Leah Jørgensen 'Le Coeur de Tour Rain' Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2022

Leah Jørgensen 'Le Coeur de Tour Rain' Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2022

• WINEMAKER: Leah Jørgensen.

• FARMING: The Havlin vineyard is certified sustainable via L.I.V.E. (Low Impact Viticulture + Enology) and is certified Salmon Safe.

• VARIETY: 100% Gamay Noir.

• TERROIR: The grapes are sourced from the Havlin Vineyard, located in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA, which uses plant material from the legendary Seven Springs Vineyard—home to the oldest own-rooted Gamay in the U.S. Planted in 2011, the site is dry-farmed and features marine sedimentary soils (specifically Dupee/Willakenzie soil series). The site is influenced by coastal winds, creating a, significant diurnal shift that preserves acidity.

• VINIFICATION: Jørgensen describes her role as "listening" to the vintage, avoiding a rigid formula to let the cool 2022 season (noted for low sugar and high acidity) express itself fully. Grapes are sorted and completely destemmed upon arrival at the cellar. A pre-fermentation cold soak is utilized to amplify the wine's perfume and vibrant ruby color. The wine undergoes a gentle fermentation process featuring manual punch-downs to manage extraction. Jørgensen typically uses non-GMO yeast strains to ensure a clean, reliable fermentation.

• AGING: The wine is aged in neutral French oak barrels for 10 months, a choice intended to provide texture and transparency without imposing heavy wood flavors.

• TASTING NOTES: Fragrant and floral on the nose, featuring wild strawberries, crushed red cherries, and pomegranate skin, balanced by notes of underbrush, wild flowers, delicate spice, and a hint of wet stone. Lithe and energetic with mouthwatering acidity and incredibly fine tannins. Dominant flavors include wild berries, tart cherry, cranberry, and red plum. Light and perfumed, designed with a Loire Valley spirit but unmistakably Oregonian finesse.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Pair it with roast chicken or turkey, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, grilled salmon, or Korean fried chicken.