My Kind of Wines: Twill Cellars
Happy Friday from Marcus,I am truly fortunate to have a job that continually inspires me. Even so, I can go through periods of lull.
Something exhilarating happened last week. Sitting down with winemaker Chris Dickson, tasting his new Twill Cellars line-up, the wines, the style and character, spoke to me.
Of all the wines in Twill's line-up, the Stormy Morning Pinot really captivated and excited me. I urge you to check it out and to experience the inspiring wines of Twill.
$31.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($34.95 regular)
Loaded with energy and aliveness, it is absolutely my kind of Oregon Pinot noir. Deeply aromatic and forward on the nose, dishing a fantastically red-fruited wonder complemented by chai accents on a finish that, at first, struck me as having the best qualities of freshly-squeezed blood orange juice -- sweet, bursting with flavor, the tiniest bit of pith. With more time open, the strands unfurled, the whole wine developed weight, the red fruits became creamy textured, the finish lengthened with sweet spices. An ethereal, classic expression of Oregon Pinot. Tasted over four days, I recommend giving it a little space to breathe, though I was thoroughly captivated by it from first swirl of the glass. Two barrels (48 cases) made, of which there are only 15 cases available. An Oregon Reserve Pinot Noir Club selection for May.
$24.25 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order
($26.95 regular)
I wrote, "my kind of Oregon Chardonnay." Flint, lime, Meyer lemon, a hint of fresh coconut, lemon custard, yum. There's a great interplay between richness, fresh acidity, and a mouthwatering saltiness. A really friendly style. 85 cases made from a nearly 50/50 blend of Johan and Molly's Vineyards.
Twill Cellars Oregon Syrah 2013
$24.25 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($26.95 regular)
Northern Rhone meets Walla Walla meets Oregon! This complexly aromatic Syrah offers up red plums and fresh blueberries alongside savory notes of dark chocolate, oil-cured olives, ground coffee, and grilled steak. Those aromas carry through to a silky-textured palate that marries the fruity and savory elements with aplomb. A blend from three vineyards in different regions of Oregon: Deux Vert Vineyard (Willamette Valley, Northern Oregon), Belmont Vineyard (Bear Creek Valley, Southern Oregon), Steelhead Run Vineyard (Applegate Valley, Southern Oregon). 250 cases made.
$19.75 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($21.95 regular)
Ruby red grapefruit, fresh cherry and a kiss of orange are complemented by a sense of minerality, spring flowers, and a touch of strawberry. Vibrant and rich, totally refreshing. From Molly's Vineyard, Twill's estate. 105 cases made.
A little more about Twill Cellars
So, why Twill? "It's a word that encompasses many of the things we are after in crafting wine here in Oregon. To name a few: fabric, process of assembly, tension and strength of material. It's not about us, the particular vineyard, bottle, barrel, or clone, it is rather the composition of everything coming together as something thoughtfully crafted and true to the character of each unique vintage. We are merely a part of this tapestry of many components, and Twill Cellars seems like a great title for our small project," says winemaker Chris Dickson.
We've known Chris for many years (heck, he even bought wine from us when he was living in North Carolina) and it makes sense that we'd like his wines, given his experience. He cut his teeth in Oregon working for several respected wineries. His first harvest was 2007 with Penner-Ash, then Evesham Wood for their 2010 harvest (August-December). He worked with Marcus at Goodfellow Family Cellars/Matello between 2011-2012.