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Seufert Winery 2015 White Pinot Noir
Tasting the vineyard in the bottle
Every industry has its talent scouts, the men and women that can spot quality before their competitors. When it comes to vineyards growing Pinot Noir, Jim Seufert is the king of the talent scouts, recognized as “a future star of Oregon wine” right from the start.
Seufert Winery is a small production winery that flies under the radar, but Pinot Noir aficionados love Jim’s approach – producing a half-dozen single-vineyard Pinots every year using the exact same winemaking regimen on every wine. With a minimalist approach, Jim works hard to not “work” the wines, so that the terroir, the climate, and the season shine through.
A fourth-generation Oregonian, Jim’s love of this place is expressed in the wines that he makes. If you want to taste the difference between a Yamhill Pinot and a Dundee Hills Pinot, stop in at Seufert’s Dayton winery. As one critic wrote, you’re tasting “the vineyard in a bottle” at Seufert.
Of course, his multiple-vineyard blends of Pinot Noir have also won praise, as he blends the nuances of flavor like an accomplished chef (and oh yeah, he’s also one of those, too!)
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Seufert Winery, Dayton, Oregon
2015 White Pinot Noir
It may be unusual, but yes, Pinot Noir can be a white wine. (That’s what’s in a traditional champagne after all!) It just takes a very light crush and minimal contact with the skins.
In the right hands, white Pinots can be a glorious representation of the fruit that has made Oregon wine famous worldwide. Taking out the intensity and some of the tannins, they’re the perfect bottle for summer days.
I fell in love with Jim Seufert’s white Pinot Noir the first time I had it – and it’s a Cellar 503 tasting room favorite. Just 85 cases were produced, so this is a real treat!
Complex and elegant, it has the traditional subtle floral aromas of Pinot Noir with some notes of lychee and honeysuckle. Light and well-structured, you’ll find flavors of fruit, ginger, and white pepper. There is still some tannin in this wine but it is soft and subtle. Perfect with any picnic or grilled food!
A Cellar 503 selection in August 2017, Picnic & BBQ Wines Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir
