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J. Albin 2008 Brut Rosé
Growing up in a winemaking family.
It all started when John Albin was ten years old. As a Boeing engineer, his father was in a winemaking hobbyist club that would train grapes up from California and make wine in their garages. Naturally, young John did a science fair project on fermentation.
Fast forward to college, and he studied fermentation science at UC Davis. After a long stint as winemaker at King Estate, John planted his own vines at Laurel Vineyard in 1981. Nearly a decade later, and they expanded from viticulture to winemaking.
Their love of wine has now passed along to a third generation.
John's wife and partner, Lynn, would often take their young sons with her making deliveries to Portland's best restaurants. The chefs got to know them and would frequently quiz them on ingredients, tastes, and smells - and reward them with cookies for right answers!
Now, Lynn and John's sons have both followed in the family footsteps, studying fermentation science in college, and are now working together at the winery.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
J. Albin, Hillsboro, Oregon
2008 Brut Rosé
The Albins love sparkling wine - and planned to produce it right from the start, when the Laurel Vineyard was planted in 1981. They don't make it every year; just when the grapes are perfectly ripe.
The J. Albin Brut Rose is a classic sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir in the traditional Methode Champenoise. That means the wine achieves its bubbles through a secondary fermentation inside the bottle. In general, the process is considered to produce higher quality sparkling wine, albeit at a higher cost.
This 2008 vintage - yes, it's the current release! -- has been aged for over seven years. The rich and creamy texture is a standout, as is the classic aromatic blend of strawberries, cherries and jasmine.
As a Pinot Noir, pair this wine with Thanksgiving, or another holiday meal!
A Cellar 503 selection in December 2016, Holiday Sparkling Special Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir
