If there was ever a bottle of Pinot Noir the Burgundy lovers NEED to buy, from Oregon... and more specifically... from the Willamette Valley... THIS IS IT!

One of the biggest reasons is that this bottle of Pinot Noir that earned huge press (up to 94 Points), would cost $75-$100 in Burgundy ... but is actually just $36.99.

Another is the fact that this wine is made by a powerhouse team including Dominque Lafon and Thomas Savre, making this one of the most exciting projects when it comes to Pinot Noir in the country today.

Lingua Franca was co-founded by Larry Stone, David Honig, and Dominique Lafon in 2015, inspired by the exceptional vineyard site in the Eola-Amity Hills that Larry bought in 2012. They soon hired Thomas Savre, a brilliant young winemaker with work experience at some of the best domaines in Burgundy and an inquisitive mind. Together they have assembled a team of talented and passionate members. All are committed to farming and winemaking practices that respect the environment, believing that complex and undisturbed ecosystems help to create the most interesting and seductive wines.

Savre is among the most accomplished and energetic young winemakers in Oregon. He joined Lingua Franca from his prior position as Assistant Winemaker, Enologist and Assistant Vineyard Manager at Evening Land, where he worked closely with Dominique Lafon to create superb Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Seven Springs Vineyards, directly adjacent to Lingua Franca. 

Nearly 32% of the 2022 Avni Pinot Noir comes from selected blocks of the Lingua Franca Estate. The remaining 68% comes from their best neighboring vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, including Hope Well- elevating the complexity while retaining the round, savory character of this cuvée, but also from the South Salem Hills to Yamhill-Carlton. 2022 will count among the most regionally representative we have ever made.

Bottom line, this is a premium Pinot Noir worth searching out and an outstanding effort from one of the hottest teams in the wine world today.

"Dynamic and precise, this features a core of steely acidity that frames expressive flavors of raspberry and guava, laced with crushed stone, forest floor and dusky spice notes that gather tension and richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033. 18,000 cases made." - 94 Points Wine Spectator

"The nose is pure and focused, showing aromas of redcurrants, wild raspberries and orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and acidity, giving notes of cherry, potpourri, struck match and forest floor. Tightly wound with years of aging ahead. Drink or hold." - 94 Points James Suckling