Tucked away on a tranquil road in Oregon’s Willamette Valley lies the Eola-Amity Hills, home to the renowned Lingua Franca Winery. This winery cultivates its vineyards on east-facing slopes, rooted in nutrient-rich volcanic soils. The vines, spread across three distinct sites, are dry-farmed with a focus on minimal intervention in the cellar. Widely regarded as one of the best wineries in the United States, Lingua Franca showcases the unique character of its terroir with every bottle.

“Lingua Franca was co-founded by Larry Stone, David Honig, and Dominique Lafon in 2015, inspired by the exceptional vineyard site in the Eola-Amity Hills that Larry bought in 2012. They soon hired Thomas Savre, a brilliant young winemaker with work experience at some of the best domaines in Burgundy and an inquisitive mind.”

Larry Stone, the visionary behind this remarkable estate, began his career as a sommelier in the 1980s, one of only two in Seattle at the time. He later achieved the prestigious title of Master Sommelier. I had the privilege of tasting these exceptional wines with Larry Stone himself at Boulevard Restaurant, thanks to Principal Fine Wines in Vancouver.

Here’s a quick review of my notes:

2021 Avni Chardonnay (30% Estate/ Co-op of Vineyards) – Notes of white flowers, crisp apple, saline backbone, refreshing acidity, done in oak barrels (3400 litre) – 80% old/20% new. A beautiful expression. A great option for the chablis lovers AND the fully oaked die-hards.

2022 Avni Pinot Noir – Notes of black cherry, black tea, rose petals, spice, fresh herbs, earthy notes like tar, lighter tannins, very finessed and so well integrated.

2018 Estate Chardonnay – Notes of stone fruits like peaches, juicy tropical tones like pineapple, with a soft and smooth body, just a hint of toasty notes.

2021 Estate Pinot Noir – Notes of raspberry, ruby-red pomegranate, red cherries, medium tannins compared to the Avni and a real backbone of salinity and black tea as the finish.

2019 Bunker Hill Chardonnay (Estate) – Notes of Meyer lemon, orange blossom, citrus, with a rich, complex vibrant finish full of salinity.

2021 The Plow Pinot Noir (whole cluster) – The nose was very earthy, however on the palate: notes of red and black cherries, baking spice, vanilla, plums and that black tea again. Tart and energetic compared to the others.

2019 Tongue ‘n Cheek Pinot Noir (de-stemmed) – Notes of cherry and red currants, herbs and spices, fresh, fun, lower tannins, nicely integrated with a tart finish.

Wow, what an incredible experience—these wines were absolutely stunning. I think my taste for Pinot Noir just got a bit more luxurious! 😉 If you ever find yourself visiting Oregon’s Willamette Valley, don’t miss the chance to book a tasting at Lingua Franca.

Until next time, keep exploring the wonderful world of wine!

Cheers, Donita