“Given Cahill’s long and consistent winemaking history, I have no doubt that the quality of the wines here, which has always been high, will be maintained. I’m sure the wines will be age-worthy as well, based on his track record of making such a style at Soter.” – Vinous

Did you score some of the Aegrina that was the opening act today? We chose this Timbale & Thyme to be the wine number two because we loved the finesse and elegance; it’s a beautiful Pinot that requires some patience to open up. And that, it does in spades.

One of Oregon’s finest. 95 points and over HALF OFF at $29. Was $65 once.

Before North Valley, James Cahill landed at Beaux Frères. The cult Oregon estate co-founded by Robert Parker himself. The one Wine Spectator once ranked No. 3 on their Top 100. He didn’t just pass through. He worked his way up to Director of Operations.

Then, during his time at Elk Cove, an invitation that’s hard to turn down came from the highly respected Tony Soter of Soter Vineyards, who had founded Etude in 1982 before decades of consulting for Araujo, Dalla Valle, Shafer, and Spottswoode. He also helped lay the foundation for modern Napa Cabernet before walking away to come home to Oregon and make Pinot Noir.

North Valley started as a Soter project, but Cahill is now in charge and steering it. We were super excited to get these SINGLE VINEYARD wines from North Valley; they are such a treat! And the critics think so too - just look at all those glowing reviews.

The fruit comes from Timbale & Thyme Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton. South-facing slopes from 200 to 800 feet. Deep red clay silt soils. It’s right across the road from Soter’s Mineral Springs Ranch. From five Pinot Noir clones and LIVE certified, farmed with intention from the start.

The 2021 vintage was a welcome reprieve from the difficulties of 2020. Nice dry summer. Lower yields. Long measured harvest into October.

Per Clive Pursehouse of Decanter, “it’s my favourite of the tremendous line of single vineyard wines James Cahill made…” with the vintage assessment adding that “concentrated with fine tannins, 2021 may be the template for a new classic vintage… The resulting wines are brilliant. They offer great concentration, wonderful lift and freshness, and such fine tannins… the top producers have made wonderfully collectable wines that will age 15 to 20 years. A five-star vintage for the Willamette Valley”

We couldn’t agree more - We love the complexity and nuances the different vineyards showcase.

What we loved about this expression of Timbale & Thyme was that the nose comes in bright and earthy together, like crushed wild strawberry and forest floor showing up at the same time. A herbal lift threads through the whole thing. The palate is precise and medium weighted, with lively snappy acidity holding the structure together and fine-grained tannins that don’t announce themselves. Lean without being thin. Long without being showy. It was so beautiful and just kept on getting better throughout the day, which means you can cellar it too or decant it as well.

One of those wines you say I’ll just have a couple of glasses with dinner and then it’s gone.

95 Points - Decanter “Timbale & Thyme Vineyard is in the Yamhill Carlton appellation, planted around 2012; this wine is 25% whole cluster; it shows a floral elegance with notes of rose petals and violets, with a silken character that carries through. It’s my favourite of the tremendous line of single-vineyard wines James Cahill made at North Valley Vineyards in 2021. Finesse and minerality predominate, but bright red fruit tones of cranberry, cut strawberries, and blood orange further lift this wine - a delight. Drink 2024-2036.”

94 Points - Vinous - “The 2021 Pinot Noir Timbale & Thyme Vineyard is darkly alluring and spicy in the glass, as dusty rose and violet give way to crushed blackberries and hints of mint. This smooths over the palate with pure silk textures, ushering in crisp red and blue fruits as a bump of zesty acidity enlivens the experience. Dramatically long and staining, the 2021 leaves a coating of fine-grained tannins and hints of licorice. This beauty is balanced for the cellar. 25% whole clusters. Drink 2025-2033.”

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast - ”These dusty, brambly red fruit aromas are like picking wild raspberries on the side of a rural dirt road. A bright beacon of acidity lights the path for crisp and tangy tangerine and red raspberry flavors. The Timbale & Thyme is a lithe and wonderfully lean sipping experience.”

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck - “Moving to Yamhill-Carlton, the 2021 Pinot Noir Timbale & Thyme Vineyard pours a dark red/ruby hue and takes a dark tone in the glass, with notes of licorice, brambly herbs, and black cherries. It has more purity and a juicy feel on the palate, with a more delicately sweet fruit, fine tannins, and a rounded mid-palate. It’s a charming wine to enjoy over the next 5-7 years. Drink 2024-2031.”