concentration.
What makes the Dundee Hills AVA so special?
Officially established in 2005, the Dundee Hills AVA encompasses about 6,490 acres of vineyards and is recognized for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the United States. One of the defining features of the Dundee Hills AVA is its diverse and complex geological landscape. The region is characterized by a series of ancient volcanic lava flows that have created a mix of soils, including red volcanic Jory soil and marine sedimentary deposits. In fact, our Dundee Hills vineyard site has both of these distinct soil types which contribute to the minerality, structure, and complexity of the wines we produce. The Jory soil, in particular, is well-draining and nutrient-poor, forcing the vines to dig deep roots in search of water and nutrients, which, in turn, imparts unique characteristics to the grapes grown in this terroir.
Beyond its soil composition, the Dundee Hills AVA’s microclimate is unique. Situated between the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains, the Dundee Hills region enjoys a maritime influence that moderates temperatures and provides a longer growing season. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean allows cool marine breezes to reach the vineyards, helping to retain acidity in the grapes and preserve freshness in the wines.
It’s been exciting for our winemaking team to work with fruit from this new vineyard site – that’s so different from our Van Duzer Vineyard site. We’re just as excited to share this limited-edition bottling with you so that you can experience the unique terroir of the Dundee Hills!
