South Korean businessman, Jay Lee, founded this small batch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay facility in 2018. La Biblioteca is translated as “the library” in Spanish. Robert Brittan of Brittan Vineyards crafted the wines from its inaugural release in 2018 through the 2021 vintage. James Cahill, a Willamette Valley veteran, worked alongside Tony Soter in developing the North Valley Vineyards brand and is the managing partner who oversees La Biblioteca. Beginning with the 2022 vintage, winemaking is under the guidance of François Millet, a prominent figure in the wine industry in Burgundy, who has established himself as a master winemaker. His career, spanning over four decades, is marked by his tenure as the chief winemaker at Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé in Chambolle-Musigny, where he began in 1986.

James Cahill, who is the founder and winemaker for North Valley, uses grapes from several Willamette Valley vineyards. The 2021 La Biblioteca Rare Imprint is sourced from the Aegrina Vineyard in McMinnville Vineyard in Willamette Valley, Oregon, and is aged in new French Oak barrels (29%) for 12 months. Deep garnet in appearance this wine showcases aromas of dusty earth and dried flowers. There is a reserved Burgundian personality to this wine with a sense of place. It has a vibrant, fresh entry of creme de cassis and dried rose petals that caress the palate before it introduces elements of stony minerality, forest floor and thyme. The complex and savory core has plenty of energy that evolves over time, so enjoy the journey. The tannins are finely grained leading to a long and lively finish. The wine begs you to return for another sip.

By W Peter Hoyne