Alcohol: 13.8%
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Localization: Rogue Valley, Oregon, USA
Tasting Notes: Balance and finesse are the signatures of our Del Rio Estate Pinot Noir. A classically beautiful bright ruby color, this wine’s first impression is intense with juicy aromas of cherry, black currant and cassis. The ripe aromas are complimented with stimulating spicy notes of pepper. The wine is mouthwatering with flavors that reflect the nose. Young and tasty tannins structure and balance the mouthfeel, predicting a potential for long aging. A swirl and bit of aeration elevates the diversity of flavors and you can taste the sun of Southern Oregon.
Notes: After de-stemming, the Pinot Noir grapes (25% Clone 943, 35% clone 90, 40% clone 777) are transferred into stainless steel vats for an initial cold soak. When the fermentation starts the wine undergoes methodical aeration at moderate temperatures in order to extract soft tannin and color. Finally when mouthfeel objectives are reached the grapes are gently pressed and barreled down in French oak. Aged for 10 months in 25% new oak.
Food pairing: Enjoy this ripe and juicy Pinot Noir at room temperature or chilled. Grilled steelhead smothered in morel mushrooms, fennel sausage and eggplant in romesco sauce with polenta, or a classic coq a vin would pair beautifully with this wine. Additionally, a casual spread of roasted red pepper hummus with pita chips, southern-style pimento cheese, and Marcona almonds would welcome the company of this Pinot Noir.
The Domain: Del Rio Vineyard Estate hasn’t always been a vineyard. In fact, our property has a long and rich history that spans over centuries. Learn more about our Historic Tasting Room and the evolution of our estate.
In 1861, John B. White developed a homestead on the north side of the stage road after a flood destroyed the bridge over the Rogue River along with his home on the south side of the river. Later in 1863, he opened a general store and sold his remaining homestead to Lytle J. White - no relation.
In 1864, Lytle established the Rock Point Hotel at the edge the property and began work on a new bridge. The hotel opened to the public with a grand ball on February 8, 1865.
Joining the hotel and John White's general store (now co-owned with Benjamin Haymond), were a post office, blacksmith shop, saloon, and a school.
But with the passage of time, things changed. The railroad had prepared a right of way through the property much to the chagrin of John, who later sold his interest in his store and moved to Nevada County, Ca. Lytle White died in 1878, and while his sons and wife continued to run the hotel after his death, they had finally closed its doors by the 1900s.
The future seemed bleak for the Rock Point Hotel, but in 1907, it began a new period in its life. F.K. Deuel and others purchased the hotel and surrounding land to create an 800-acre orchard.
Del Rio Orchards was planted during a rapid period of growth in the Rogue Valley known as the “pear boom.” During the Great Depression, orchards in the valley struggled to stay afloat but were later revived towards the end of World War II.
Del Rio Orchard remained in the Deuel family until 1997 when Lee and Margaret Traynham of California purchased the land. Realizing the historical significance of the structures, the Traynhams began the restoration and preservation of the Rock Point Hotel - one of the oldest structures in Southern Oregon.
Additionally, they began the transformation of the previously existing orchard into a vineyard.
Now one of the largest operating vineyards in the state of Oregon, Del Rio Vineyard Estate is home to 300-acres of grape vines.
Situated somewhere between the past and present, our vineyard estate provides all guests an educational, historical, and pleasurable experience.
With a history as robust as Del Rio's, it is no surprise that a friendly spirit may have chosen to hang around.
Hattie Haymond, wife of general store owner Benjamin Haymond, is said to have taken up permanent residence at our Historic Tasting Room. While we cannot prove or disprove her presence, many of our tasting room team have had encounters with Hattie. But don't let that stop you from visiting! We assure you that she's friendly.
