Trisaetum Winery & Vineyards – pronounced tris-say-tum – is located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In 2003, Andrea & James Frey acquired an old cattle ranch in the foothills of the Coast Range outside McMinnville. Two years later they planted 22 acres of vines; they subsequently added another 28 acres near Newberg on Ribbon Ridge.
The winery, which is named after the founders’ two children, Tristen and Tatum, is still family owned and operated and produces small lots of critically acclaimed Pinot Noir and Riesling from its three estate vineyards.
Just how critically acclaimed…? Trisaetum’s 2007, 2008, and 2009 Rieslings were each awarded Editor’s Choice designations by the Wine Enthusiast with respective scores of 93, 94, and 93 points on the magazine’s 100-point scale.
The second varietal for which Trisaetum is best known is Pinot Noir. And, recently, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate simply couldn’t find enough superlatives to describe the winery’s 2012 vintage: The 2012 Family Reserve Pinot Noir ($100) received a whopping 95 points; the 2012 Estates Reserve Pinot Noir 94 points ($69); and the 2012 Coast Range Pinot Noir ($49) and 2012 Wichmann Dundee Pinot Noir ($49) 92 points, respectively.
In addition to great wines, Trisaetum is also known for its great art. Not only is proprietor James Frey the winemaker, but the 1,500-square foot gallery/tasting room located within the winery features his abstract expressionist paintings, photography, and sculpture. His paintings are also utilized on his art series wine bottle labels, many of which have become collector’s items.
As you have undoubtedly noticed, Trisaetum wines are not inexpensive. Even the 2013 Estates Reserve Dry Riesling and 2013 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, which might be considered entry level wines, are generally priced in the $35 – $40 range… Both, however, are well worth your hard-earned dollar, as they are, in many cases, infinitely superior to wines retailing at twice the price.
The 2013 Dry Riesling, for example, received an incredible 95 points from Wine Enthusiast magazine and was named one of their “Cellar Selections.” This is a wine that offers tremendous concentration and complexity, is packed with stone & citrus fruit, and boasts a bracing acidity. “Good as it is,” Wine Enthusiast notes, “the best is yet to come.” Wonderfully accessible at the present moment, this is a wine that will be even better in the years to come.
The 2013 Pinot Noir is a combination of barrels from the winery’s three estate vineyards and offers wine lovers a beautiful balance of power and elegance. It is rife with vibrant fruit flavors, earth, and spice. Silky smooth on the palate, its soft, finely textured tannins linger on to a lush and luxurious finish. This marvelous Pinot Noir will continue to be thoroughly enjoyable for the next 5 – 8 years. A classic in every sense of the word.
Just one minor problem… both the 2013 Dry Riesling and the 2013 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir are notoriously difficult to find. Your most expedient course of action is to order online, as I did, directly from the winery, www.trisaetum.com.
By the way, if you’d like to sample the goods before making a commitment, the White Dog Café in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is currently offering Trisaetum’s 2013 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir by the glass ($17). Give it a try; I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Cheers!
TAD
{ 0 comments… add one now }