Illahe
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
A favorite Willamette Valley producer of mine. The wines are charming, soulful, and Burgundian. There’s so much earthy red fruit here. Cherries, strawberries, leaves, and soil after a fresh rain. Impeccably integrated spice and polish from oak aging. The folks at Illahe are experimental artisans that love the land they work. That consistently shows in their entire lineup. Pair with sautéed mushrooms.
Is anyone else noticing that Europeans are discovering the value of Oregon in comparison to their Burgundian counterparts? 👀
A favorite Willamette Valley producer of mine. The wines are charming, soulful, and Burgundian. There’s so much earthy red fruit here. Cherries, strawberries, leaves, and soil after a fresh rain. Impeccably integrated spice and polish from oak aging. The folks at Illahe are experimental artisans that love the land they work. That consistently shows in their entire lineup. Pair with sautéed mushrooms.
Is anyone else noticing that Europeans are discovering the value of Oregon in comparison to their Burgundian counterparts? 👀
Ruby with perfumed aromas of fruit, floral and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of strawberry and cherry with floral notes, spice and hints of oak. Fine soft tannins, medium+ finish, good balance ending with fruit, spice and sweet earthy floral notes.
Ruby with perfumed aromas of fruit, floral and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of strawberry and cherry with floral notes, spice and hints of oak. Fine soft tannins, medium+ finish, good balance ending with fruit, spice and sweet earthy floral notes.
Oct 28th, 2023
I had a glass of this at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar a couple months ago. It tastes similar to the McKinley Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Burgundian in style, like a good Bourgogne rouge. Light, simple & easy drinking. Oregon has such great weather compared to Burgundy. Rarely a shitty vintage. I think the wines are better quality at this point. I know it sounds crazy & obviously a different style but I prefer Oregon Pinot Noirs. They’ve improved so much and they are great with many different types of food. Burgundy is always disappointing, often way too dry for me and too expensive unfortunately. And the Chardonnay they grow out in Oregon is awesome as well . I’m out of the burgundy game. Tough luck.
I had a glass of this at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar a couple months ago. It tastes similar to the McKinley Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Burgundian in style, like a good Bourgogne rouge. Light, simple & easy drinking. Oregon has such great weather compared to Burgundy. Rarely a shitty vintage. I think the wines are better quality at this point. I know it sounds crazy & obviously a different style but I prefer Oregon Pinot Noirs. They’ve improved so much and they are great with many different types of food. Burgundy is always disappointing, often way too dry for me and too expensive unfortunately. And the Chardonnay they grow out in Oregon is awesome as well . I’m out of the burgundy game. Tough luck.
Jan 6th, 2023
The fruit is plummy but the wine has excellent overall balance. Perfect acidic contrast.
The fruit is plummy but the wine has excellent overall balance. Perfect acidic contrast.
1 person found it helpfulAug 1st, 2015
At first opening the nose was quite closed. There was lots of alcohol and nothing else. I will let it breath for a bit. After sitting for a bit the aromas started to come out though very weak. I started getting cherry, red raspberry and an earthiness. On the palate the wine is very light and watery. I got notes of cranberry, rasperry, floral notes and that earthiness comes forward with a smokey oak. There is light tannin, medium acidity and a good finish.
At first opening the nose was quite closed. There was lots of alcohol and nothing else. I will let it breath for a bit. After sitting for a bit the aromas started to come out though very weak. I started getting cherry, red raspberry and an earthiness. On the palate the wine is very light and watery. I got notes of cranberry, rasperry, floral notes and that earthiness comes forward with a smokey oak. There is light tannin, medium acidity and a good finish.
Sep 13th, 2015
2014 Bright and fresh. Perfect with brunch!
2014 Bright and fresh. Perfect with brunch!
May 9th, 2015
A crescendo of black cherry fruit, orange peel, pine. Mid weight on the palate but transitions well from start to finish with better mid palate weight than most in this price range.
A crescendo of black cherry fruit, orange peel, pine. Mid weight on the palate but transitions well from start to finish with better mid palate weight than most in this price range.
Jan 25th, 2015Good balance, spicy but not too spicy.
Good balance, spicy but not too spicy.
Nov 16th, 2014
Happy face Oregon on a budget but still baller, that nose that structure! Yes!
Happy face Oregon on a budget but still baller, that nose that structure! Yes!
Nov 28th, 2013