Connoisseur of Oregon Wines Series, Class 3: Coelho Winery
Coelho Winery, Amity, Oregon
Tasted October 20, 2012 by VinLancaster with 285 views
Introduction
Taken from PCC wine class description:
"Dave Coelho: A family steeped in agriculture takes a new direction and starts growing wine grapes; then they make wine. Involvement of the whole family, kids included, and their Portuguese heritage make their story intriguing and their wines memorable."
Flight 1 (5 notes)
Tasting notes in order of tasting.
Estate vineyard in Willamette Valley AVA
Wet hay, slate and green apple scents. Sharp pear flavors, grass,cutting acidity, apples, pineapple, lemon zest and basalt. Finishes with lift.
Strawberries, tree moss, white and black pepper aromas. Very peppery on the palate, cherry, clove spice and bright acids. Layered, light in weight and a soft mouthfeel with an abrupt finish.
Pepper, greens, mushrooms and smoke on the nose. Very pretty and elegant. Cherry, loam, strawberry, graphite and peppery arugula. Medium bodied, medium plus finish, yet quite complex and lively.
Perfumed with spiced wood, cherry and brandy. Big and juicy, plenty of depth, cherry cola, chewy tannins and a bit of heat.
Interesting.
Closing
Coelho Winery is a family venture with deep Portuguese roots in the middle of Amity, Oregon. Husband and wife team, Dave and Deolinda Coelho moved from California to raise their family and continue in the agricultural business. In 2002 they planted their first vines in their estate vineyard in the Willamette Valley AVA.
A visit to this tasting room you get a real family feel. Their son is the primary wine maker and the entire family chip in when needed. Annual case production is 12,000 cases. Focus production is Oregon Pinot Noir and Iberian varietals: red blend and port styled wine.