2013 Maison Roy & Fils, Pinot Noir, Petite Incline, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
The young sons of the founders of Oregon’s famous Beaux Freres have crafted a stunner for their debut to the world, Maison Roy, with Jared Etzel and Marc-Andre Roy proving the next generation are a talented group. I tasted the estate Maison Roy Incline, also known as Domaine Roy, as well as this gorgeous Maison Roy Petite Incline, which I found to be more expressive and detailed at this stage, it comes from purchased fruit, many of the same great vineyards used by Beaux Freres in their Willamette Valley cuvee, and the wine is of a similar quality and style! Jared, who’s dad mike Etzel started Beaux Freres in 1991 and who’s brother is now the winemaker at Maison L’ Envoye down the street, must have winemaking and growing in the blood, he is heavily influenced by the wines of Burgundy, but also names Willamette stars like Brick House and Thomas as his favorites, leaning on wineries that are totally organic and biodynamic, this shows in his wines and you can taste the energy and finesse, this is going to be a label to look for. The 2013 Maison Roy Petite Incline starts with floral and sweet smoky tones with rose petals, toasty char, red currant and briar spiciness leading to a textured round palate of cherry, blackberry, plum and strawberry fruit with hints of fig cake, vanilla and red tea as well as a touch of damp earth, chalk, flint and mineral notes. This is a wonderful first time effort, especially given how difficult 2013’s rain affected harvest time was and how awkward a few wines are from this vintage, this one with silken tannins and perfect alcohol to fruit match, with 13.5%, is lovely and ripe, but with vibrancy and grace. The Petite Incline is a killer deal in handcrafted Willamette Pinot, right up there with St. Innocent, Johan, Division and Maison L’Envoye in this price class, drink from 2016 to 2023, and I can’t wait for the 2014 vintage, which can only be better still!
($35 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
