When Maison Louis Jadot looked for its first project outside Burgundy, Oregon’s Willamette Valley and its distinctive terroir stood out. The French house staked its claim in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, building a new brand around Résonance Vineyard, which was originally planted in 1981. The winemaking team consists of Guillaume Large and Jacques Lardière, who was Jadot’s chief winemaker for 42 years until he “retired” in 2012. Thibault Gagey is director of operations. The Willamette Valley 2021 is a blend from Résonance and other estate vineyards as well as other top sites in the Willamette Valley. The wine aged 15 months in French oak, of which 30 percent was new.

Tasting Note

Precise and elegantly structured, with detailed raspberry, savory tea and crushed stone accents that gather richness and tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031.—Tim Fish

Click the link below for the Wine Spectator tasting video.