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Twill Cellars 2018 Red
No more Christmas trees, she said.
With a twinkle in his eye, Darrel Roby said he got into the wine business because “I’m just a little bit crazy!”
When Darrel and Molly bought the land that would become known as Molly’s Vineyard, it was a Christmas tree farm. After one season tending trees (and the insane rush that is the holiday harvest), they decided to plant something a little more compelling – grapes.
They had a good program selling grapes to local winemakers until disaster struck – and a buyer dropped out at the last minute. Scrambling, and calling on a few friends for help, Darrel and Molly learned how to make wine themselves. And they haven’t looked back.
They combine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their estate with grapes sourced throughout the region. There’s a professional winemaker on board now, and they’ve converted Darrel’s old workshop into a gorgeous, intimate tasting room.
It’s the perfect spot in the suburbs, much closer than driving down into wine country, but just far enough to feel out of the bustle of the city.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Twill Cellars, West Linn, Oregon
2018 Red
“Red”? That’s it. That’s the whole name? Yup.
In 2010, “Red” was the name of an action movie with an all-star cast – Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Mary-Louise Parker, Richard Dreyfuss.
Like the movie, this 2018 wine is an ensemble – an intentional blend – of grapes from some of Oregon’s most storied vineyards: 35% Steelhead Run Vineyard Syrah, 35% Stormy Morning Vineyard Syrah, 20% Stormy Morning Pinot Noir, and 10% Molly’s Vineyard Gamay Noir. Aged on neutral French oak for 20 months before bottling.
Aromas of red fruit and spice, including smoked cherry, ripe raspberry, with hints of espresso, orange peel, and cacao. The flavors mirror the aromas with cacao, espresso, ripe cherries and raspberries. The silky texture comes from the Pinot Noir with savoriness and spice from the Syrah. Gamay comes in at the end to provide a little oomph.
This is a great wine for this transitional season. Powerful enough to hold up to a rich stew on a cold day but still light enough to pair with salmon and salad on a warm day. Cheers!
A Cellar 503 selection in April 2021, Environmentally Conscious Wines Willamette Valley | Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Syrah
