Illahe | Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
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Illahe’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a beautifully crafted, terroir-driven wine from one of Oregon’s most respected family-owned wineries. Known for their commitment to sustainable and traditional practices, Illahe focuses on producing wines that reflect the purity and complexity of the Willamette Valley’s diverse vineyards. This Pinot Noir is an elegant expression of the region’s cool climate, offering a perfect balance of ripe fruit, acidity, and subtle oak influence.
Winemaker & Philosophy: Illahe, founded by the Ford family, is dedicated to low-intervention winemaking and sustainable farming practices. The winery uses horse-drawn methods, natural fermentations, and manual techniques wherever possible. Their commitment to "wine by hand" extends to a minimal use of machinery, allowing for a wine that remains true to its vineyard and vintage. This Pinot Noir exemplifies their approach, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and approachable.
Grape Variety & Terroir: Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the grapes for this wine are sourced from Illahe’s estate vineyards and select sites throughout the Willamette Valley. The region’s volcanic and sedimentary soils, along with its cool climate, provide ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir. The combination of these soils and Willamette Valley’s temperate conditions allows for extended ripening, giving the wine both depth of flavor and vibrant acidity.
Flavor Profile: Illahe’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir opens with aromas of ripe red cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, complemented by notes of rose petals, earth, and subtle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with silky tannins, offering flavors of red currant, cranberry, and a touch of clove and vanilla from the gentle oak aging. The finish is long and elegant, with refreshing acidity and a fine balance of fruit and spice.
Pairings: This Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with roasted poultry, grilled salmon, or pork tenderloin, as well as mushroom-based dishes and lighter meats. Its bright acidity and soft tannins also make it an ideal match for goat cheese, charcuterie, and dishes featuring herbs and earthy flavors.
Key Details:
- Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
- Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
- Farming Practices: Sustainable, low-intervention
- Body: Medium-bodied
- Aging: Aged in French oak (15-20% new)
- Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
- Aging Potential: 5–7 years
Illahe’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a refined, elegant expression of Oregon’s premier Pinot Noir region, perfect for both casual and special occasions with its balance of fruit, acidity, and earthy complexity.