I’ve been writing about one of the standout wineries in Oregon, Big Table Farm, for several years now. Last year they made the New York Times — and honestly I feel that the national attention on them is long overdue. Led by the stellar team of Clare Carver and Brian Marcy, Big Table Farm crafts limited production wines, sourcing from some great smaller sites in the Willamette Valley. This year they have branched out and even produced a fantastic Syrah from the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon. Visiting Big Table Farm is a unique, not to be missed tasting experience. The expansive working farm centers Clare and Brian’s house. Clare is an uber-talented artist, as her beautiful artwork appears on each bottle. Each bottle is truly a work of art.
Superstar winemaker, Brian Marcy, has previous stints at esteemed wineries including Marcassan and Neyers. Humble and soft-spoken, Brian is a downright awesome guy to chat wine with and crafts one of the top wine lineups in Oregon. For the third year in a row, the top Rose wine that I have sampled in the past year from Oregon is the 2017 Big Table Farm ‘The Laughing Pig’ Rose (WWB, 93). This stand-alone wine combines weight, beautiful texture and a bright tension that I have not seen in Oregon Rose wines. It is a stunning wine that should be bought by the case. One of the best Pinot Noir bottlings that I have sampled in the past year out of Oregon is the 2016 Big Table Farm ‘Earth’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95). Poised, seductive and ‘earthy’ this incredible wine is one for the cellar. Learn more about this fantastic boutique winery at http://www.bigtablefarm.com/ Here are the fantastic new release wines by Big Table Farm.
2017 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose- This beautifully textured wine was pressed and then stored in neutral oak prior to bottling. Unfined and unfiltered, this is one of the best of its kind by superstar winemaker Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm. Richly colored, there is a wonderful vibrance and verve to this wine made of Pinot Noir grapes. Ripe strawberry and guava puree fills the nose. The palate is nearly irresistible with cran-cherry and orange zest undertones. Not for the weary, this is a rich and highly refreshing effort that is truly one of the best in North America. Drink 2018-2024- 93
2016 Big Table Farm ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- This deep colored wine is distinctly earthy on the nose with forest floor and black truffle oil overtones that marvelously connect with dark fruit. The hallmark minerality that is unveiled in this wine by superstar winemaker Brian Marcy connects with the solid weight and dark cherry, boysenberry cordial and wild mushroom flavors. With a touch of lavender towards the back end and ultra-light tannins, this beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2016 Big Table Farm ‘Pelos Sandberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Each year, the Big Table Farm ‘Pelos Sandberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir impresses particularly considering its price and this year’s vintage is no different. Ripe loganberry jelly, white truffle shavings, blood orange and cigar box aromatics fill the glass. This shows very pretty red fruits and citrus components on the palate, with dazzling minerality. Downright delicious now, this sensational effort by Big Table can be enjoyed for the next fifteen years. Drink 2018-2030- 94
2014 Big Table Farm ‘Rogue Valley’ Syrah- Deep, dark and brooding in the glass, the 2014 ‘Rogue Valley’ Syrah entices with its bulls blood, orange rind, and chocolate fudge aromatics. The weight and tension in the wine is apparent, as black raspberry cordial, blackberry jam, coffee ground and peat moss flavors excite. Balanced and full of life, this outstanding wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 92
The inspiration here behind this gorgeous label for their 2016 Big Table Farm 'Willamette Valley' Chardonnay.
2016 Big Table Farm 'Willamette Valley' Chardonnay- Big Table Farm pulls off another stunning Willamette Valley Chardonnay bottling. A bit reticent on the nose, and needing an hour decant, once evolved this unveils beeswax, creme brûlée and poached pear aromas. The mouthfeel and silky smooth texture really drives this gorgeous wine. Marzipan, vanilla creme brûlée and Meyer lemon zest flavors impress. This could pass for a top class Montrachet. Drink 2018-2030- 93
2016 Big Table Farm ‘The Elusive Queen’ Chardonnay- The 2016 ‘The Elusive Queen’ by Big Table Farm is another stunning bottling from this outstanding winery. The moderate oak influence on the nose amalgamates with hints of citrus rind and baking spice aromatics. Intense and inviting, with a wonderful plush texture, the wine showcases Meyer lemon oil, vanilla whipping cream and Pink Lady apple flavors. Burly, yet elegant, this gorgeous wine needs a two hour decant if enjoying young. I can imagine this drinking well for fifteen years. Drink 2018-2030- 94
2016 Big Table Farm ‘Earth’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Earth’ Pinot Noir is a barrel selection that superstar winemaker Brian Marcy deems to be the best. Translucent in color, this starts off with beautiful aromatics of smoked brisket, white pepper, forest floor and cigar box with a smattering of dark fruits. There is a wonderful elegance and restraint to this silky bottling. Blood orange zest, red cherry Starburst candy, peat moss and cigar ash flavors mark this exceptional wine. Rich and inviting, this one of a kind Pinot is one of the best of its kind. There is a remarkable sense of place and purity to this wine. Try to give this at least an hour decant before savoring. Only 105 cases made of this stunning Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2033- 95