Tucked away, in the meandering foothills outside of Ashland, Oregon, is a region that few visitors experience when in Oregon wine country – this is where Dancin Vineyards is tucked away against a stunning backdrop of vineyards and small towns, nestled in the Rouge Valley, AVA and the smaller Applegate Valley AVA.
Luckily, the property is located in a region perfectly suited for Pinot Noir – something that might surprise the average wine lover, who often thinks of Southern Oregon as a warmer climate. While that is true, in this small sub-AVA of the Rogue, Pinot Noir lends itself naturally to the climate — which while not dissimilar to the bigger Willamette Valley to the north, is actually more like the Mendocino area of Anderson Valley, with it’s foggy cool nights and proximity tot he ocean.
Naturally, Dan planted Pinot Noir on his new property, and shortly expanded to that other Burgundian star – Chardonnay. Eventually other varietals came, but here, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay win.
With a low intervention methodology, hand sorting and a gravity fed winery make natural bedfellows with the sustainable farmed vineyards. The use of native yeasts furthers the low intervention style, and really hones in on the local terroir of this small corner of wine country. These carefully stewarded techniques makes for something quite magical in the glass.
Mixing it up and being creative makes for the best result in the end, and it is an homage to the artistry and “dance” of winemaking. That dance is what inspired the labels, and the names of the wines – the dance between nature and the farmer and the dance in the winery when the right balance or blend is achieved.
2017 Dancin Vineyards Passé Chardonnay – rich but not overly done. Creamy custard and fresh lemonade, with a chalky finish. Truly Burgundian in style, this is a Chardonnay that a Chablis lover can appreciate. Refreshingly low in alcohol at 11.4%, just a kiss of new oak is used to maintain the fresh style. $32
2017 Dancin Vineyards Capriccio Rogue Valley Estate Chardonnay – with 14% fermented in stainless and the rest in new French oak, it’s a bigger style chard, and I can clearly taste the Wente clone. It’s more of a “California style” chardonnay, with tropical fruit, pineapple, and stone fruit. $32
Moving on tho the Pinot Noirs, there is a similar selection – unique clones, vineyard blocks and sourcing make each one slightly different and unique.
2016 Dancin Vineyards Passe de Chat Pinot Noir – so named because the cat likes to hide in this particular block, this is a bright and classic Oregon Pinot Noir. Bing cherry, rhubarb, ripe cranberry and other bright red fruits are balanced by the earthy finish. This particular pinot is sourced from the Dundee area of the Willamette Valley, and is true to Dancin’s philosophy – only 13.3% ABV, and $38, it’s one of my favorites from the region.
2016 Dancin Vineyards Septette Pinot Noir – A blend of all 7 clones planted on the estate vineyard, it’s bursting with black cherry, freshly tilled earth, and alpine strawberries. Hints of cola syrup and spices invite another sip. This is a wine to age, and will hold up to any Thanksgiving meal. $42
2016 Dancin Vineyards Elevé Estate Pinot Noir – From a higher elevation vineyard, surrounded by trees, this block doesn’t get much sunlight. Bright cherry, brown sugar, baked rhubarb, and a burst of mandarin orange create a love affair in the glass. A dense wine, the cherry forward palate – is a crowd pleaser. The primarily 777 clone creates a rich profile and is an excellent sipping wine. $42
*note – some of the wines reviewed are no longer available from the winery, but i encourage you to seek out others to try.
This visit was sponsored by Capiche Wine Marketing and my friend Chris Cook! Thanks for the great visits and sharing your love for Southern Oregon!
