I tasted a trio of Pinot Noirs with one of my top reps last week, and Illahe's Cuvée Miette "won the prize" for the best value. This new Willamette Valley Pinot would taste great with this year's Thanksgiving meal.
Illahe Vineyards was founded in 1983 by husband and wife Lowell and Pauline Ford. Today, their kids oversee farming and production, and they have developed a reputation for sustainable farming, gentle and natural winemaking methods, and Pinots that are fresh and highly expressive.
They also have a lot of fun doing what they do, as you can see below : )
I challenge you to find a better and better-made, sub-$25 Oregon Pinot Noir than Illahe's Cuvée Miette. Coming from the estate's organic and dry-farmed vineyards in the southern part of the Valley, it is truly hand-crafted -- 20% whole clusters, native yeasts, hand harvested, basket pressed for gentle extraction, minimal new oak, and minimal sulfites -- it all adds up to a delicious bottle of wine.
Part of the wine's success is the quality of the '23 vintage, one that producers and critics agree was highly successful. Warmer than usual, the vintage produced a ripe, elegant, and balanced Pinot Noir at Illahe. Gorgeous notes of fresh cherry, raspberry, rose petal, orange zest, savory herb, and toasted spice can be found in the bouquet and on the fresh and invigorating, medium-bodied palate.
I love Pinot Noir with the Thanksgiving feast, and I love it even more when it offers so much "stuff" for such a great price. Stock up on this extreme Willamette Valley value while deal pricing is in place.
Josh Spurling
Owner/Operator/Wine Lover
Table Wine Asheville
