The Hedonistic Taster | Lenné Estate | 2014 Karen’s Pommard Pinot Noir

Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer

Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of artisan wines.

Today’s Tasting:

Lenné Estate | 2014 Karen’s Pommard Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley

Named for wine maker Steve Lutz’s wife, Karen Lutz deserves recognition in her own right. Lenné Estate draws its name from Karen’s father, Lenny, and every label features his profile. Upon his passing, Lenny’s estate helped fund the winery’s start, as did Karen’s ‘day job’ as a pharmaceuticals sales rep.

Today, due to the fruits of their success at Lenné Estate, Karen now enjoys working with Steve full time at the winery. This wine pays graceful homage to the woman for whom it’s named.

Wine: Lenné Estate Karen’s Pommard Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton

Vintage: 2014

Alcohol: 14.9 %

Suggested Retail: $55.00

Specs

Note: #1106 of 1500 bottles made.

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Tranquil ruby robe.

Nose: Alluring ‘rosebud’, spice, mocha nose.

Palate: Silky, subtle dark cherry, cassis, cocoa bouche. Hard to believe it’s 14.9% alcohol. Very feminine approach on the palate, with a lilting finish.

This wine reminds me of those from Domaine Parent in the Burgundian village of Pommard, from where the Pommard clone draws its name.

But while Mdm. Anne Parent’s wines exude a marled, muscular elegance, Steve Lutz presents a glorious Peavine-fist-in-a-velvet Willakenzie-glove rendition from his estate in Yamhill-Carlton.

Suggested Pairings:

Skip dinner and head straight to dessert. This wine pairs best with Barry White on Pandora and a babysitter.

❦❦❦

For more on Lenné Estate:

The Hedonistic Taster | Lenné Estate 2014 Eleanor’s 114 Pinot Noir

The Hedonistic Taster | Lenné Estate 2014 Jill’s 115 Pinot Noir

The Hedonistic Taster |Lenné Estate 2014 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

The Hedonistic Taster № 8 | Lenné Estate.

You can find out more about the story behind Lenné Estate’s hard-fought road to success here in my article about owners Steve and Karen Lutz in Oregon Wine Press.

❦❦❦