Wine impressions for 2018 Luciole Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

The wine shows a bright ruby color with blue hues. The nose expresses dark cherry, ripe raspberry and blueberry, with notes of baking spices and vanilla. The palate has an intense fruit burst with some blueberry, blackcurrant, and apricot followed with some spice and chocolate notes. The wine has a firm structure with some expressive and well-integrated tannins. The 2018 Luciole should keep improving for the next 7 to 10 years…Thibaud Mandet, Winemaker.

My initial impression was floral but then ripe cherries dominate with a bit of strawberry on the nose. Smooth, velvety on the palate with great balance and freshness. Great job! … Bruce (Winesmith) Smith; NJ college Wine Educator, AWS member, CSW (Society of Wine Educators) and WSET Advanced certificate. 

Incredible, soft, elegant, drinking beautifully, reminiscent of Cotes de Nuits with fresh raspberry, a little blackberry and crushed violets on the finish. Totally reflects the beauty of the art label and the area… Leah Lawler, wine sales representative.

In the glass, this wine is clear, bright, with ruby color and tinges of blue at the rim signifying its youthful character. The aromas are floral, essence of violets, with scents of ripe cherry, red raspberry and strawberries. On the palate, rich Mt Hood strawberry jam complements notes of blueberry and blackberry for a long flavorful finish. Tannins are soft and velvety. This wine is to be enjoyed now or cellared…Bill Rumsey, PhD, WSET Advanced certificate, WSET Invigilator and proud owner of Luciole wines.

2018 Vintage Report

Winemakers praise was high for the 2018 vintage, while some were effusive calling it “textbook perfect” (Willamettevines.com/vintage report). Bud break and bloom were uneventful. Spring provided warm days which were complimented by bountiful summer sun and cool breezes in the evenings at Luciole vineyard. With lower than average rainfall the vines appreciated the weather and produced abundant clusters of dazzling berries. Despite extensive dropping of fruit, the harvest produced 10.25 tons from our small boutique vineyard.