Le Cadeau Vineyard “Diversité” Pinot Noir
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Diversité cuvee showcases a unique and diverse range of characteristics that reflect its varied soil, sunlight exposure, and clonal blend.
- It is sourced from three blocks of their estate vineyard, covering the Northern end, containing 9 clones – Pommard, Dijon 113, -114, -115, -667, -777, a few rows of the Swiss clone Mariafeld, and a touch of Mt. Eden and Calera.
- The Mariafeld in particular lends natural spice notes to the wine, which have become distinctive characteristics in this cuvee.
- The soil variation for Diversité ranges from heavily broken volcanic basalt on the Northwestern block, to the more lush Nekia soil of the Northeastern block.
- Winemaker Jim Sander’s portfolio features some of the Willamette Valley’s most acclaimed wines, including those produced under his partnership with Le Cadeau proprietor Tom Mortimer – Aubichon Cellars.
- Jim focuses on small production, hand-crafted wines, aged exclusively in top-tier French oak from the finest cooperages in Burgundy.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: Traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks. After the fermentation, the wine ages for 11 months in French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: “Tightly focused, with precise raspberry, orange peel and smoky forest floor accents that build tension toward broad-shouldered tannins. Drink now through 2026.” – Wine Spectator
PRESS
2016 – 92 James Suckling | 92 Wine Spectator | 93 Wine Enthusiast
2017 – 91 Wine Enthusiast | 91 Wine Spectator | 94 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.