I learned today about De la Boue winery (https://www.delaboue.com) in the Willamette Valley. It was mentioned in the same breath as Brick House, so it got my attention. Does anyone know much about this winery? Have you tasted their wine? What did you think? (I did search this board before posting. My search came up empty.)
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I go to WV a lot and have never heard of this one.
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It looks like the winery has only been around for a few years, but the somm at the Joel Palmer House Restaurant spoke very highly of them.
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I have met Travis and tasted through his lineup at a couple of events. Super nice guy— and the wines were on point, and compelling (I didn’t take notes). Super small production from great vineyards, one of which he farms himself.
Given the winery name, I thought he might speak French but he gave me a blank look and we laughed about it.
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Where are they in the Valley?
They don’t have a tasting room or own a physical winery and I didn’t think to ask where he makes his wine. He does farm the Gregory Ranch vineyard in the Yamhill AVA which is one of his vineyard allocations/designates. My understanding is that when you request a visit and tasting, Travis will meet you there but don’t quote me on that ; ) and it probably depends on your needs and the weather too.
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I know that Travis was or is a winemaker at Integrated Beverage Group (grocery store brands like Rascal, Duck Pond, etc.), so maybe he uses a corner of their facility?
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I believe he has left IBG at this point for his own gig - he was only there for a scant 3 years or so (after I left the role). Plenty of CC space up there and I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t at any one of the many. The Vista Grand vineyard is a pretty one in the Chehalem Mountains, had the opportunity to work with it in 2018. These are nice wines from a nice set of sites…
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Usually, big fan of small Oregon producers. Also, impressed with the vineyards indicated on his site. Giving them a chance with the 6 bottle club…we’ll see in September!
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Following up on this to see if anyone else has tried the wines recently. I recently received an offer to join the allocation program but I was hoping to hear more from the community about these wines, especially in terms of style and comparable WV producers. Thanks in advance!
I tasted with Travis at Vista Grande last December. I think we tasted through three Pinot Noir, a Gamay, and a few whites (can’t recall the varietals). The wines were excellent. His Temperance Hill Pinot Noir was my wine of the day through a full day of tasting, and his Vista Grande was my runner-up for wine of the day. If you like Oregon PN, I highly recommend them.
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Have been in the allocation program for a year or so…all wines have been very enjoyable. As Charles indicated these are quite Oregon PN in style, lighter colored structure with earthier components (not dark fruit forward). Mckinlay style comes first to mind, although that is a higher measurement (for me).
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