2017 Villanelle (Fanfare Club Exclusive)
Tonnelier Vineyard ∞ Yamhill-Carlton AVA Reserve Pinot Noir
ONLY available to members of Fanfare Club. ONLY 52 cases produced. $54
2017 Villanelle, named for Paul Dukas’ duet for French Horn and Piano, is distinguished by a layered, supple elegance and showcases the richer mouthfeel and spicier characteristics of Oregon pinot noir from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. It combines equal parts free-run Dijon clones 115 and 777 (17-year-old vines), barrel-aged for 12 months in French oak. Tonnelier Vineyard’s 4-acre micro-site is on sedimentary Willakenzie soil.
TECHNICAL NOTESREVIEW: Sourced from the 4-acre Tonnelier Vineyard, enticing aromas of forest berries and rose petals rise from the glass. Silky in texture and palate pleasing as black cherry, wild berry, anise, savoriness, hints of earth and crushed herbs entwine. Aging of 12 months on 40% new French oak gives the wine a toasty note, and the long finale is elegant. (Source: Ellen Landis, Great Northwest Wine)
REVIEW: The Bells Up ‘Villanelle’ is sourced from the Tonneiler Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The nose shows good brightness with orange zest and red cherry candy that combine with shades of damp earth that all take shape in the glass. The palate has good freshness with a silky mouthfeel. Elegant and linear, this shows red currants and guava puree flavors alongside shades of black tea and forest floor. The salty, savory aspects of this wine are seriously good, producing mouth-watering acidity that adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2020-2030 – 91 (Source: Dr. Owen Bargreen, Washington Wine Blog)
