Winemaker Notes
Cloudline Cellars represents a first for Dreyfus, Ashby--their own wine. Given their love for Pinot Noir and their long history developing Domaine Drouhin Oregon and other fine wines, it's probably not surprising that they've choosen Oregon's Willamette Valley as the home for this exciting project.
The goal is very specific: to create the best, most delicious and consistent value in Oregon Pinot Noir today. They are fortunate to have access to top sources, growers and vintners who understand and support what Dreyfus, Ashby is trying to accomplish. They have also enlisted the expertise of Veronique Drouhin-Boss, who has graciously agreed to be the consulting winemaker, or more appropriately, their "reference palate." In practical terms, she makes sure the quality never wavers.
Sourced from some of the finest vineyards in Oregon.
Home of some of the planet’s most amazingly elegant and expressive Pinot noir, the Willamette Valley is a pastoral, mixed landscape of green, bucolic rolling hills, dramatic forestlands and small, independent, friendly wine growers. As a leader in environmental stewardship, the valley has some of the nation’s most protective land use policies, with two-thirds of its vineyards farmed sustainably and over half, organically. While the valley claims a cool, continental climate, and is heavily influenced by the cold, moist winds of the Pacific Ocean, its warm and dry summers allow for the steady, even ripening of Pinot noir.
The potential of Willamette Valley Pinot noir continues to attract the investment of serious growers and winemakers both locally and from abroad, as naturally the finished wines bring accolades from professionals and enthusiasts. With a range of styles from delicate dried cherry, raspberry and hibiscus to stronger notes of truffle, mocha, plum and spice, a fine Willamette Valley Pinot noir is a perfect expression of both character and grace.