Composition
Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains
This sustainably and dry-farmed single-vineyard Pinot Noir captures the essence of terroir-driven winemaking. Grown with meticulous care and minimal intervention, the grapes thrive in the unique microclimate and soil composition of their specific plot. The resulting wine features a harmonious balance of crisp acidity and rich fruit flavors, complemented by subtle notes of oak and minerality that reflect its distinct origin.
Located on the edge of the Ribbon Ridge on the south slope of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Willakenzie sedimentary soils are present in this section of the AVA. The vineyard sits on a gorgeous ecosystem, including livestock, birds, sheep, and a trusty collie. Dry-farmed with biodynamic preps and no synthetic chemicals, the focus is to regenerate the soil, add native plants and allow beneficial species to thrive.
- Region
- Oregon: Willamette Valley
- Appellation
- Willamette Valley
- Sub-Appellation
- Chehalem Mountains AVA
- Varietal Composition
- Pinot Noir
- Aging
- 10 months in oak barrels; 30% new oak.
- Alcohol
- 13%
Deep and Shiny red. An explosive nose of strawberries and raspberries melted. A touch of pink pepper exalts aromas. The mouth is open on very fresh energy carried on by a discreet acidity. Silkiness is present, but in its youngest stage and few years will help tannins already supple to express more richness.
Decanter
95 Points
2023
"This terroir-focused Willamette Valley label is a project of DRC’s Bertrand de Villaine and Katrina Rank, who identified the vineyard sources for Composition. The wines are made by Thomas Savre. Elegance and freshness abound in this Pinot Noir from a dry-farmed vineyard that is treated biodynamically. Completely destemmed fruit is fermented in concrete. Gorgeous red fruits, candied raspberries, sweet cut strawberries, and savoury elements of mint and pine bough add a splendid complexity. The palate shows bright red berries, blood orange and chopped mint. There’s plenty of structure and the tannin here alludes to a serious degree of ageability; this is a beautiful bottle of wine."
— Clive Pursehouse, 2025
Vinous
94 Points
2023
"The 2023 Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains is impossible to ignore as a blend of dried violets, sage, gravel dust and black cherries forms its compelling bouquet. It is texturally deep and nearly glycerol in feel, offering cooling acidity and supple wild berry fruits while a saturation of tactile minerals adds form toward the close. The finish shows notable length and concentration, leaving a coating of fine-grained tannins and a pleasantly bitter blackberry tinge. Beautifully balanced with a bright future."
— Eric Guido, 2025
