Reviews

Broadly speaking, we are wary of wine reviews in our capacities as both consumers and wine peddlers. To us they are like music reviews - we don't need other people to tell us what we do or don't like.

And as a small producer with limited distribution (and a limited marketing budget) it, understandably, can be tough to capture the attention of the press.

At the same time, we appreciate that people might hesitate to lay down good money the first time they see one of our wines on a shelf at the wine shop, on a menu, or online. There is something to be said for the comfort that comes from knowing a person or publication has risked a hard-earned reputation passing judgment on a wine.

Accordingly we seek to reprint (within legal bounds) reviews of our wines as they are brought to our attention.

2008 Longplay Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains

91 points Supple, generous and distinctive for its red cherry, raspberry and white pepper aromas and flavors that swirl together easily as they push through the long, vivid finish. Drink now through 2020. 287 cases made. - HS

2008 Longplay Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains

91 points This is a delight—a supple, polished, ripe and full-throttle Pinot Noir offered at a mid-1990s price. Winemaker Aron Hess keeps the alcohol at 13.5%, the oak a moderate 20% new, and the earthy underpinnings gracefully in check. Lush maroon and purple fruits are lightly licked with chocolate; the result is a very satisfying mouthful of wine. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.

2008 Longplay Lia's Vineyard "Jory Bench Reserve" Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains

93 points Longplay’s 2008 reserve is quite different from its nonreserve stablemate. The aromas include more earthy barnyard scents, the color has a hint of maturity, and no new oak was used. As a result, this wine could pass for one with a few more years under its belt; its flavors more suggestive of fruit pastry, figs and plums, leather and compost. Complex and detailed, it’s a lovely effort. —P.G.

Read the reviews of 59 Oregon Pinot Noirs in the Wine Enthusiast June Buying Guide.

www.princeofpinot.com

2007 Longplay Lia’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 420 cases

Inaugural release from the 25-acre Lia’s Vineyard which is composed of five Pinot Noir clones (115, 667, Pommard, Wädenswil and Mariafeld) planted in Jory soil from 1990 to 2002. Lia’s Vineyard was originally part of Rex Hill’s Jacob-Hart Vineyard. The older vines are own rooted. The vines are spaced at 5 x 9 with VSP trellising and are non-irrigated. This wine is 50% Dijon clones. The grower is Todd Hansen and winemaker is Aron Hess (formerly Rex Hill, now Daedalus Cellars and Anam Cara Cellars).

Light crimson in color. A demure wine that is red fruit driven with an appealing accent of oak spice and minerality. Picked at an average brix of 23 at harvest, this wine is understandably light in weight with a good acid spine. Will appeal to Pinot purists.

Reviewed December 17, 2008 (link to review)

2007 Longplay "Jory Slope" Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains

88 pts. Pure Wente clone from 17-year-old vines, this is cropped down to barely a ton an acre. Flavors are of melon and pear, and the acids keep the wine fresh and lively. The same vineyard produces grapes for Daedalus and Bergström.
— P.G.

Reviewed October 1, 2009 (link to review)