‘I think these were some really good wines,’ remarked Brian Marcy, who talked about the 2018 vintage in Oregon. As we sat together during the holidays, I was eager to get his insights on what most Oregon winemakers are saying is another seriously good vintage, continuing the glorious run since 2014. ‘I like the balance of the wines,’ Brian explained, ‘But they also have good richness.’
I was one of the first writers to feature one of the outstanding producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. Clare and Brian were previously working in Napa, as Brian made some glorious Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah at Neyers prior to coming to the Willamette Valley. He works closely in winemaking with his uber-talented wife, Clare Carver, who is also a world-class artist. Clare’s gorgeous art appears on all Big Table Farm bottles as she goes through the painstaking process of importing her paper from Italy and hand labeling all bottles, as she handles all of the business aspects of Big Table Farm. I have been blown away with these labels since I first tried these wines more than five years ago which marvelously complement the uniqueness of the wines they produce.
Clare and Brian has gained a sterling reputation for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bottlings which are now appearing on fine dining lists from Le Pigeon in Portland to Eleven Madison Park in New York City. I was blown away with their new 2018 Big Table Farm ‘Wild Bee’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) which has a stunning mouthfeel and texture, showing seriously good range. Even better is their downright thrilling 2018 Big Table Farm ‘Pelos-Sandberg' Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) which deftly walks the tight rope between richness and balance, showing scintillating range. Learn more about these special wines at http://bigtablefarm.com Here are the thrilling new wines by Big Table Farm.
2018 Big Table Farm ‘Wild Bee’ Chardonnay- The ‘Wild Bee’ is formerly the Big Table Farm ‘Willamette Valley’ bottling as they have steadily increasing the quantity of this wine, now up to more than 800 cases. Largely aged in used French oak, this starts off with Challah bread and nutmeg tones that combine with suggestions of Pink Lady apple and starfruit that all take shape in the glass. The palate has wonderful brightness and a silky texture. Layered and rich, wait for the exceedingly long and generous finish. Novel and every bit outstanding, this is another sensational effort by the talented Brian Marcy. A delight to savor in its youth, this great new wine will cellar well for a decade or more, picking up tertiary tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2018 Big Table Farm ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Big Table Farm have steadily been increasing their production of this wine, now at 2500 cases, with their pigs, ‘Sam’ and ‘Rick’ pictured on the label. Despite increasing production, there is absolutely no decrease in quality of their entry level bottling that shows gorgeous aromatic range from damp earth, wild mushroom, red cherry preserve and orange rind tones that meld together in the glass. Silky, round and generous, with wonderful richness and poise, this has a silky texture that entices. Layers of cran-cherry, Mandarin orange rind, forest floor and shades of black truffle crudo all entice on the palate. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, this should provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2018 Big Table Farm ‘Pelos-Sandberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The gorgeous 2018 ‘Pelos-Sandberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is another thrilling effort by superstar winemaker Brian Marcy. On the nose this entices with shades of white truffle and Hoisin sauce, alongside a rich core of red and dark fruits, giving the wine a distinctly Umami edge. The palate is plush and generous, unveiling a seamless texture that makes this effortlessly glide once on the attack. Ripe red cherry and boysenberry flavors collide with minerals, blood orange zest, peat moss and shades of seaweed on this wonderfully expressive palate. The ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir deftly walks the tight rope between richness and balance, as this effort is best enjoyed over the next ten to fifteen years, picking up earthy tertiary tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2033- 95
2017 Big Table Farm ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah- Sourced from one of the esteemed vineyards in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ was planted by Walla Walla wine pioneer Richard Funk who has gained national attention for his Saviah wines. Right away you are drawn to the seaweed, and Umami aromas that combine with shades of bacon fat, red currents and wild blackberry compote that all take shape in the glass. The palate has great freshness and elegance, with a silky texture. Black cherry cordial and huckleberry flavors meld with shades of black tea, anise, exotic spices, and the lovely damp earthy tones. Showing serious verve, this beautifully textured wine will have a long life ahead of it — but it is simply impossible to resist right now. I would consider enjoying this in its youth while the sterling freshness remains. Drink 2020-2030- 95