Think it’s about time that Will’s wines get their own thread. Opened a 2021 Koosah PN and 2021 Sojeau Chardonnay in the past couple weeks that were lovely. I didn’t take notes on the chardonnay.
2021 Violin Pinot Noir Koosah
Pop n’ pour into a Sophienwald Burgundy glass. Transparent ruby color with a magenta rim. Elegant sweet nose of bing cherries, strawberries, and marzipan on a background of mixed red florals and lavender. There is a deft touch of sous bois/barnyard which provides a little “wild” character to the nose that I really enjoy. The palate is silky and clean with bright, integrated acidity and refined tannins. Flavors of mushroom, dried herbs, and fresh-tilled earth provide a wonderful balance to the fruit notes.
Today I opened the 2022 Violin Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
Pop n’ pour into a Grassl Cru. Graceful nose of cranberry, red currant, Asian plum, orange peel, and potpourri. Nice structure on the palate, silky and polished, with crunchy red fruit notes intertwined with moss and loamy earth. Easy drinking and lip-smackingly delicious, just as enjoyable as it was when tasting with Will this past summer. Likely a case purchase when the 2023s come. Kind of reminds me of some village level Volnay from a couple producers I’ve had but at a fraction of the price.
I love Will’s Chardonnays. We drank a 2022 WiIllamette Valley this week that was excellent, particularly for the price. Somewhat reduced, though not as much as Walter Scott, with intense and sappy citrus notes, and a long finish. Need to buy more…
Great affordable high quality somewhat under the radar source. Also a good visit as Will is a valuable, very knowledgeable guy to talk with. When I was there last, aside from the Koosah, a bought a chunk of the Polk county as it was well priced, and contains a bunch of Temperance hill, which gives it a dark cherry note that I really liked.
Enjoyed X-Omni 2022 over two nights. Somewhat weird to say but reminiscent of sakura mochi — a traditional Japanese sweet wrapped in a salted cherry leaf — this wine carries delicate floral notes, mouthwatering and substantial yet integrated acidity and fruit weight, and a gentle tannic finish akin to the slight astringency of a cherry leaf.
Wasn’t tonight but today I accompanied Patrick Taylor along with James Lyon and Anna for a tasting appointment with Will at Violin. Super fun time, Will always has lots to share, words and wines. We tasted through an array of 23s and 22s, all serious quality but favorites were ‘23 Pinot Noir Temperance Hill and Pinot Noir Freedom Hill. Also ‘23 Pinot Noir Bracken and the ‘23 Chardonnay WV, a 60/40 blend of Sojeau and Bracken. Thanks Will!
Aromatically focused but a little closed even after a couple hours of air, mostly flint and chalk with wisps of yellow apple and lime peel. Mouthcoating in its minerality, but otherwise light and graceful on the palate. This has a nice long finish in which the intensity of yellow fruit flavors builds over a core of chalky minerals. It ends with a touch of vanilla cream and subtle guava and other tropical fruit notes. Saved a couple glasses to check in again tomorrow.
When we tasted with Will the 23 Bracken chard was absolutely stellar and I think he said it had been open for three days. So I think lots of oxygen appetite. Bet the 23 Sojeau is better yet tomorrow.
Didn’t think to ask him to compare\contrast his Chard process to what he saw at Walter Scott back in the day when he was swapping labor for space to make his wines. That would be an interesting line to follow.
