Exploring Lange Estate: A Hidden Gem in Willamette Valley

Back in February, I really had no clue when it came to Lange Estate in the Dundee Hills in the Willamette Valley. Let’s not just brush past that comment; many years of therapy have taught me that I do not like admitting ignorance or any level of uncertainty, so this is a big step in my personal growth.

[Sorry, I just sprained my shoulder patting myself on the back.]

Well, that is not entirely true. Lange Estates has been the occasional contributor to both my annual True Rosé and American Pinot Noir blind tastings (both the largest such blind tastings in the world; you will just have to trust me on that). And I had also tasted a few wines with Jesse Lange on Zoom last year, so I had some familiarity with the brand, which prompted my visit while out in the area.

I had been in contact with Jesse, the second generation winemaker and winegrower at the helm of the estate, but he was not in the tasting room when I dropped in on a chilly Saturday afternoon. The tasting room is perched atop one of the hills that give the appellation its name, with a balcony that likely challenges many an acrophobe.

It was rather surprising that I had never made it out to Lange as it is certainly one of the stalwarts of the region. Founded in 1987 by Jesse’s parents, Don and Wendy, Lange was a key part of the second wave of Willamette Valley pioneers, carving vineyards out of the rugged hillsides.

Long known for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, Lange also produces a fantastic rosé and a terrific Chardonnay, which is where I started with Adriane Davey, Lange’s hospitality manager.

2022 Lange Three Hills Cuvée Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, OR: Retail $45. 430 cases produced. A blend from three hillside vineyards, this is a beautiful wine. Tropical and citrus fruit notes on the nose with a hint of oak and butter, the wine begs to be sipped from the first whiff. The palate is both tart and round (no doubt due to the portion that spent time in concrete) with fantastic lemon and a bit of pineapple. Lengthy finish. Really fantastic. I am not the first to suggest that the Willamette Valley produces some of the best Chardonnay in the world. and this is one of them. Outstanding. 94 Points.

2024 Lange Rosé of Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, OR: Retail $29. True rosé. 750 cases made. Dundee Hills single vineyard. A gorgeous rich nose of strawberry and even a hint of rhubarb. Lovely. Tart, fruity (wild, slightly underripe strawberry), and vivacious, with a distinct mineral streak, this is one of the better rosés I have tried in a while. Lasting finish. A serious wine for wine geeks and only $29? Come on. Outstanding. 95 Points. 

2022 Lange Pinot Noir Reserve, Willamette Valley, OR: Retail $45. 3000 cases made. According to Adriane, “this is the first wine made and the one that the wine team has the most fun making. The most artistic of all the wines.” Light to medium color with a bit of woody earthiness to the darker cherry fruit. Bright and focused on the fruit (wild cherry) but with a  lovely tang right behind, which persists all the way through the fairly lengthy finish. Elegant, reserved, but also with some hidden muscle. Very nice. Outstanding. 93 Points.

2022 Lange Three Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR: Retail $55. 450 cases produced. Under screw cap. The bulk of this wine comes from three vineyards: the Lange Estate Vineyard in Dundee Hills, Freedom Hill Vineyard, and Yamhill Vineyards, with a total of 5-6 vineyards in cuvée. This is the fruitiest Pinot thus far, at least on the nose, with rather intense wild cherry and ripe strawberry. Yowza. Rich, powerful, layered, and just gorgeous on the palate, with plenty of acidity to balance out the wine. Sure, it’s a bit on the “big” side, particularly for the Willamette Valley. But it is fabulous. Outstanding. 94 Points. 

The last two wines, Adriane suggested I taste side-by-side, to showcase the very best of the 2021 vintage.

2021 Lange Yamhill-Carlton Assemblage Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, OR: Retail $80. 450 cases produced, a blend from Yamhill and Hirschy Vineyards. More of a dried fruit (cherry and cranberry) vibe here with a meaty, almost bloody streak; quite savory. Luscious red fruit, rich and weighty, with an accompanying tart element. Right before the finish, somewhat chalky but also silky tannins come in to add a bit of structure and backbone. The finish is incredible. Good power, but also encourages introspection. Outstanding. 95 Points. 

2021 Lange Estate Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, OR: Retail $80. 450 cases made. Perhaps a half of a shade darker than the Assemblage. Perhaps. Fresher fruit here, but it’s darker, with more black cherry and raspberry. Tarter, even on the verge of a sour cherry vibe on the nose with a bit of earth and a mineral note. Subtle initially on the palate. Pleasant, but a bit underwhelming. Well, that changes dramatically on the mid-palate with first a wave of fruit followed by some intense tang and a multitude of layers. Whoa. The intensity builds through and beyond the finish. Yowza. It’s as if you’re motionless at the top of a hill and then start rolling down, gaining speed all along the way, no need to think about the brakes, since the ride is so glorious. Some silky tannins on the finish make you think you should slow down and keep a few bottles of this around for a while. Extraordinary. 98 Points. 

Many thanks to the gracious and patient Adriane for her guidance and assistance. As I mentioned, this was but my first visit to Lange and certainly not my last. I owe Jesse at least one trip since he visited us here in Houston shortly after I was out at the winery.