"Lingua Franca" is defined as "a universal language used to connect people of diverse backgrounds" and there could not be a name more fitting than this! The Lingua Franca label represents a fine tradition of bringing people of different backgrounds to common ground, to produce Pinot Noir that will rival those from anywhere else in the world. Master Sommelier Larry Stone, world-renowned winemaker Dominique Lafond and winemaking protégé Thomas Savre united their talents upon a property in the Eola-Amity Hills area of Oregon's Willamette Valley, a location that's diverse in soils yet seems to continually produces grapes of uncommon quality.
The fruit for "The Plow" bottling comes from the three upper blocks of the property with a layer of large gravels that impart extra energy to the vines and create more complex flavors. Wines grown here are the most balanced and intriguing of the Lingua Franca estate. This gem has earned a whopping 97 points from esteemed critic Audrey Frick (of JebDunnuck.com).
JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS - "A jeweled ruby/red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir The Plow is an exceptional wine all around and its name pays tribute to all of those who work in the vineyard for the estate. In the glass, it reveals a spiced and complex nose with aromas of black cherries, anise, sappy forest herbs, fresh leather, and crushed flowers. As it opens, it continues to evolve and bring forward more sanguine notes of blood orange that frame the wine beautifully. The palate offers outstanding depth and intensity with a characteristic elegance and weightless feel, plush tannins, refreshing salinity, and mineral underpinnings. I would recommend stashing this one away for a few years and drink 2026-2040."
The fruit for "The Plow" bottling comes from the three upper blocks of the property with a layer of large gravels that impart extra energy to the vines and create more complex flavors. Wines grown here are the most balanced and intriguing of the Lingua Franca estate. This gem has earned a whopping 97 points from esteemed critic Audrey Frick (of JebDunnuck.com).
JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS - "A jeweled ruby/red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir The Plow is an exceptional wine all around and its name pays tribute to all of those who work in the vineyard for the estate. In the glass, it reveals a spiced and complex nose with aromas of black cherries, anise, sappy forest herbs, fresh leather, and crushed flowers. As it opens, it continues to evolve and bring forward more sanguine notes of blood orange that frame the wine beautifully. The palate offers outstanding depth and intensity with a characteristic elegance and weightless feel, plush tannins, refreshing salinity, and mineral underpinnings. I would recommend stashing this one away for a few years and drink 2026-2040."
