ABOUT: Doug Tunnell established Brick House in 1990 in what is now called the Ribbon Ridge AVA, a sub region of the Willamette Valley AVA in Oregon. Originally thinking he would grow organic grapes on his 40 acres and sell them on to wineries in the region, he soon learned he'd have to make his own wine to earn a living. In the early 2000's he began implementing biodynamic practices to his 30 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay and is now both organic and biodynamic certified.Visiting Brick House in Newberg is a real treat, sipping great Pinot Noir on the porch. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. TASTE: Within the Brick House lineup the Tonnelier is a charmer. Made from the oldest Pommard clones on the property, this Pinot Noir has a lot of depth and nuance but tends to be more open and approachable in it’s youth than the Evelyn. The 2017 has lifted aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries and plums intertwined with a whiff of smoke, baking spices, potting soil, and orange peel. Delicate structure with persistent acidity that adds elegance and longevity to the finish. PAIR: Mint, basil, mustard, peppercorns, fig and caramelized onion flatbread, veggie gorditas, buttered tomatoes with ginger, and mushroom roasted red pepper pasta.
