2021 Candide
Estate Reserve Pinot Noir ∞ Chehalem Mountains AVA
64 cases produced. $56
Named for Leonard Bernstein’s operetta of the same name (which was based on the 1759 novella by Voltaire), the 2021 Candide was made with our estate Pommard and Wadenswil Heritage clones the first time. These blocks in our Chehalem Mountains AVA vineyard are planted at 550 and 500 feet in elevation respectively. The wine aged for 12 months in French oak. It showcases the richer mouthfeel and spicier characteristics of Wadenswil, enhanced by the minerality and warmth imparted by our volcanic Jory soil.
TECHNICAL NOTESNOSE: Vanilla, mulling spices, ripe tangelo, black plum.
PALATE: Vanilla, plum galette, white pepper, dried Montmorency cherry.
Jeremy Young, International Wine Report: Sporting a medium ruby core with a lighter purple rim, it boasts spicy, peppery, and pine forest tones on the nose. Bigger and bolder in stature than its siblings with plush flavors of boysenberries, dried roses, pink peppercorns, cedary herbs, and toasted cinnamon sticks. It reveals crunchy tannins and an elegant, stony, meaty mouthfeel on the finish. Drink 2024-2034. 93 Points.
Michael Apstein, Apstein on Wine: Named for Leonard Bernstein’s operetta, Candide, this mid-weight, 13.6 percent stated-alcohol, Pinot Noir delivers bright red crunchy fruit with more than a delightful hint of accenting spicy savory notes. Lip smacking acidity keeps it fresh. It grows in the glass so don’t rush it. Like great music, the more you listen, the more you hear, so take your time. 94
Jeff and Melissa Lawson, Drink the Bottles: This wine had more of that mouth-watering smokiness that you generally expect from Oregon Pinot, also with dried rose petals, plum and damp earth. It was also the “spicy” wine of the evening presenting a full complement of baking spices, book leather and baked berry pie. The finish was similar to the 2021 Maestro, lingering for moments after the last sip and drawing you back for more. It’s quite amazing! 94/100
James Melendez, James the Wine Guy: Very nice rich and bright red fruit character of Bing cherry, as well as raspberry notation, forest floor, spice notation, violets, and cedar. Fruit is at peak ripeness love the elongated palate, red-dash-black cherry, as well as freshly ground spices, red pepper, as well as red rose petal, and finishing off with a graphite finish. This wine is a 95 point wine out of 100 points.
