While I can’t say that I am much of a Chardonnay fan, although I will enjoy a good glass from time to time, Pinot Noir is on my list of favs. Left Coast Cellars has many.
Oregon is known for Pinot Noir with close to 800 wineries, 500 making their home in the leading region of Willamette Valley.
Founded in 2003, Left Coast Cellars of Willamette Valley, Oregon estate spans nearly 500 acres with 142 acres of vineyards. Representative of the U.S. West Coast – affectionately – the Left Coast name embodies their geographical location in the country. Additionally, it reflects the many left-handed Pfaff family members, including their daughter Cali.
Attentive to the environment, the vineyards and winery are LIVE Certified Sustainable, and they hold a Salmon-Safe Certification. Also, they are one of fourteen wineries to complete the Oregon Environmental Council’s Carbon Reduction Challenge. Solar power accounts for much of Left Coast Cellars electricity.
The estate has a 356-acre working farm, which provides the tasting room & Farm Market Café with produce-driven offerings from the estate’s organic gardens. Additionally, visitors to Left Coast can enjoy the vibrant gardens and hiking trails.
I have not yet had the opportunity personally to visit Left Coast Cellars, but recently I had a chance to sample several of their wines.
The Tasting~
Hill Chardonnay 2017
Aromas of bright crisp apple and subtle riffs of pear meld with spice on the finish. This wine is fresh and clean in the mouth, with nice acidity and nice texture.
SRP $24
Cuvee Pinot Noir 2016
Named after the family’s left-handed daughter, Cali, this Cuvée is 100% Pinot Noir.
Blackberry, black cherry and earthy aromas. Dark fruit, raw cocoa, and notable mineral tones. The texture is soft and smooth.
This wine will cellar gracefully for years to come.
SRP $24
Truffle Hill Pinot Noir 2015
The primary fruit characteristics are dark berries. Mouthwatering on the palate brimming with dark cherries, plums, and ripe raspberry fruits laced with cedar and vanilla, leading to a nice round finish.
This wine is 100% Wädenswil Pinot Noir, fermented in 65% French oak, and 35% stainless steel, and aged for 19 months.
Truffle Hill is a dual varietal vineyard, planted with five acres of Swiss clone Wädenswil Pinot Noir. Home to four acres of European Black Truffle – inoculated hazelnut trees, shrub roses and holly oaks.
SRP: $42
Right Bank Pinot Noir 2015
On the palate profile produces a bold harmony between juicy dark fruits and dried leaves with the warm infusion of cassis, and oak influences. Balance, solid acidity, and appealing tannins that stick around for awhile. This wine was certainly the stand-out for me of the group.
The Right Bank Pinot Noir vineyard of Left Coast Cellars is perched a top a twelve – acre hill that consists entirely of Pommard clone Pinot Noir.
SRP: $42
Pinot Noir is a very versatile wine, and that makes for great sipping with or without food. For this tasting – due to the holidays – I didn’t prepare any dishes to sample with these wines. However, I can certainly see these wines pairing well with roasted chicken, squash or any number of casserole dishes that incorporate mushrooms.
All of the wines sampled were enjoyed. For more about Left Coast Cellars and their wine, visit their website at www.LeftCoastWine.com
All wines reviewed were industry samples. However, the assessments made are mine.
