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We’ve been meaning to write about this lovely offering from the Willamette Valley for a few months. Last night we opened our last bottle. Since that was our last chance, here we are.
The Samuel Robert 2019 Vintner’s Reserve opens with aromas of red cherries, chocolate, and a hint of lime. The palate is rustic with some leather overlaying more cherries and forest floor. (This is not the same as the Family Reserve that proved too big for our taste.)
The wine is priced at $192 a case on the website. But there’s a note that their wines are available through distribution only. In the greater Silicon Valley area, Total Wine is carrying it. The current price is $15.99 with a discount if you buy six bottles of, well, anything.
The owners, Samuel and Bryn Coelho, started Samuel Robert Winery as a négociant operation in 2011. The transition to grapegrowing began in 2014.
Samuel and Bryn Coelho
Samuel is actually a California native:
Born in Modesto, California, Samuel Coelho moved to Oregon as a young boy when his family relocated to join the blossoming Oregon wine industry. Having helped his parents plant and develop their estate vineyard as a young boy, Samuel always had a keen understanding of the potential of the Oregon wine industry.
Frankly, we’re pretty happy he’s in Oregon. He clearly understands the pinot noir grape and the Willamette Valley terroir.
