Old Bridge Cellars (OBC) has expanded its Oregon portfolio with Chapter 24 Vineyards, a joint venture between Evening Land founder, Mark Tarlov, and Burgundian winemaker, Louis-Michel Liger-Belair of Vosne-Romanee.
Chapter 24 refers to the last book in Homer's Odyssey; a book, some scholars claim, does not fit with the format or content of the rest of the poem. Similar statements can be made for Chapter 24. Under the direction of the dynamic Tarlov, Liger-Belair duo, the exclusively Pinot Noir range includes two wines under the Fire + Flood label (SRP$60 each), and the flagship, The Last Chapter (SRP$90).
The Fire Pinot Noir is produced from volcanic soils, creating a vibrant, bright depiction of Willamette Valley, while The Flood vines are planted to sedimentary soils, illustrating a darker, suppler style. The Last Chapter is produced with fruit from four distinct vineyard sites, creating a sublime, top-tier Pinot Noir. All Chapter 24 wines undergo minimal intervention, with "no mechanical extraction, no punch down, only gentle pump overs," says Liger-Belair, producing a delicate, complex and "quiet" style of Pinot Noir.
With the inaugural 2012 vintage, Chapter 24 was named one of Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of 2014, while the wines received numerous scores in the mid-90s from top wine publications. "The recognition these wines have seen in their inaugural year is outstanding. They really are game-changers for the region," states Gavin Speight, Wine & Marketing Director at OBC.
Old Bridge Cellars currently works with Mark Tarlov on Maison L'Envoye, a joint venture focusing on the finest sites dedicated to the cultivation of Pinot Noir. Maison L'Envoye produces wines in both Burgundy and Oregon. "Taking on the responsibility for the Chapter 24 winery brands was a natural next step based on the success to date of our joint ventures in France and the Northwest," states Rob Buono, OBC President.
As of January 1, 2014, the wines will be available through Old Bridge Cellars, which will expand the brand nationally. OBC will maintain the existing distributor network currently being used on a regional basis.
Old Bridge Cellars is a leading sales, marketing and import company based in Napa, California, recognized for its collection of regional estates including d'Arenberg, Joe Dobbes Collection, John Duval, Jasper Hill, Leeuwin Estate, Greywacke, Oveja Negra, Innocent Bystander, Shoofly, Stickybeak and Frisk.
