L'Umami 2017 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Named in Eric Asimov's NY Times article 20 Wines Under $20: A Little More Money for a Lot More Wine. "Value in wine does not mean the cheapest price. The extra dimensions of distinctiveness and interest usually require $15 to $20 a bottle." Asimov wrote "I’m always a little suspicious when companies try to capitalize on voguish terms like “Hang Time” or “L’Umami” by transforming them into brand names, but this is straight-ahead good Willamette Valley pinot noir: dry, earthy, floral and berry-scented. So forgive the marketing transgressions and just enjoy the wine."

This wine is made by Anne Sery and Laurent Montalieu of the NorthWest Wine Company. Recently featured in Wine Enthusiast Magazine these two Oregon winemakers have a French connection. Sery did undergraduate studies in Dijon, followed by a master’s degree in viticulture and oenology and a diploma in enology from the University of Bordeaux. Looking to work abroad, she interned at Beaux Frères.

Montalieu was also schooled in Bordeaux, but after an internship at Mumm Napa, had decided to remain in America. Oregon’s Bridgeview Vineyard and Winery recruited him as its winemaker in 1988. He ventured from Bridgeview to WillaKenzie Estate and then started Soléna Estate.

Vibrant acidity, Montalieu believes, is the core strength of Willamette Valley wines. “It really drives their style and ageworthiness,” he says. “You combine that with Pinot Noir, which has the amazing capability to reflect the ground that it is grown in, and you have Oregon in its current state.” And that's exactly what their L'Umami delivers at a phenomenal price!