Owner/grower David Nemarnik grew up tightly connected to his family’s Portland produce company, and he lives and now farms the 78 acres he came upon in the Chehalem Mountains while cycling. The devotion to his second career is unquestioned, and the wines developed by Tom Fitzpatrick took Nemarnik’s brand to the next level soon upon his arrival in 2010. While they grow six clones of Pinot Noir at this peaceful property across Laurel Ridge, the flagship bottling of Pinot Noir is driven by Pommard clone fruit Nemarnik harvested by Sept. 23. And the 11 months in 23% new French oak keeps the focus on tones of boysenberry, Bing cherry and blueberry with just a sprinkling of cocoa powder. Supremely managed tannins make for a drink of finesse that’s capped by blueberry and cinnamon oil. This received a well-deserved gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,600 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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