2022 Lemelson - Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Thea's Selection (750ml)

Lemelson Vineyards was founded by Eric Lemelson, an environmental lawyer who relocated to Oregon in the late 1970s and fell for Pinot Noir before planting his first vineyard in 1995. He later built a gravity flow winery in Carlton that processed its first harvest in 1999, designed from the outset around environmentally sound methods and materials. That commitment to sustainable, thoughtful farming remains central to the estate today, with all fruit sourced from Lemelson's own certified organic vineyards across the Willamette Valley.

Thea's Selection is Lemelson's house cuvée, blending Pinot Noir from five organically farmed estate vineyards spread across three distinct Willamette Valley AVAs. The wine is meant as a true representation of the vintage as a whole rather than a single site, and 2022 brought its own challenges, with an early spring frost cutting yields before a warm summer and fall helped the grapes recover. Grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in small lots to preserve the character of each parcel before blending.

The nose is earthy and inviting, layering black cherry, plum, and black currant with notes of black tea, baking spice, and dried lavender. On the palate the wine is rich yet supple, with silky tannins and a juicy core that carries through to a long, brambly finish. Its structure and savory edge make it a good partner for roasted duck, herb crusted lamb, or a plate of charcuterie.