The Willamette Valley’s Dundee Hills appellation is easily one of the most sought-after pockets for world-class Pinot Noir in all of Oregon—if not the world. Thanks to ancient geological events including a lava eruption, the Missoula Floods and the massive shifting of tectonic plates over the valley’s history, the geology in this pocket of the world cannot be replicated. The Dundee Hills’ Jory soils, predominantly red clay and loam, are entirely inimitable and are furthered enhanced by the ideal mix of sun and relatively dry conditions compared to the rest of the valley. The latitude here actually matches that of Burgundy, which produces a climate that allows Pinot Noir to achieve magnificent results. The finished wine, when crafted in the hands of a gifted winemaker like this, are akin to some of the great examples of Chambolle-Musigny and Vosne-Romanée with their own special Oregonian fingerprint.

 

The boutique, quality-driven De Ponte Cellars, nestled in the picturesque terrain of the Dundee Hills, was founded in 1999 by the Baldwin Family. When they purchased the vineyard that is the source of today’s wine, the uniquely head-trained vines were, and still remain, some of the oldest in the Willamette Valley, dating back to 1975, and are illustrated on the bottle’s label. Since that time, Scott and Rae have improved trellising of the vineyards and have also expanded the estate. They had the foresight to hire accomplished French winemaker, Isabelle Dutartre for their inaugural vintage in 2001 and the rest is history.

Isabelle studied winemaking at the University of Dijon then worked at famed Maison Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy before fate called her west across the pond. She served under her mentor, Laurence Jobard, at Domaine Drouhin in Oregon’s Dundee Hills from 1993 until taking the helm as head winemaker for De Ponte. The Burgundian winemaker now calls Oregon home and her wines more than live up to her roots. With a strict dedication to time-tested tradition and excellence, Isabelle crafts every example in a Burgundian style. Todhe pristine fruit is aged in only 20% new French oak, the remainder of which is matured in 2-5-year-old oak for twelve months before bottling. The result rivals many $100+ premier cru examples of her homeland for a mere fraction of the price.