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Lachini Vineyards 2019 Pinot Gris
A deep commitment to doing it right
The story of Lachini is the story of a deep commitment to biodynamic principles while also pursuing the highest levels of excellence in winemaking.
Biodynamic winemaking is the practice of considering the vines as just one part of a bigger organic ecosystem in the vineyard. On their 45-acre estate vineyard, Ron & Marianne Lachini have protected native plants as fallow areas, planted lavender plants and olive trees, and soils are balanced with compost and manure from a local organic dairy. They’ve even brought in a beekeeper to manage multiple bee hives on the property!
Often, biodynamic winemaking results in “rustic” or “grungy” wines. But at Lachini, they also maintain a strong commitment to refined winemaking – careful sorting of grapes, low-yield farming, and precise attention to the wines in fermentation. And you can taste it in every bottle!
The Lachini Estate Vineyard is in the Chehalem Mountains. When they source wines from other vineyards, they work with a small group of wineries that share their holistic and organic farming practices.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Lachini Vineyards, Newberg, Oregon
2019 Pinot Gris
This is a fresh, fruity, lovely Pinot Gris with a surprising depth to it. It was aged on the lees for seven months – 75% in stainless steel tanks and 25% in a concrete egg. The concrete egg is a new kind of fermentation vessel – about a decade old – that has the oxygenation of barrels, but without the wood flavors impacting the wine. The thick concrete walls also create a stable, cool environment for aging.
You’ll notice aromas of flint stone, honey, and lemon cake and you’ll taste caramelized green apples and tropical fruits. The feel of this Pinot Gris is what captivated me – despite not going through malolactic fermentation there is a lovely velvety feel. Lots of acidity balances out the wine and the long finish has a lingering touch of minerality.
A perfect match with shellfish and seafood dishes (including sushi!) as well as creamy soups, roasted chicken with rosemary, garlic, and lemon.
A Cellar 503 selection in August 2020, BBQ Wines Columbia Valley | Pinot Gris
