iOTA Cellars

They say you can’t grow grapes in Minnesota (or at least someone probably said it.)  

 

Motivated by the many stories of Oregon pioneers, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Pacific Northwest, Johanna, and Don Sandberg ventured from the land of Vikings over 20 years ago to fulfill their dreams of becoming winemakers here in the Great Willamette Valley.   

 

Along with their family partner Lynne Pelos, the three began learning from the ground up, from planting their first grapes, bottling their first batch of pinot noir, and everything in between. The 57 acres of land they purchased was never cultivated for grape growing, yet the Pacific breezes provided a cool climate that was ideal for a vineyard.  

 

Johanna and Don were devoted to preserving this natural landscape, allowing the natural fauna and wildlife to enrich the quality of the soil and the health of the grapes.  Their sustainable and organic vineyard management led to them earning their LIVE certification in 2008, and is a testament to Johanna and Don’s devotion to making quality wine.

 

Not One iOTA 2015 Pinot Noir reflects their craft, receiving a 92 by Wine Spectator Magazine.  The wine is “polished and persistent, offering expressive red and dark berry notes that show orange zest, stony mineral and spice accents, with refined tannins''.  

 

I couldn’t agree more, as you get an intense jammy berry up taste front that slowly mellows into light citrus and peppery finish.  Every sip leaves you wanting another, and you’ll be thankful for trying such a robust pinot noir from our friends in Eola-Amity Hills.