Wines written and spoken with a French accent are always enticing. But when those wines are from Oregon, I can’t wait to learn more. A few weeks ago, I was invited by those at Résonance in Carlton, Oregon to join a webinar discussion about their wines and their fascinating story.
Résonance, a Fearless New Project by Maison Louis Jadot
In 2013, Thibault Gagey and Jacques Lardiere visited Resonance, an established vineyard property in Carlton, Oregon. Jacques had just retired after his position as winemaker at Maison Louis Jadot for 42 years. Thibault’s family had operated Maison Louis Jadot for over 50 years at the time. As part of the next generation, he was ready to begin a “bold new project” – to establish the Maison’s first winery outside of Burgundy.
Photo Credit: Resonance Wines
After surveying the property, feeling its “energy,” tasting a plethora of wines from grapes grown on its “true terroir,” both Jacques and Thibault knew that this would be the perfect location to cultivate “site-expressive wines with character.” Thibault’s father, The President of Maison Louis Jadot, Pierre-Henry Gagey, agreed. The group decided to keep the name “Resonance,” since they felt the word suggests “great things to come” in French. They also added the accent mark to indicate the connection between Oregon and France. Et voila!
Résonance Winery was founded and Thibault became the Director of Operations in 2013. Inspired by the new venture, Jacques Lardiere, after only two months of retirement, decided to join the Résonance team. He now works closely with Guillaume Large, Winemaker who moved to Oregon from Burgundy in 2017 after working at Maison Louis Jadot in the position of Assistant Technical Director. During the online discussion, he remarked that he’s “very excited” about the Résonance endeavor and shared that “Oregon is the perfect transition from Burgundy” thanks to the small-town feel, wonderful food and friendly people.
Photo Credit: Résonance Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon
And what about that French accent? A very special guest at the webinar was Katie, also known as the French Wine Tutor on her own website and on social media. During the course of the webinar, Katie guided participants in correctly pronouncing French wine terms, regions, appellations, and more. If her goal was to help willing participants speak the French language of wine with more confidence, it was a success. Follow her at @frenchwinetutor on Instagram and TikTok and on her site. Please click here.
Selected Wines of Résonance
Sent as samples and tasted during the webinar were four wines produced at Résonance, two each of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
2019 Decouverte Vineyard Estate Chardonnay ($60) from vineyards in Dundee Hills was exquisitely Burgundian. Complex notes of lemon zest, orange blossom, hazelnut, jasmine and the slightest hint of caramel on both nose and palate were lifted with bright acidity and minerality. The wine spent 13 months in French oak and a creamy mouthfeel added to its complexity. Like all vineyards at Résonance, the Dundee Hills parcel is certified organic.
Wafting from the glass of 2019 Hyland Vineyard Chardonnay ($56) were pure aromas leading to flavors of lemon zest, almonds, white florals, pear and vanilla with a thread of minerality. With 16 months in French oak plus concrete egg, I found the Chardonnay as energetic as I’ve tasted in awhile. The 2016 vintage from the Hyland Vineyard was the first Chardonnay made at Résonance.
Balanced with plenty of structure, 2017 Résonance Vineyard ($70) was magnificent. Aromas and flavors of black cherries, blackberries, tobacco, white pepper, violets, herbs and vanilla were placed on a foundation of moderate tannins and bright acidity. From their dry farmed Résonance vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton appellation boastin the oldest soils in the Willamette Valley, this Pinot Noir was aged for 17 months in French oak.
Santé! ~ Cindy
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