Illahe Bon Sauvage Pinot Noir 2021

Illahe Bon Sauvage Pinot Noir 2021

$ 41.95
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We've always been fans of Illahe's Bon Sauvage, but the last few vintages represent a wonderful graduation into "reserve" territory. On the redder side compared to previous vintages, with similar threads of sweet fir forest serving as a backdrop to the silky flavors and savory ribbons through the finish. A more elegant expression of Illahe's estate, this is equally at home as a wine to enjoy now or a gem to cellar for four to eight years. 

This 100% estate grown Pinot noir is a barrel selection of winemaker/associate winemaker Brad and Nathan's favorite barrels in the cellar. The Bon Sauvage is always a little more earth and spice driven in character. 

Illahe is on an 80-acre, south-facing slope that the Ford family first planted in 2001 with 22 acres of Pinot noir. Planted acreage now totals of almost 60, with seven varieties; Pinot noir dominates, accounting for 50 of those acres but they also grow Pinot gris, Gruner Veltliner, Tempranillo, Lagrein, Schioppettino and Teroldego.

Illahe is one of nine vineyards (and counting) situated in the new Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA (Amercian Viticultural Area). A warm site that experiences slightly earlier budbreak and flowering than many vineyards in the Willamette Valley, Iallhe's southerly aspect and moderate elevation mean that grapes achieve maturity even in cooler vintages. They also catch the Van Duzer winds, which cool evening temperatures dramatically, pacing the ripening of the grapes.

Illahe is committed to environmentally sensitive farming; they use cover crops throughout the vineyard to benefit the soil and increase biodiversity. They are members of Oregon's Deep Roots Coalition, which promotes responsible water management and does not allow irrigation of mature vines. To reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, they've installed solar panels on the winery and use two horses, Doc and Bea, to mow and to transport grapes to the winery. Once there, gravity-flow utilizes the natural slope of the site, starting from the crush pad to the fermenters and the press below, and even further below to the winery caves.

 

Make sure you always get a discount by using our Build a Case® program. 

How it works:

If you haven't found a full case (12 bottles) to buy today, start your Build a Case® order now by purchasing a few bottles online, by phone or email. If you order online, select the Build a Case® option. If by phone or email, just ask us to add the bottles to a Build a Case® order for you. You'll receive order confirmation and we'll cellar the wines for you at no charge.

Add to your case whenever you see wines you can't resist. Each time you add to your Build a Case® order you'll be charged the discounted price.

When you complete your case, we'll apply a shipping rate and contact you to schedule your case for shipment.

Because of finite space in our warehouse, we kindly ask that you complete your Build a Case® order within six months. Please email or call us with any questions. 

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Build a Case® 

Make sure you always get a discount by using Build a Case® How it works:

If you haven't found a full case (12 bottles) to buy today, start your Build a Case®  now by purchasing a few bottles online, by phone or email. If you order online, select the Build a Case®  option. If by phone or email, just ask us to add the bottles to a Build a Case®  for you. You'll receive order confirmation and we'll cellar the wines for you until you reach a full case.

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Our Wine Advice

Life's too short to drink bad wine.

We taste as much or more Oregon wine in a given year than anyone on the planet. We look for the needles in the haystacks, the wines you won't find in your local wine store. Wineries have long sought our help to sell their most limited, unique bottlings.

We are picky. We like to sell wines that we like to drink. We refer to taste the wines sell over several days; we want to know how a wine will evolve, how it pairs with food. We want to know if it truly belongs in your cellar, in your glass, and we want to provide you with guidance on how and when it'll be its best.

Our goal is to describe wines in ways that you can actually relate to. We battle against overly flowery tasting notes. You know the kind. The ones that mention things that no one has ever smelled or tasted. They're mostly B.S. and they perpetuate snobbery that we don't like.

We give you the unfiltered truth about a wine.We believe wine isn't one-size-fits-all. We get to know your tastes and preferences so that we can recommend the right wines for you.

Testimonials

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Avalon is a gem. The wine selection is both excellent and expertly curated. Better yet, Marcus and Andy invest the time to get to know their customers personally. So their recommendations fit you like a well-tailored suit (just more reasonably priced!).

Sam P.
★★★★★

Marcus and Andy's knowledge of the wines, wineries and winemakers of the area is encyclopedic and, in my experience, second to none. They have a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the industry and a knack for recommending wines that are 'in my wheelhouse,' but also the insight to direct me toward new discoveries. I wholeheartedly recommend them to both those in the know and those who would
like to be.

Bob S.
★★★★★

Andy and Marcus only sell wines they would drink themselves, they sell them at reasonable prices, and they take exceptionally good care of their customers. Ethics, value, service…the reasons we buy all our wine from Avalon.

Lynne M.
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These guys do an outstanding job of sourcing great wines at terrific prices. Their reviews are fun to read and quite on point without all of the nonsense. Whose ever tasted squirrel dung or asphalt anyway? Get on their email list and savor the experience; then tell a friend. That's how I became a dedicated customer of Avalon Wine.

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