One barrel at a time.

Blouin Trépanier Negociants

---

Our goal is simple. Showcase the true nature of terroir through small production, handcrafted, site-driven wines from growers who value respect for the land, sustainable practices and focus on quality.

 

Pinot Noir should be a princess, not a monster. Who would you rather eat with?  -David Lett, Oregon Pinot Pioneer

The People

---

Bill and Linda Hanson, with their daughter Lily, own and operate Libra Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The property is farmed using L.I.V.E. (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) standards along with some biodynamic practices. Libra Vineyard is all about balance, which is an integral part of many things, including the process of transforming grapes into beautiful wine. Bill and the girls live by this notion; personally, with their own small production label, as well as in their vineyard management techniques.

Bill Hanson is also the winemaker behind the One Barrel Pinot Noir bottling.

The Vineyard

---

The 2014 Vintage

---

The 2014 vintage in Oregon may be remembered as the vintage of a lifetime (until you look at 2015, but that's another story...) From bud break through harvest, the Hansons experienced an almost ideal growing season that delivered exceptional, balanced fruit in pristine condition.

2014 One Barrel Pinot Noir

---

A solid garnet colour. Opulent aromas of cocoa, red licorice, bacon and dark fruit combine with the characteristic earth undertones associated with Libra Vineyard. Flavours follow through with a velvety layered mouthfeel and a supple, seamless finish.

The 2013 Vintage

---

Oregon’s 2013 vintage began warmer than usual with early bud break across most of the state’s wine growing regions, which led into a long, warm summer. That was followed by the jarring interruption of the late September torrential rains with some more dry and warm weather through October. Luckily, the Hansons harvested Libra Vineyard on September 16th, ahead of the rain.

2013 One Barrel Pinot Noir

---

Medium-dark, pretty pastel rose petal colour with a carmine core. Earthy aromas of damp forest floor mix with notes of dried rose petals and freshly crushed red fruits. In the mouth, concentrated flavours of red cherries are backed by notes of cinnamon and clove spice, with an appealing touch of dried basil. The wine displays all the fruit intensity of the vintage, but also possesses a clean and bright acidity. Fine-grained tannins and a sense of dried cherries linger on the finish.

The 2012 Vintage

---

The 2012 season was one of the driest seasons on record. The long dry spell and warmer than normal temperatures have already led to comparisons with the 2002 and 2008 vintages. As the season began to unfold with bud break occurring in early March and continuing through mid-May, a record spring rain descended on the valley. Yet, as the rains dissipated and summer unfolded, Oregon was graced with a delightfully dry and prolonged growing season. The long dry spell featured warmer than normal temperatures in most parts while evenings remained cool.

After two vintages with some of the coolest temperatures on record, 2012 presented Oregon winemakers with warm, consistent weather. The dry summer led to an early harvest and full ripeness that produced Pinot Noirs of deep colour and rich fruit character.

2012 One Barrel Pinot Noir

---

Bright ruby core. Dark cherry and brambly fruit aromas on youthful candied notes of caramel & fresh raspberry jam. Undertones of baking spices, tea and cherry blossoms. Solid juicy entry on the palate. Fuller body than the previous release. Pure ripe fruit; silky flavours of cherry and ripe raspberries with subtle notes of black tea and spice. The tannins are well-integrated, present but soft with plenty enough acidity. Delightful elegant texture with layers of flavour and intensity. The wine is showing lots of character on the finish and a highly likeable style. It will age gracefully.

This tasting note was a group effort by our good friends and some of Whistler's best sommeliers: David Brownridge (Nesters Liquor Store), Eric Griffith (Alta Bistro), Darin Newton & Bob Dawson (Rimrock Café), Samantha Rahn (Araxi) & Geoff Weddell (Quattro@ Whistler).

The Dirt

---

The 2010 Vintage

---

The warm, dry harvest conditions of 2010 bookended a growing season that began with a relatively dry and warm winter highlighted by the warmest January and February on record. What followed was a cool Spring and early Summer timeframe. The growing season ended with near normal to slightly cooler than normal temperatures statewide, with fewer than normal heat spikes.

Yields were lower than in typical years, due in part to early season weather conditions and crop thinning near season's end. The lower yields delivered high quality fruit, with characteristics of full phenolic ripeness, concentrated flavours and balance.

2010 One Barrel Pinot Noir

---

This wine represents the essence of Willamette. Bright red fruit, dark earthy tones, smoke, mushrooms and herbs with underlying sweet and peppery spice notes. The aromas are captivating and true to the varietal and the region. The palate shows firm structure now, with all the components for ageing. Ripe raspberries, cherries and porcini mushrooms with a hint of vanilla. The bright and balanced acidity complements the well-rounded tannins. Elegant, smooth, yet persistent savoury finish. At once charming and serious. The wine shows typicity. It is complex and layered. A beautiful expression of a fine, cool, finesse-filled vintage.