More Recent Press for LAVINEA Wines
How One Rep Uses Accounting Tactics to Make the Sale
SevenFiftyDaily
Willamette Chardonnays Find a New Niche
SevenFiftyDaily
THE GOOD NEWS
Thank you for coming along with us on our journey. For exciting news, past & present, we have assembled a few highlights to share some of our proudest moments. To get the news as it happens, join our Mailing List or follow us on Instagram.
International Wine Report (Feb 2023)
LAVINEA’s 2019 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at International Wine Report
2019 Pinot Noir Tualatin Estate Vineyard, Tualatin Hills: 94 Points
“This stunning Pinot Noir from Lavinea coming from the Tualatin Estate sees 20% new French oak during fermentation and displays a medium brick-ruby core with a watery rim.“
2019 Pinot Noir Elton Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills : 93 Points
“Medium brick-ruby color in the glass with a raspberry-colored rim, this Pinot Noir from the Elton Vineyard also sees 20% new French oak barrels while aging”
Jancis Robinson (Feb 2023)
LAVINEA’s 2019 and 2021 Vintages Impresses Reviewers at Jancis Robinson
2019 Chardonnay Elton Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills: 16.5/20 Points
“Pale lemon in colour. Powdery white florals, apple blossom, lemon juice, lime curd. Quite high, bright acid.“
2019 Pinot Noir Elton Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills : 16.5/20 Points
“Pale ruby in colour. Darker cherry, rockier and mossier than the Tualatin Estate bottling. The palate is almost medicinal, like a herbal bark extract, but light and lifted.”
Wine Spectator (Aug 2022)
LAVINEA’s 2019 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at Wine Spectator
2019 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir: 95 Points
“A dynamic red that’s refined but distinctive, with expressive raspberry, clove and other dusky and smoky spices. Builds richness on the savory finish. “
2019 Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“A compelling red, loaded with tension and savory accents, featuring tart blueberry and cherry, black tea and dusky spices that build toward medium-grained tannins.”
JEB Dunnuck (Aug 2022)
LAVINEA’s 2019 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at JEB DUNNUCK
2019 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir: 95 Points
“The 2019 Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard moves into a darker profile, with notes of kirsch, incense, and anise. The palate is dry and has depth, with red and black fruit, espresso, and turned soil. It has a more compact structure, which will take time to unfold.”
2019 Tualatin Estate Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“The 2019 Pinot NoirTualatin Estate is fresh with pure strawberry, slaty earth, and fresh roses, and the palate is medium-bodied, with silky, fine tannins, red raspberry, and rocky earth. I love this for its freshness, elegance, and transparent nature.”
JAMESSUCKLING.COM (APR 2022)
LAVINEA’s 2019 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at JamesSuckling.com
2019 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“A solid pinot with crushed stones, dark berries and some raspberry undertones. Medium to full body, medium chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Slightly powdery, almost chalky texture to the phenolics.”
2019 Elton Vineyard Chardonnay: 93 Points
“Aromas oflemon tea, lavender and chamomile. Medium-bodied and delicate, but with structure and length. Nuanced mineral character adds dimension to the citrus fruit. Elegant.”
VINOUS (Feb 2022)
LAVINEA’s 2019 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at Vinous
“Oregon’s 2019 Pinot Noirs – A Return to Classicism”
2019 Tualatin Estate Pinot Noir: 95 Points
“Dark, brilliant magenta. Incisive aromas of fresh red berries, cherry, succulent flowers and a strong hint of exotic spices on the highly perfumed nose. Palate-staining red and blue fruit and blood orange flavors take on floral pastille and licorice notes with aeration. This wine shows impressive depth bur no excess weight. Finishes impressively long and vibrant, with silky tannins and resonating floral and spice nuances.”
2019 Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“Dark magenta. Spice-accented black raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of cola and candied licorice. Bright and focused on the palate, offering sappy red and dark berry liqueur, savory herb and floral pastille flavors that deepen as the wine opens up. Finely etched tannins frame the impressively long, spice-tinged finish, which shows fine clarity and lingering floral and musky earth notes.”
Vinous (Feb 2022)
LAVINEA’s 2018 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at Vinous
“Once again, I was struck by the poise and focus of Isabelle Meunier’s Pinot Noirs… – Josh Raynolds”
2018 Tualatin Estate Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“Bright ruby. Pungent, finely etched cherry and dark berry scents pick up suggestions of pipe tobacco, baking spices and cola with air. In an ample and yet energetic style, offering sweet cherry pie, black raspberry and spicecake flavors that unfurl slowly through the back half. Dusty tannins add grip to the long, focused finish, which strongly echoes the berry and spice notes.”
2018 Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir: 93 Points
“Vivid ruby-red. Spice-accented red fruit and floral scents take on hints of cola and woodsmoke with air. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry, red currant and candied rose flavors that deepen through the back half. Dusty tannins firm a long, spicy finish that leaves bitter cherry and fruitcake notes behind.”
WINE SPECTATOR (Nov 2021)
LAVINEA’s 2018 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at Wine Spectator
2018 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“Impeccably structured and savory, with black cherry and savory underbrush notes that show hints of smoked meat, building tension and richness on the way to medium-grained tannins.”
2018 Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“Savory and elegantly dynamic, with a handsome structure to the layers of raspberry and black cherry flavors accented by forest floor and dusky spice, finishing with medium-grained tannins.”
JAMESSUCKLING.COM (JUN 2021)
LAVINEA’s 2018 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at JamesSuckling.com
2018 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir: 95 Points
“This is toned between red and blue fruit with cherry and blueberry, as well as a red-plum edge. Very pure, ripe and vivid nose. The palate has impressive depth and build with ripe dark-cherry and plum flavors driving a long, composed statement of quality pinot noir. This is impressive.”
2018 Tualatin Estate Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“This is a very concentrated and intense pinot that has been built around ripe yet fresh red cherry-toned fruit. The aromas and flavors are fresh and right in the red-berry and cherry zone. The palate has a bold, rounded style.”
WINE ENTHUSIAST(2020)
Wine Enthusiast includes Lavinea in 10 Most Collectable Pinot Noirs of 2020
Lavinea 2017 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (Eola Amity Hills): $75, 95 points.
“Among the finest examples (among dozens made) of this iconic vineyard’s wines, this opens with sweet spices around rich blackberry fruit, wrapped in a swath of caramel. Further accents of thyme and tarragon add aromatic and flavor interest, as the wine penetrates through a full midpalate and into an extended finish. It’s a robust, expressive mix of fruit and herb, with silky tannins. Drink through 2030. Cellar Selection. —P.G.”
From Our Most Collectible Pinot Noirs of 2020 (December 2020)
VINOUS(2020)
“The 2017s here showcase Isabelle Meunier’s ability to combine depth with elegance to full effect. There’s the usual structure that I found in her 2015 and 2016 Pinots, but the tannins in this vintage are notably fine-grained and smoothly interwoven into the wines’ energetic fruit, which will make the wines easy to enjoy on the young side. But don’t be fooled as these well-balanced Pinots will reward many more years of patience.”
From Oregon Pinot Noir: The Winning Streak Continues (July 2020) by Josh Raynolds
DECANTER (2020)
Oregon Chardonnay: 10 Names to Know
2017 LAVINEA Lazy River Vineyard Chardonnay: 92 Points
“Picked in October with modest sugar levels and plenty of acidity, the grapes come from volcanic soils, gently pressed, fermented and aged 12 months in cask (15% new), with the full malolactic fermentation finished. Forward aromas of orange peel and ripe pear, a hint of spice. Refreshingly juicy and fresh, this is a taut, elegant wine of rewarding persistence. Drink 2020-2030.”
WINE SPECTATOR(2020)
Wine Spectator Gives LAVINEA 2017 Wines High Scores Across The Collection of Vineyards
2017 LAVINEA Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“A seamless wine, polished and structured, with elegantly expressive raspberry, savory forest floor and spice notes that take on richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.”
2017 LAVINEA Tualatin Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir: 93 Points
“Graceful and distinctive, with cherry and cranberry flavors, accented by savory underbrush and black tea notes that build richness and depth on the long finish. Drink now through 2028.”
WINE ENTHUSIAST (2020)
Paul Gregutt of the Wine Enthusiast Has High Praise For LAVINEA’s 2017 Vintage
2017 LAVINEA Elton Vineyard Chardonnay: 93 Points
“Elton’s quarter-century-old vines bring a complex mix of aromatics – yeast, flowers, herbs and even chicken stock. The wild yeast ferment adds texture and length to a high acid wine with Meyer lemon and ripe grapefruit. It’s a multilayered, mineral-driven, long-lived style, with just a touch of 15% new French oak. Drink now – 2028.“
2017 LAVINEA Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir: 93 Points
“Clear and resonant Bing cherry fruit is highlighted with rather delicate aromas of lavender and moist earth. The use of native yeast and a pleasingly light application of new French oak (22%) keep all the details in view, and the wine persists with a firm spine of steely minerality through a lingering, yet restrained, finish.”
JAMESSUCKLING.COM (2020)
LAVINEA’s 2017 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at JamesSuckling.com
2017 LAVINEA Elton Vineyard Chardonnay: 92 Points
“Aromas of fresh pears and sliced green apples here with fresh-pastry notes, too. This is a bold chardonnay with ripe-melon and lemon flavors and a neatly resolved, vibrant fruit core. Long and balanced. Drink now.”
2017 LAVINEA Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir: 91 Points
“Attractive, spiced violets and wild herbs on offer with a fresh, red-fruit core. The mid-weight palate has dry, spiced red-cherry flavors and neat, fine tannins. Drink now.”
Vinous (2019)
“These are also wines that will age gracefully on their freshness and energy…”
2016 LAVINEA Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir: 95 Points
Shimmering ruby-red. Explosive, mineral- and spice-accented aromas of fresh red berries and flowers, cherry pit, along with hints of blood orange and incense building in the glass. Shows excellent delineation and energetic lift in the mouth, offering powerful raspberry preserve, bitter cherry flavors and a suggestion of spicecake. Finishes with a jolt of juicy acidity, building sweetness and silky tannins, leaving succulent red berry and floral notes behind, eventually. (27% new French oak) — Josh Raynolds
WINE ENTTHUSIAST (2019)
Paul Gregutt of the Wine Enthusiast Raves About LAVINEA’s 2016 Vintage
2016 LAVINEA Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir: 94 Points & Editors’ Choice
“Lovely aromatics introduce bright, fresh and forward raspberry and tart cherry fruit. It’s supple and well proportioned, with lingering threads of coffee, iron and graphite adding texture and detail“
2016 LAVINEA Lazy River Vineyard Chardonnay: 94 Points & Cellar Selection
“This wine was barrel fermented in 20% new French oak. It’s racy, inviting and aromatic, with sharp flavors of lemon, gooseberry, lime and cantaloupe. Tart and stylish, it’s built for aging, though immediately enjoyable”
JAMESSUCKLING.COM (2019)
LAVINEA’s 2016 Vintage Impresses Reviewers at JamesSuckling.com
2016 LAVINEA Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir: 93 Points
“An impressive, red-cherry and plum-scented pinot noir that has a smooth and fine-boned palate with a very succulent, velvety and seamlessly balanced resolved. Long and fresh, red-fruit finish. Drink now.“
2016 LAVINEA Lazy River Vineyard Chardonnay: 93 Points
“Some grilled nuts, a mealy edge and a bright array of yellow peaches and lemons, framed in a gently nutty complexity. The palate is beautifully fleshy and smoothly styled with a long, plush and polished core of fruit to close. Drink now.”
Wine Enthusiast (2019)
“Cutting Edge Oregon: These Forward Thinking Winemakers Aim To Redefine the State’s Scene”
“Each of Meunier’s wines… pinpoint specific characteristics of Yamhill-Carlton, Eola-Amity Hills, Dundee Hills and Tualatin Valley sites… Meunier focused on chardonnay, considered by many Oregon’s next superstar variety, early on, and uses LIVE certified-organic grape sources. She’s also embraced innovative ways to work with existing trellising and unique picking techniques that have paid dividends. This craftsmanship is emblematic of the constant attention to detail that results in great wines.”
FORBES (2019)
“LAVINEA Wines: Putting Land Before Hand in Crafting Quality Willamette Valley Wine”
“At a minimum, all LAVINEA vineyards are LIVE sustainable certified, Temperance Hill goes a step further, certified organic. The vineyard lies at a high elevation right in the path of the Van Duzer corridor, pushing the boundaries of grape growing in Willamette Valley. (Isabelle Meunier) explains the high winds results in tiny, late ripening berries that are highly concentrated. The 2015 LAVINEA offers complexity from first glance; garnet with deep purple hues, aromas of dark and red slightly jammy berries, exotic spice, cocoa, licorice, damp earth and black tea. The palate equals the complexity of the color and aromas, tension between youthfulness and elegance, tannins that grip juxtaposed by a silkiness. A stunning wine with great age-ability.”
WINE SPECTATOR(2019)
Wine Spectator Gives LAVINEA 2016 Wines High Scores Across The Collection of Vineyards
2016 LAVINEA Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir: 94 Points
“Dynamic and structured, with expressive smoky meat and black cherry aromas and layered dark plum, licorice and stony mineral flavors that persist toward well-buffed tannins”
2016 LAVINEA Yamhill-Carlton Lazy River Vineyard Chardonnay: 93 Points
“Polished and supple, with delicately complex and alluring pear and star fruit flavors, accented by crushed stone and spice notes. Drink now through 2021”
ROBB REPORT (2018)
“If You Love White Burgundy, You’ll Love Oregon Chardonnay”
“In the last few years, Willamette Valley vintners—and more than a few from France—have brought a prodigious amount of know-how to growing and making Chardonnay in Oregon. They are New World whites, to be sure, with the variety’s signature sweet fruit. But they are a different breed—crisp, aromatic, energetic, minerally, and often downright savory. These are Chardonnays that just might share more with white Burgundy than they do with California.” The article goes on to highlight a few of the top Oregon chardonnays to try. The LAVINEA 2015 Elton Vineyard Chardonnay is described as “Perfumed on the nose with both earth and floral notes, this Chardonnay fills the mouth with ripe apple, creamy lemon, and stone fruit flavors, leading to a long, flinty finish”.
Wine Enthusiast (2018)
Wine Enthusiast Review of Lavinea’s 2015 Vintage
2015 LAVINEA Lazy River Chardonnay: “Even in the midst of the current Oregon Chardonnay renaissance, this bottle stands above and beyond. Concentrated and bursting with lemon drop tang, it’s a vibrant, reflective, complex and utterly captivating wine. The estate’s focus is on single-vineyard expressions of various Willamette Valley AVAs.” 97 Points, Editor’s Choice.
2015 LAVINEA Elton Vineyard Chardonnay: “This full-flavored wine bursting with ripe apple, peach, melon and papaya flavors was fermented with native yeast in barrel, 20% new. A luscious seam of butterscotch runs through the palate, and plenty of natural acidity keeps the flavors fresh and lively.” 94 Points.
Robb Report (2018)
“New Pinot Noirs Reach for Greatness in the Willamette Valley”
“Oregon winemaker Isabelle Meunier might have learned her craft from some of the best winemakers in the world, but she believes the ground itself is responsible for the finest wines….The nose on her 2014 Pinot Noir from Elton Vineyard in the Eola–Amity Hills AVA does hint at terrific terroir, with complex earthiness—a forest-floor quality—under dark red fruit and spice. That fruit isn’t shy on the palate! A rush of juicy raspberry is perfectly balanced between lush and tart, wrapped in silky textures through a lovely finish.”
Wine SPECTATOR (2018)
“Wineries To Watch…. Producers Pushing Limits In Oregon”
“When Isabelle Meunier and Greg Ralston left Evening Land in 2014 – she was winemaker and he was CEO – they wanted something to call their own. The up-and-coming winemaker and wine business veteran have made a good match… After just two vintages, the duo’s new winery, LAVINEA, has made a strong impression with a collection of sleek, plush and well-structured wines such as its LAVINEA Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Temperance Hill Vineyard 2015.”
Vinous (2018)
LAVINEA 2015 Vintage Earns High Marks from Josh Raynolds of Vinous
2015 LAVINEA Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir: “Impressively concentrated yet lithe on the palate, offering sweet, mineral-laced raspberry, cherry cola, rose pas*lle and spicecake flavors that spread out steadily with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes with harmonious tannins, outstanding clarity and intense, floral-driven persistence.” 95 Points
Wine Spectator (2018)
Lavinea made an appearance in the March 2017 edition of Wine Spectator, which covered the three consecutive outstanding vintages that the Willamette Valley has enjoyed. In a section highlighting new Oregon wine projects to pay attention to, LAVINEA was put in the spotlight.
“Single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from five AVAs in the northern Willamette Valley make up the lineup, plus one snappy Chardonnay. The Pinots combine sleek structure with complex flavors, meant for the cellar.” – Harvey Steiman
