DescriptionThe nose is a vibrant mixture of red berries, rhubarb, vanilla essence and clove. Crunchy cranberries and vibrant purple fruits fill the palate and are complemented by a savory truffle nuance. The palate is opulent but focused and the wine feels alive throughout its impressive length.Producer DescriptionFOUNDERS: Mark Tarlov (Chapter 24 Vineyards) and Old Bridge Cellars (A Wine & Spirits Magazine Top Importer of 2015)CLIMATE: Burgundy: Oceanic, semi-continental; Willamette Valley: Mediterranean, coastal maritime influence; Tasmania: Cool, maritime influence; Central Otago: ContinentalPROFILE: Driven by a tireless hunt for elusive sites where Pinot Noir shines, Maison L'Envoye9 traverses the globe with the intention of presenting the acme of regionality and winemaking styles. Originating in Burgundy, they pursued gilded terroir to craft this region's wine trinity: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay Noir. Yet from this tenor of focus and commitment a global fellowship emerged, with terroir-driven Pinot Noir as the linchpin. Now, with winemaking footprints in Burgundy, Willamette Valley, Tasmania and Central Otago, Maison L'Envoye9 champions many unsung growers who have farmed their vineyards for decades and generations, some mere feet away from more illustriously cited neighbors. This project has been a standout since its debut in 2011 including Wine & Spirits naming Maison L'Envoye9 a 'Winery To Watch' in 2015.VITICULTURE: Maison L'Envoye9's approach in the vineyard combines tailored viticulture and vigilant diligence. Each growing season and unique block is taken into account. The site, specific soil characteristics, elevation, aspect, rainfall, and vine age are considered. The growers that they choose to partner with lean heavily towards organic and biodynamic regimes, with a strict mindset of growing Pinot Noir rather than farming grapes.WINEMAKING: In Burgundy, Maison L'Envoye9's winemaking team is based in the town of Beaune, drawing from several sites including the Premier Cru, Savigny Les Beaune `Les Marconnets' and their own monopole, Chateau Vivier, in Beaujolais' Fleurie cru. In Oregon's Willamette Valley, carefully selected rows of Pinot Noir are sourced from both volcanic and sedimentary based soils primarily in Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge and Eola-Amity Hills. In both Tasmania and Central Otago, it was discovering a single vineyard, each family owned and farmed, that are outstanding examples of purely expressed Pinot Noir that compelled the team to expand its portfolio to these exemplary Pinot regions.