Nuthouse Pinot Noir
Entirely from Lone Star Vineyard, 2015 Nuthouse Pinot Noir exhibits the opulence and power of the Eola-Amity Hills while still retaining fresh fruit and vibrant acidity. Wild cherry, marionberry, roast fennel, and black tea frame its dense core, while the firm tannins persist through its long, creamy finish. After fermentation and gentle pressing, the wine was allowed to age elegantly on its lees for 16 months in French oak, of which 40% were new.
Wine Production Stats
Varietals: 100% Oregon Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Lone Star
AVA: Eola-Amity Hills
Alcohol: 14.1%
Cases produced: 2000
Aging: 16 months French oak, 40% New
Winemakers: Nate Klostermann
The 2015 growing season began with plenty of sunshine and warmth throughout the Spring, leading to an earlier than average bud break. As such, an early bloom kicked off with fantastic weather, leading to an above average fruit set. This required us to meticulously thin our vineyards in order to capture dense, vibrant fruit flavors. The summer was dry, though never getting too hot for too long. Harvest started early at Knudsen Vineyard in the Dundee Hills on August 24th and finished nearly one month later in the upper elevations of the Eola-Amity Hills at our Spirit Hill Vineyard on September 27th. This was our first growing season ever to be done picking before the month of October.
90 Points
Wine Enthusiast
Firm and focused, this lightly spiced effort supports its tart cherry fruit with ample acidity. Hints of toasted coconut build in the finish. A few more years of bottle age should bring further integration.
- Paul Gregutt (2013 vintage)
91 Points Year’s Best US Pinot Noir
Wine & Spirits
From the Lone Star Vineyard, this light, clean red leads with red raspberry scents and darker cherry flavors. The texture is lean and snappy, the flavors delivered with clarity. For mushroom and fennel pizza. (2,000 cases)
- Harvey Steiman (2013 vintage)
90 Points
Wine Spectator
Light and refined, this is open-textured and appealing for the raspberry, sassafras and floral flavors, dancing lightly into a long and refined finish. Drink now through 2020. 2,000 cases made.
- Harvey Steiman (2013 vintage)
91 Points
Wine Spectator
Supple and expressive, layering blackberry, licorice and toast flavors with floral hints, pointing into a vivid finish that persists against powdery tannins. Best from 2018 through 2024.
- Harvey Steiman (2014 vintage)
93 Points
Wine Spectator
Aromas of dried strawberries, flowers and orange peel. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a beautifully polished and integrated texture. Gorgeous now. Why wait?
- James Suckling (2014 vintage)