Swimming Against The Tide? LucidWild Goes All In On Ultra Premium Wine
Paul Gregutt's Northwest Wine Guide
Swimming Against The Tide? LucidWild Goes All In On Ultra Premium Wine
Summary
LucidWild, an ambitious new winery in Oregon’s Dundee Hills AVA, has emerged as a standout success story despite challenging times for the wine industry. Founded by retired attorney Blair Nicholas and his wife L.J. with their January 2021 purchase of the historic Bella Vida vineyard, LucidWild launched with just a few hundred cases but has already seen their Founders Club fully allocated within months and robust direct demand ahead of their official tasting room opening. Working with respected winemaker Isabelle Meunier, who employs minimalist techniques including natural fermentation and extended aging in French oak, the winery is committed to showcasing the exceptional 27-year-old vineyard that previously supplied grapes to high-profile wineries like J.C. Somers and Penner-Ash. This summer, LucidWild will unveil their impressive 15,000-square-foot SkyTerraces + WineCaves tasting destination, positioned 800 feet above the valley floor, offering everything from intimate tastings with panoramic views to immersive barrel experiences that promise to redefine wine tourism in the Willamette Valley.
Reviews
Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Chosen 2022
Score: 95 | $310
WS Review: Compelling, with a handsome structure and enticing layers of raspberry and cherry flavors accented by cinnamon, clove and violet.
LucidWild 2022 Hidden Chardonnay – Fermented with native yeast and aged 12 months in neutral French oak, this single vineyard, estate-grown, small batch wine is elegant, delicately etched with mineral and citrus rind, tart, lightly peppery and highly persuasive. The texture, length and evolving flavors throughout emulate a fine Burgundy in the best way. Though the barrels used were neutral, they have imparted a gentle hint of soda cracker to the engaging finish. Very limited. 45 cases; 12.8%, $95 (Dundee Hills) 94/100
LucidWild 2022 Fusion Pinot Noir – Estate-grown, mixed clone material fuses into a smooth, supple wine with aromas of Asian spices and mixed berries. Fresh, vibrant and tangy flavors follow – a rush of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, accented with orange peel. Coming up in the finish are barrel-aging highlights of buttery caramel after 16 months in 30% new oak. Just as fresh and inviting after being open for 24 hours. 660 cases; 13.3%; $95 (Dundee Hills) 94/100
LucidWild 2022 Beast Pinot Noir – Blackberry, marionberry and black cherry fruit flavors jump from the glass, backed with slightly grainy tannins that bring texture and details of graphite and slate. Big, bold, mouthcoating and leaning into the dark side, this potent wine from estate-grown, mixed clones touches also on the hints of iron ore that typify wines from this storied AVA. 570 cases; 13.5%; $155 (Dundee Hills) 95/100
LucidWild 2022 Chosen Pinot Noir – This five barrel reserve combines four clones from the estate vineyard. All three LucidWild Pinots are beautifully crafted and barrel aged 16 months in 30% new French oak. A different mix of clones is used in each of them. The Chosen cuvée brings aspects of the Fusion and the Beast into a complete and satisfying finale. Rich with purple and black fruits, subtle hints of citrus oil, and well-ripened tannins wit light touches of barrel toast. All culminating in a spicy, intriguing finish that makes this a wine to study and contemplate. 120 cases; 13.6%; $310 (Dundee Hills) 96/100
