Le Cadeau Vineyard “Cote Est” Pinot Noir
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Côte Est Pinot Noir is produced from fruit grown in the cooler East-side of the vineyard.
- The cooler Côte Est portion of the vineyard is picked last. The naturally cooler temperature and Nekia soils (part of the Jory family) provide a layered complexity, darker-fruit character, and naturally bright acidity.
- In the mid-90’s, Steve Ryan was the original winemaker for Martinelli. He focused on biodynamic winemaking in Hopland, CA for many years before moving to Oregon. Steve currently makes his Le Cadeau wines in Carlton, OR.
- Planted with primarily Dijon clones 114, 115, and 667.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: Traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks. After the fermentation process, the wine ages for 10 months in French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: “Sleek and refined, with vibrant raspberry and violet aromas and piquant cherry, black tea and spice box flavors that build complexity toward snappy tannins. Drink now through 2026.” – Wine Spectator
PRESS
2017 – 92 Wine Spectator | 93 James Suckling
2018 – 92 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Tom Mortimer and his wife, Deb, began their search for the perfect vineyard site in 1996. Tom’s passion for wine collecting and his love of Oregon finally merged a year later with the purchase of the 28-acres of raw hillside property. Extensive clearing and land preparation followed before the first 6-acres of Pinot Noir were planted. In June of 2005– after 8-years of development—the 2002 vintage of estate grown Le Cadeau Pinot Noir was released.
Located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of the Willamette Valley, Le Cadeau wines are made exclusively from estate-grown Pinot Noir. Clonal diversity results in aromatic nuance and rich flavor profiles, while the volcanic basalt soils add lingering minerality on the finish.
From the beginning, the Mortimers have been committed to meticulous farming, believing that great wine always traces its roots back to the vineyard. The high-elevation south-facing slope is sustainably farmed, LIVE certified, and incorporates many biodynamic practices.
Long-time winemakers Jim Sanders and Steve Ryan—with input from Burgundian consultant Pierre Millemann—produce signature Le Cadeau cuvées, each reflecting specific attributes of the estate vineyard.
Le Cadeau translates as “the gift” but the wine is not the gift; the wine is only the excuse. The gift is the beauty of the land in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, joy-filled relationships, and the freedom and opportunity to pursue this dream.