Today we share the wines of Oregon native Michael Lundeen. I have probably enjoyed these wines for well over a decade. My feeling is they continue to improve and certainly do with their bubbles program.
Michael’s son adds a fourth generation of farmers! For years Michael was honing his skill with Pinot Noir luminaries at Willakenzie, Belle Pente and Domaine Serene, before becoming founding winemaker at Illahe Vineyards back in 2007.
Michael joined Walnut City Wineworks as Winemaker in late 2010. Just a short hop from his own estate vineyard, the McMinnville-based winery was where his career would enter the next and most exciting phase. The once brick-red winery and custom crush facility now carries the Lundeen name and colors after he formally took ownership in 2022.
Michael is making some fantastic Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. He directs the farming of nearly 40 acres utilizing no-till and Organic practices and maintains the LIVE sustainability certification. The new wines were seriously good across the board. I love the new 2018 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Noirs La Cantera Vineyard’ Sparkling WineOB, 93) which is tense and nervy with really good flavor range. Just as good is the 2021 Lundeen ‘La Cantera Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is delicious to enjoy now and fully mature. Learn more about this great winery at lundeenwines.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Lundeen.
2022 Lundeen ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- All Pinot Noir, the 2022 ‘Brut Rose’ is a really excellent wine that shows off its silky mousse and salty minerality. Delicate red fruits combine with Satsuma orange zest and bergamot accents on the palate. The earthy undertones entice, as this is best consumed now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 92
2021 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- Coming from this warmer vintage the 2021 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine is big, round and generous on the mouth, with terrific texture and weight. Sea salt dusted citrus fruits combine with sourdough bread and yeasty accents on the palate.Tasted several times with consistent notes. Drink 2026-2036- 93
2018 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Noirs La Cantera Vineyard’ Sparkling Wine- All coming from this location in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, the 2018 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Noirs La Cantera Vineyard’ Sparkling Wine is a delicious, mature bottling that is great to consume now. Orange blossom and white peach alongside ginger notes and brioche all fill the nose. The palate is filled with weight and tension, alongside rocky nuances. Drink 2026-2033- 93