The Wine

There is a special two-acre block on the Sweet Cheeks estate that is just, well... wild. While all the other vines on the estate grow in an orderly fashion, these vines are unruly and have become our “wild child.” We find ourselves marveling at the wines produced from this block because they can catch you by surprise with hints of delectably unpredictable flavors. Wild Child Pinot Noir fully supports being enjoyed in an environment that allows you to bring out your inner wild child—we see you putting on the old school classics and cranking up the volume.

You feel the soft Willakenzie soil below each step as you watch the Pinot noir leaves dance in the breeze. The resident vineyard dogs, Charlie and Barley, are taking turns chasing each other—weaving in and out of the vines. You take a moment to look around and feel grounded by the intricate landscape. The hills are a monochromatic canvas of green trees, raptors glide through the valley, and you can hear the soft echo of a tractor in the nearby pasture. Each row of Pinot noir you pass is manicured. In the distance, you catch the glimpse of something new. The canopy peaks your interest then quickly captures your attention—these leaves are not like the others; they are not afraid to be different. The nature of these vines is invigorating. This block is bringing forward the curiosity you felt when you first discovered wine. Inside the barrel hall winemaker Leo Gabica shows you the French oak barrels housing the wine from this particular block. As he pulls the wine thief from the barrel, you note the vibrant red color. As the wine settles in your glass and you bring it up to your nose the first notes embrace you. Cherry and cranberry are your first instincts—but you are surprised to find the first impression is a nod to the classic notes of Pinot noir. This wine is elegant and perhaps not exhibiting that same sense of adventure you felt while admiring its individuality in the vineyard. As you take your first sip, you discover instant satisfaction in finding that’s where the wild lives.

Learn more about this lot during Preview Week, when winemaker Leo Gabica will present this wine during a virtual tasting session on July 27. Register here.

The Winery

Sharing wine has the power to bring people together, create thoughtful conversation and change an ordinary day into something to remember. We started as a small vineyard, planted by our founder, Dan Smith, who didn’t necessarily have dreams of starting a winery but fell in love with the landscape in the community of Crow, located within the countryside of Eugene, Oregon. He eventually built a winery, believing that wine brought about community. We continue that mission, creating wine and experiences that bring people together. We take a relaxed approach to wine—enjoying a bottle doesn’t need to be that complicated.

Learn more about Sweet Cheeks Winery
Follow: @sweetcheekswinery

All wine is sold FOB the location of the winery that produced the lot purchased. WVWA is not responsible for shipping wine. Shipping or delivery arrangements, expenses and insurance are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. Any shipment of wines out-of-state is the responsibility of the purchaser, who is solely responsible for compliance with the laws and regulations of said state.

The producing winery currently has distribution in the below listed countries and states. A list of distributors is available upon request.

USA: FL, LA (NO), MT, OR, WA (SEA)