Gran Moraine is named after the cataclysmic floods that occurred in the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon during the last ice age. As the flood waters receded, they impacted the region, leaving small indentations or mini valleys (moraines), similar to those in the the Côte ’Or in Burgundy. Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Gran Moraine has 220 acres planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Winemaker Shane Moore is an Idaho native and has created some outstanding rereleases for Gran Moraine. He has a bachelor of science in enology and viticulture from Washington State University and previously spent three years gaining international winemaking experience in Canada, Western Australia and Israel’s Golan Heights. In 2011 Shane began working for Jackson Family Wines winemaking team as an enologist, crafting cool climate California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Shane helped build the Gran Moraine winemaking team and was named winemaker in 2016. HIs new releases were truly outstanding across the board. I love the new sparkling wine, the 2014 Gran Moraine ‘Blanc de Blancs’ (OB, 91) which is fresh and chalked full of finesse. I adored the outstanding 2019 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which has really nice earthy tones and a silky texture from this somewhat challenging vintage in Oregon. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://www.granmoraine.com Here are the great new releases by Gran Moraine.
2014 Gran Moraine ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The gorgeous 2014 Gran Moraine ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine shows off Challah bread, lemon zest and chalky minerals on the palate with good length. Enjoy this over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 91
2018 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay- Soft, nicely textured and very approachable now, the 2018 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay reveale shades of sourdough bread, white peach and Pink Lady apple on the palate, with light minerals backing thing up. Finishing long, this beautiful effort is already nicely evolved and will drink well over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 92
2019 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- Bright with good tension, the 2019 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ by Gran Moraine is an excellent, cool vintage effort. Teaberry and pine needles combine with orange zest embers that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows sterling tension and medium-bodied red fruit flavors that combine with the earthy undertones of the wine. I can see this cellaring well for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92