Two Willamette Valley-based wineries, Montinore Estate and Landlines Estates (both under the same ownership), recently opened a shared tasting room in Woodinville’s “Wine Walk Row” in the Schoolhouse District neighborhood. As consumers place more and more emphasis on sustainably farmed goods and products, it can be confusing when a buzzword like “natural” wine is used in the marketplace despite the fact it’s non-regulated. So it’s doubly exciting to find conscientious producers like Montinore Estate and Landlines Estates that embrace certified Biodynamic® farming—the driving force behind both of these wineries is rooted in the belief that sustainable farming produces better wine and a better future for our planet.
Montinore Estate was established in 1982, and is one of the country’s largest estate wineries producing wine with biodynamic grapes. Montinore concentrates on Pinot Noir, as well as cool climate white varieties and Northern Italian reds, all sourced from their 200-acre biodynamic and certified organic estate vineyard located in North Willamette Valley.
Landlines Estates focuses exclusively on bottlings from Tidalstar Vineyard, a certified organic and biodynamic estate in Yamhill-Carlton AVA, planted in 1999. Landlines was founded in 2016 by owner Brandon Ackley solely to showcase the quality of this very special site with small production wines.
Head winemaker Stephen Webber oversees production at both wineries, and the resulting acclaimed wines speak for themselves. The all-star team includes partner, Rudy Marchesi, who brings vast experience with Biodynamic® and organic growing practices.
“We are thrilled to be joining the Woodinville community of wine enthusiasts,” says Brandon Ackley. “We look forward to introducing new consumers to our wines while building more personal connections with the community at our tasting rooms.”
Along with wine flights, there is a curated food menu that includes tinned fish, grilled sandwiches, plates of cheese and charcuterie, and other small bites.
The releases we tasted were world-class in every sense, imparting terroir-driven nuances presented with uplifting structure. If you are not already a fan of Pinot Noir, these wines may turn that around.
Visit and taste in Woodinville, WA and McMinnville, OR
Woodinville tasting room: 17401 133rd Avenue NE, Suite 1012, Woodinville WA; (425) 286-6761, opens at 12 noon Wed-Sun, visit on the web at www.montinore.com,
McMinnville tasting room: 216 NE 3rd Street, McMinnville OR; (503) 857-0176, opens at 12 noon Wed-Sun, visit on the web at www.landlinesestates.com. https://www.montinore.com/ https://www.landlinesestates.com/
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Landlines Estates 2017 Proper Motion Pinot Noir
95 pts.
Fine grained, well-spiced and precisely cut with focused acidity. There’s a floral edge to the blackberry, blueberry and dark cherry flavors supported by integrated loam and mineral notes that cruise through the juicy, ethereal finish. $85
Montinore Estate 2018 Graham’s Block 7 Pinot Noir
94 pts.
This version is a blend of select barrels from Block 7, known as Graham’s Block, planted in 1984. Vibrantly fresh, with plum, mocha and subtle worn cedar aromas that deliver scintillating flavors of minerally-spiced dried cherry, mushroom and slate hints on the firm, taut finish with extended spice notes. $60
Montinore Estate 2021 L’Orange
93 pts.
This unique, semi-dry white wine is named after the coral hue gained from extended skin contact with Pinot Gris, and blended in part with Muscat Ottonel. Aromatic, with a bouquet of honeysuckle, orange blossom and peony that unfold on the structured palate. D’Anjou pear, apricot, orange peel, floral rose and citrus are backed with waves of dried spice. Finishes with great depth in an elevated fashion. $45