One of the exciting vineyard projects in Oregon, the story of Le Cadeau dates back more than two decades ago. Ironically, I was introduced to Le Cadeau wines more than a decade ago while on a trip to Minnesota. I remember initially tasting the Burgundian style of wine in the glass as well as the stony terroir. Over time these wines have impressed even in the most challenging of vintages like 2007 and 2011.
Located near Newberg in the Dundee Hills, the Le Cadeau Vineyard is set on a 28-acre parcel on the south slope of Parrett Mountain. Proprietor Tom Mortimer saw the potential for this plot of land which was previously overgrown with poison oak, wild berries, and scrub oak before being removed. This 14-acre, high-elevation (610’ – 725’), vineyard is set on volcanic soils and have a strong stony influence in the wines. There are a host of Pinot Noir clones planted in the vineyard, including Dijon, Heritage (Heirloom), Pommard, and Mariafeld.
Le Cadeau relies on consulting winemakers Jim Sanders, Pierre Millemann and Steve Ryan. I can’t think of another Oregon winery that has three consulting winemakers but they each provide a unique take on their Pinot Noirs from this stony terroir. I really enjoyed their 2017 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Cote Est’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) which has really good range and is hugely complex. The 2014 Le Cadeau 'Trajet Reserve' Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) is a simply sensational new release that impresses with its rich texture and gorgeous mouthfeel. This one is made for the cellar. Learn more about these awesome wines at http://www.lecadeauvineyard.com/ Here are the awesome new release wines from Le Cadeau.
2017 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- This wine shows bright red fruits with blood orange and peat moss accents on the nose. The palate shows a silky texture and a wonderful mouthfeel, with medium bodied red fruit and citrus rind flavors with a touch of earthy tones. Delicious now, this will continue to evolve well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 90
2017 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Diversite’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Diversite’ Pinot Noir was sourced from a host of Pinot Noir clones all set on the volcanic soils of the Le Cadeau Vineyard. Strong citrus rind and red cherry candy aromas fill the glass, with earthy undertones. The palate reveals a wonderful texture, with red fruits that collide with citrus rind and peat moss with wet stone flavors. The lighter stony quality really adds character to this beautiful wine. Drink 2019-2033- 91
2017 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Cote Est’ Pinot Noir- The every bit outstanding ‘Cote Est’ Pinot Noir was sourced from the cooler eastern side of the Le Cadeau Vineyard and is an awesome new bottling by winemaker Steve Ryan. A translucent color, this shows good earthy tones on the nose with wild mushroom and forest floor that connect with red fruits and lighter lemon zest tones. Soft and delicate on the mouth, this has a sexy appeal with its leaner red fruits and rose water flavors that sit alongside the earthy tones. Complex and highly gratifying to enjoy now, this complex Pinot Noir will continue to cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 92
2017 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Rocheux’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Rocheaux’ Pinot Noir was made by consulting winemaker Jim Sanders. Vines for this wine are located on the highly rocky west side of the vineyard. A whiff of volcanic terroir greets you in the glass alongside peat moss, blood orange and guava aromas. The wine shows a silly mouthful with bright red fruits that connect with citrus rind and suggestions of black truffle shavings. The combination of poise and texture is outstanding here. Drink 2019-2033- 92
2016 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Pierre Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Pierre Reserve’ is named after Pierre Millemann, a famed viticultural consultant. This underwent 50% whole cluster fermentation prior to bottling. High toned aromas of guava puree, red cherry cordial and blood orange zest connect with lighter peat moss aromas that all collide in the glass. The palate is highly refined with a seamless quality that iimpresses. Red and dark fruits connect with the soft texture and volcanic earth tones. This is every bit outstanding by Steve Ryan and Pierre Milemann, consulting winemakers at Le Cadeau. Drink 2019-2035- 93
2016 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Equinoxe Reserve’ Pinot Noir- This outstanding wine sourced from the center portion of the vineyard is another great new wine by Le Cadeau and consulting winemaker Jim Sanders. Intense red fruits mark the nose with citrus rind and forest floor tones that all impress. Soft and generous on the mouth, this captures a silky mouthfeel and a beautiful texture. Ripe red and dark fruits mingle with baking spice and peat moss flavors. Complex and highly delicious now, this will continue to evolve well over the next two decades. Drink 2019-2040- 94
2016 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Trajet Reserve’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Le Cadeau Vineyard, this underwent nearly 100% whole cluster fermentation. The nose picks up wonderful volcanic earth tones with red fruits and citrus rind tones that dance together in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and highly gratifying with its combination of weight, texture and range. Pomegranate seed, blood orange rind, peat moss and black truffle crudo flavors all connect in the glass. A long-ager, this will confute to evolve well over the next two plus decades. Drink 2019-2040- 94
2016 Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Merci Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Merci Reserve’ Pinot Noir is another fantastic new wine by Le Cadeau and their outstanding winemaking team. On the nose this takes on complex aromas of wild strawberry, thyme, peat moss and blackberry cobbler with volcanic dust. The palate is exceedingly smooth as copious red fruits connect with wild blackberry, forest floor and hints of morel mushroom. Delicious now, enjoy this decadent Pinot Noir over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93