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Oregon Wine Country: Coppola‘s Domain de Broglie takes Top Honors at 30th annual McMinnville Wine Competition

By Joe Wehinger — 2 years ago

Coppola‘s Domain de Broglie takes Top Honors at 30th annual McMinnville Wine Competition

The McMinnville Wine Classic Competition completed its 30th annual professional judging on Saturday January 7, 2023.

All eight out-of-state judges arrived unfettered and ready to help elevate the competition.

The wine competition has not missed an event including through the peak Covid years, and is a dedicated fundraiser for McMinnville’s St. James School.

Oregon Wine Country: Coppola‘s Domain de Broglie takes Top Honors at 30th annual McMinnville Wine Competition

It raises thousands of dollars for programs benefiting the school’s children. Organized by Rolland Toevs, Carl Giavanti and Jon Johnson and staffed by volunteers, the Mac Classic competition is one of the largest Oregon Only wine competitions in the state.

The competition draws professional judges from across the U.S.

This year’s panel represents the full spectrum of the wine industry, including future MW Samantha Cole Johnson of Janice Robinson.com, Sommeliers like Fred Swan and Ellen Landis, Buyer Jusden Aumand from Tri-Vin Imports, and Wine Writers such as Clive Pursehouse the U.S. Editor for Decanter Magazine, Eric Degerman of Great Northwest Wine, Deborah Parker-Wong the U.S. Editor Slow Wine Guide, James Melendez aka James the Wine Guy, and Michael Apstein of Wine Review Online and Terroir Sense.

Coppola‘s Domain de Broglie takes Top Honors at 30th annual McMinnville Wine Competition

Wines were showing well, with distribution of Double Gold and Gold awards was across the state.

Taking home top honors in 2023 was Domaine de Broglie, whose 2019 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir claimed Best of Show, Best Pinot Noir and Best Red Varietal, a first time ever for any winery in the state.

Cardwell Hill Cellars won Best Chardonnay again this year, a record fourth time, for their 2021 The Bard Chard, as well as Best White Varietal. Pike Road Winery won Best Dessert Wine for their Yamhill-Carlton AVA Route 47 Late Harvest white.

Rounding out the awards was Durant Vineyards who gained the top spot in the Best Sparkling Wine category for their 2019 Brut sparkling wine. All Double Gold and Gold Medals are listed at the bottom of this page:

For more details, visit https://www.mcminnvillewinecompetition.com/

Steve Lutz of Oregon Wine's Lenne' Estate sells his iconic vineyard

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Oregon Wine: Lenne’ Estate Steve Lutz sells his iconic vineyard

By Joe Wehinger — 2 years ago

Steve Lutz of Oregon Wine’s Lenne’ Estate sells his iconic vineyard as he eyes: what’s next in wine career.

Steve Lutz, vigneron and founder sells his iconic estate after 22 years
Peavine soils certified worst in Yamhill County, proved to yield distinctive Pinot Noirs
Lutz is said to be setting up next phase of his idiosyncratic wine career
Purchasers Jory, LLC will release next stage brand name and concept for the estate

Lutz’s wine career spans 4 decades and includes hospitality management for part of the Mondavi Wines Group in Napa Valley among other Napa brands and heading up hospitality at Chateau Benoit (now Anne Amie) in Carlton, Oregon culminating in the discovery of his unique 20.9 acre estate vineyard.

Lenné is French influenced wordplay of Lenny, Steve’s father-in-law

The brand name Lenné’ was derived as a French influenced wordplay of Lenny, Steve’s father-in-law who reportedly was a chicken farmer in a suburb of London.

Having achieved cult wine status for over 20 years

Lenné’ produces only estate wines, with annual production ranging from 1,600 – 2,000 cases, most of which is allocated to local wine club and out of state wine enthusiasts. Having achieved what is essentially cult status over 20 years as a craft producer

Lutz quips:

“…Most people think that wine is a lifestyle business,

it most assuredly isn’t, although, of course,

we do enjoy some perks!”

When queried about what’s next, Steve offers “Lenné’s unique programs and experiences will exist in new formats for years to come, although you’ll have to get on our mailing and membership lists to take advantage of what’s coming up next.”

you’ll have to get on […] mailing and membership lists to take advantage of what’s coming up next

The Lenne’ tasting room closes at the end of 2022.

Steve Lutz of Oregon Wine’s Lenne’ Estate sells his iconic vineyard

Jory, LLC had been searching for a bespoke Pinot producing site and were delighted when approached by Steve.

Jory intend to further develop the existing property with a new brand name, marketing concepts, and larger facilities. Co-owner Eugene Labunsky has admitted to being thrilled to finally acquire a property he has had his eye on for years.

Lenné’ Estate

Lenne’ Estate grows death-defying Pinot Noir vineyards on steep slopes in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Steve Lutz planted his first vines in 2001, expanding the vineyard property to 20.9 acres. The estate is planted with five clones of Pinot Noir (Pommard, 777, 115, 114, and 667), and most recently Chardonnay.

Jory, LLC

Jory, LLC is a partnership between grower and wine enthusiast Eugene Labunsky and Jared Etzel, winemaker and co-founder of Domaine Roy, and son of Mike Etzel of Beaux Frere fame. The partnership was formed with the intent to grow a portfolio of fine wine brands produced from singular estates of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Additional information will be released in the upcoming months.