The name Lingua Franca is translated as the “language of the Franks.” In 2012 Master Sommelier Larry Stone acquired the vineyard in the Eola Amity Hills AVA of Willamette Valley planting it to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His first release was from the 2013 vintage.

The 2021 Lingua Franca Estate Pinot Noir is sourced from some of the best vineyard sites. It is aged for 12 months in 25% new and 75% old French Oak Barrels with an additional four months in tanks. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant ruby core with delicate crimson edges. The detailed bouquet unveils dusty rose petal aromas on the surface, but notes of tilled earth and sagebrush emerge deeper inside. The wine offers a complex medley of crushed red violets, loam, cinnamon shavings and brown spices neatly packaged with racy acidity and super-fine tannins. As with all Lingua Franca Pinot Noirs, there is a noticeable Burgundian essence.

By W Peter Hoyne