Momtazi Family Estate Pinot Noir 2018

What do Burgundy, Oregon and Iran have in common? They’re all integral parts of the story behind Momtazi Family Estate Pinot Noir 2018.

France’s Burgundy region produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir. However, as winemakers there ran out of quality land on which to plant vineyards, they started looking to new frontiers and found Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a paradise for Pinot Noir. The famed Drouhin family planted vines here in 1987, then more Burgundians followed, putting Oregon Pinot on the fine wine map.

Some of the very best Oregon Pinots come from Moe Momtazi and his family, who are among the true wine pioneers of the Willamette Valley. Their story begins in Iran, where Moe and Flora were born. During the “cultural revolution” of 1979, they realized Iran would no longer be a good place to start a family. In 1982, they were forced to flee on a small motorcycle, chased by the Revolutionary Guards with Flora riding on the back, eight months pregnant with their first child (who is now their winemaker).

After settling in Oregon, Moe and Flora bough 496 acres of land on which to plant vineyards and build their winery. They’ve always had a passion for sustainability, so they use only Demeter Certified Biodynamic® winemaking techniques and vineyard management practices. The family also believes in holding their wines at the cellar until they are properly evolved, a practice you’ll find at a few of the world’s iconic cellars, like Lopéz de Heredia in Rioja.

The 2018 vintage was exceptional for their region, and this bottling is one of the family’s finest yet. In the glass, look forward to dark fruit flavors of plum and blackberry dancing alongside bright notes of cranberry and pomegranate, which integrate across a long, spice-accented finish.

While delicious already, it will reward further aging. Moe says, “Decant, decant, decant!” when you open it—especially when the wine is in its youth. This well help to open up its full spectrum of aromas and flavors.

The Momtazi family’s exquisite Oregon Pinot Noir is every bit as impressive as fine Burgundy costing $150 or more…but you can enjoy it for far, far less. Secure your share today.