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2023 Redolent Carlton Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grape Varietals
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Pommard clone
- Wädenswil clone
Location
Carlton Hill Vineyard
Yamhill-Carlton AVA
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Carlton Hill is an 11-acre vineyard situated above the towns of Yamhill and Carlton. Planted in 1999, the vineyard has an unusual eastern exposure, rather than the more common southern or southwestern exposure found in many Willamette Valley vineyards. The site is planted to the classic Oregon Pinot Noir clones Pommard and Wädenswil and sits on marine sedimentary soils. The vineyard is LIVE Certified Sustainable, with Redolent noting that its organic certification is in process.
Cellar Window: Drink now or cellar through 2032
Tasting Notes
This is a refined, cool-climate expression of Oregon Pinot Noir, centered on freshness, aromatic complexity and the earthy character of the Carlton Hill site. Notice layers of red cherry, dark cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry, accompanied by violet and lavender, subtle woodland herbs, baking spice and an earthy forest-floor character. As it opens, darker berry fruit and touches of clove, nutmeg and dried leaves emerge. The eastern exposure of Carlton Hill preserves freshness while the site’s marine sedimentary soils contribute depth and savory character.
Food Pairings
The combination of red fruit, bright acidity, earthiness and moderate tannin makes this an exceptionally food-friendly Pinot Noir. Pair it with roast duck, herb-roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, wild mushroom pasta, or roasted root vegetables. It would be especially good with duck breast accompanied by cherries or cranberries, where the fruit in the dish can mirror the wine’s red-fruit character. Earthier dishes such as mushroom tart, lentils with herbs or roasted beets will emphasize the wine’s forest-floor and savory qualities. For cheese, try Brie, Camembert, Gruyère or a moderately aged alpine-style cheese.
2023 Redolent “This Must Be The Place” Chardonnay
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grape Varietal
- 100% Chardonnay
Location
Willamette Valley AVA
Oregon
Cellar Window: Drink now or cellar through 2030
Tasting Notes
This Must Be The Place presents Chardonnay in a style that balances ripe Willamette Valley fruit with freshness and texture. Notice yellow apple, ripe pear, peach and Meyer lemon, followed by citrus zest, subtle floral notes and hints of hazelnut and baking spice. Mineral and savory elements—wet stone, fresh herbs and a gentle earthy quality—provide contrast to the richer orchard fruit. The result is a Chardonnay with enough texture to feel generous on the palate without becoming heavy, finishing with refreshing citrus and savory notes. Redolent’s restrained, low-intervention winemaking philosophy is particularly well suited to Chardonnay, allowing fruit, acidity and vineyard character to remain at the center of the wine.
Food Pairings
This style of Chardonnay has enough richness for substantial dishes but enough acidity to pair with seafood and lighter preparations. Try it with roasted chicken, seared scallops, Dungeness crab, halibut, grilled salmon, shrimp, lobster, or creamy pasta dishes. It would also be excellent with mushroom risotto, roasted cauliflower, butternut squash, or chicken in a lemon-herb cream sauce. Its orchard-fruit and citrus profile makes it particularly attractive with Pacific Northwest seafood, while its subtle nutty and creamy qualities work beautifully with richer dishes. For cheese, pair it with Brie, Camembert, Comté, Gruyère or a young triple-cream cheese.
About the Producer
Redolent Wine Company is the collaboration of Jon Larson and Boyd Pearson, whose complementary backgrounds shape the winery’s thoughtful, small-production approach. Larson leads much of the winemaking, bringing decades of experience and fascination with fermentation in many forms, while Pearson contributes extensive experience in wine sales and the broader wine industry. The two work closely together on tasting, blending, and nearly every aspect of production. Redolent’s story began in 2015, when Carlton Hill Vineyard owner David Polite contacted Pearson about an available ton of Pinot Noir. Pearson and Larson turned those grapes into what became Redolent’s first wine, eventually expanding the portfolio to include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Nebbiolo, and other distinctive bottlings. Today, the wines are produced at the GC Wines facility in Amity, Oregon.
Redolent follows an intentionally restrained, low-intervention philosophy, viewing the winemaker’s role as one of stewardship rather than control. Instead of imposing a heavy winemaking signature, Larson and Pearson aim to let the grapes, vineyard, and vintage guide the finished wine, preserving the character of each site as clearly as possible. Their goal is to create wines that express both a strong sense of place and genuine enjoyment—wines that are, in their words, “redolent of place” and “redolent of pleasure.”
