This boutique Willamette Valley winery was first introduced to me roughly a decade ago. I was impressed with what they did with the 2002 and 2003 vintages. There is a trademark Burgundian feel to this wine, as their fruit tends to pick up on mushroom and forest floor characteristics. I have found that regardless of vintage, hot or cold, Le Cadeau bottlings bring this character, which is due to the fantastic soil quality in their estate vineyard. If you are a fan of earthy Oregon Pinots, this estate is for you.
The property lies on a 28-acre parcel on the south slope of Parrett Mountain which is near Newberg in the Dundee Hills. The land was previously overgrown with poison oak, wild berries, and scrub oak before being removed. This 14-acre, high-elevation (610’ – 725’), vineyard was developed to only provide estate Pinot Noir for Le Cadeau. Le Cadeau is known as "the rockiest vineyard in Oregon." The volcanic soils of the estate provide excellent drainage for the sometimes rainy conditions. There is a wide variety of Pinot Noir clones planted in the vineyard, including Dijon, Heritage (Heirloom), Pommard, and Mariafeld. Winemaker Jim Sanders continues to produce with exceptional, Burgundian bottlings. I was particularly impressed with their 2012 ‘Merci’ reserve bottling which had wonderful terroir and rich fruit flavors. I rated it 93 points and up there with the best in the valley for the year. They also produced one of the best 2011 Pinots that I have sampled, their ‘Equinoxe’ which I rated 92 points. This bottling captured the essence of the vintage, creating a earthy profile wine that is drinking beautifully right now. The winery also produces second label, Aubichon, which was introduced in 2007 and is made from from non-estate fruit that carries a slightly lower price tag. Here are some of the wonderful new releases from Le Cadeau. #lecadeau
2013 Le Cadeau ‘Rocheaux’ Pinot Noir- This wine opens with aromas of mushroom, forest floor, raspberry and red cherry. This leads to flavors of raspberry, Bing cherry, provencale herbs and mushroom. An expressive effort with nice weight. Drink 2015-2022- 91
2012 Le Cadeau ‘Merci’ Reserve Pinot Noir-This wine begins with aromas reminiscent of mushroom, forest floor, wild blackberry and raspberry. There are flavors of cherry pie, raspberry and sage. Layered and rich effort with a striking mineral edge. The mouthfeel is silky throughout, leading to a long and lingering finish. Drink 2015-2023- 93
2011 Le Cadeau ‘Equinoxe’ Pinot Noir- Taken from a cool vintage, this wine opens with aromas of smoke, anise, raspberry and sage. There are flavors of raspberry, cran-cherry, orange rind and mushroom. This is delicious and open considering the coolness of the vintage and has come into its own right now. There is nice richness and texture on the mouthfeel. Drink 2015-2022- 92
2013 Aubichon Pinot Noir-This is a blend of 3 vineyards with 70% Estate fruit and the rest coming from the Armstrong and the Riverside vineyard, which is a two acre vineyard near McMinneville. The wine has aromas of oak, red cherry and raspberry with light white pepper bodes. There are flavors of raspberry, red cherry and guava. Light but tasty effort. Drink 2015-2022- 91
2011 Aubichon Pinot Noir- This wine is made from 35% estate fruit and the rest comes from the Vista Hills vineyard. This reticent and Burgundian style wine opens with aromas of mushroom, forest floor, raspberry and oak. There are flavors of cran-raspberry, red cherry and orange rind. This has lovely terroir and a silky mouthfeel. The winemaking here is evident. Drink 2015-2022- 91
2011 Aubichon "Armstrong Vineyard" Pinot Noir- The Armstrong vineyard utilizes organic farming. This is is the first single vineyard bottling Aubichon has done. There are aromas of red cherry, orange rind, cranberry and is almost Riojaesque. Leading to flavors of red cherry, raspberry and citrus notes. This is novel and delicious now. Drink 2015-2023- 92