When Paula and Steve Black founded The Four Graces in the Red Hills of Dundee, Oregon 10 years ago, they set out to make rich, complex wines that elegantly express their unique terroir. For their estate vineyard, they purchased a remarkable 110-acre parcel planted with mature Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc vines: the Red Hills’ three top-grown varieties.
Two years later, they purchased a second site, the beautiful Doe Ridge Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and embarked on a very interesting experiment. As the vines were plotted out, two 20-acre sections with nearly identical characteristics were selected and planted with identical stocks. From that point forth, they have been farmed using two different sets of practices: one section is sustainably farmed, and the other is farmed using Biodynamic practices.
Three years later, four barrels from each section were selected and aged identically. A long anticipated side-by-side tasting revealed a significant difference in the taste of the wines. Vintage after vintage, the experiment continues on a small-lot scale.
The luscious wines of The Four Graces are made by French-born winemaker, Laurent Montalieu. He studied vineyard management and winemaking in Bordeaux and has adeptly practiced both in France, Northern California, and Oregon. His finesse has certainly contributed to the many accolades The Four Graces has received through its first decade.
Happily, The Four Graces has opened a tasting room just south of the town of Newberg. Those who sample the wines might easily assume that “The Four Graces” refers to the exquisite character of the wines themselves. Truth be told, Paula and Steve chose it to honor their four lovely daughters, and one handsome son, who is lovingly referred to as the girls’ keeper.
The Four Graces portfolio achieves and exceeds Paula and Steve’s original goal of producing rich, complex, and elegant wines. This winery is a living legacy—both to the Black family, and the terroir where its grapes are grown.
WHAT TO BUY
’12 Pinot Gris – $20
Lemon zest, Fuji apple, gooseberries, key lime
’11 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – $32
Red raspberry, wild strawberry, red and blue fruit, hint of cocoa
’11 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir – $45
Cherry, lilacs, roses, chocolate, hints of vanilla, spice, black pepper
CONTACT
800-245-2950
info@thefourgraces.com
thefourgraces.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily 10–5
9605 NE Fox Farm Rd.
Dundee, OR 97115
SPECIAL NOTES
Sustainable farming practices, demonstration vineyard, tasting room, picnic grounds, wine club events.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
