Tom Mortimer is a native of Glenview, Illinois who pursued a career in the recycling of paper products. Tom had purchased a recycling plant with his partner in Dundee, Oregon while continuing to live in suburban Minneapolis with his wife Deb. In 1996, after several trips to the Oregon countryside, Tom and his wife purchased a 28-acre parcel of land on the southern slope of Parrett Mountain in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Twenty-one acres of this uncultivated property would become Le Cadeau vineyard, which is translated as “the gift” in French.

I had an opportunity to taste through Tom’s portfolio with him during my recent visit to Willamette Valley. I was thoroughly overwhelmed by the quality and Burgundian flavor profile of this artisanal-styled 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir sourced from the Chehalem Mountain AVA. The wine is aged on the yeast for 56 months. This methode champenoise sparkler has a glistening golden yellow hue and a satiny, well-defined mousse with aromas of freshly baked croissants. It bursts from the glass with undertones of caramelized citrus fruits, lemon zest and ginger interwoven with slivered almonds and seashell minerality. There is an alluring textural richness to this wine making it savory and energetic through its long and memorable journey on the palate. A great achievement by winemaker Steve Ryan and among the finest sparkling wines from the Willamette Valley and elsewhere.

By W Peter Hoyne