When you think of the left coast bet you automatically think of California. Right? Well, left coast is left and not necessarily California, in this case it’s Oregon. The Left stands for left handed as three of the family members of Left Coast Cellars (and myself I might add) are left handed.
Left Coast Cellars was founded in 2003 by Suzanne and Robert Pfaff and in 2011 Joe Wright joined the team as winemaker. They have one of the largest contiguous vineyards in the Willamette Valley with 350 acres and 150 of those acres under vine. In the vineyard there are eight unique micro climates that contribute to the uniqueness of their wines and 90% of the winery is solar powered.
Left Coast Cellars produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, White Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.
I had the opportunity to taste their 2013 Cali’s Cuvee Pinot Noir and the 2014 The Orchards Pinot Gris.
I want to begin by saying that Pinot Gris was not a favorite wine of mine but since tasting a few coming out of Oregon and this wine included, I have become a huge fan.
The Orchards Pinot Gris I paired with a scallop dish over pasta and it was wonderful.
The wine was aged in 100% stainless steel for 4 months. Aromas of bartlett pears, herbs and dancing minerality filled my glass. The wine was nicely balanced with hints of citrus and green apple with crisp and fresh minerality.
The vineyard this wine comes from happens to be planted on the site of a historic apple and pear orchard dating way back. As you can see the soil must still hold the past as it shows in the wine.
Looking at my notes as I write this post two words described this wine… “Love It.” SRP 18
The 2013 Cali’s Cuvee Pinot Noir did not disappoint. (Sorry I forgot to take a personal photo of it. Got to carried away with the Pinot Gris)
This Pinot Noir was fermented in 5-ton open top stainless steel tanks then aged in 10% new French oak with the balance in 2,3 &4 year French Oak barrels for 8 months. This wine was named after their left handed daughter Cali who has a passion for landscape design.
I immediately smelled aromas of clove coming from my glass. As the wine opened up plum and cherry aromas became apparent. The wine had a nice garnet red color. On the plate flavors of red berry raspberry and cranberry burst in your mouth. Towards the end of the taste it finishes with hints of clove. SRP $24
If you see a selection from Left Coast Cellars in your wine shop, you can’t go wrong.
