Chateau Nonchalant

B and I like to head down to Roseburg, OR now and then and taste the Umpqua Valley wines. On one such trip, we were meandering through back roads from Garden Valley Road attempting to get back to Canyonville, OR because we were staying at the Seven Feathers Casino. B was driving as I was checking Yelp! to see if there were any opportunities to stop for one last tasting...I'm an opportunist :) Low and behold we stumbled across a five star rated vineyard by the name of Chateau Nonchalant around the town of Lookingglass, OR. Most of the reviews had the word 'quaint' in them and I made B stop (not that he minded one bit). We drove up a gravel road to a house with giant property and horses! At first it was confusing where we were to taste. It seemed as though we were to go in the front door, but then Vicky came out to meet us and show us into the tasting room. It was all dark wood accents and faux paint finishes. Turns out her brother hand made not only the room (which used to be a garage) but all of the amazing cabinetry and wine cellar! Let me tell you; he's talented. Vicky and her friends take turns manning the tasting room and it seems like they all have a lot of fun doing so. Made me want to become a friend of hers real quick like. She sells sundries that her family and friends produce and there's a real 'homey' feeling to the room. We bellied up to the bar and tasted everything she had open, along with some tastey home-made, stone ground mustard.  


We particularly enjoyed her 2007 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, and at $21 it was a steal of a deal...we bought two. As Vicky poured our glasses with the Estate Reserve you could smell the earthy aroma coming off of it, and I knew I was going to love it. This Pinot is light in color, and has long slow running legs! After a few swirls around my glass I could smell the earth as well as licorice and blackberry. Tasting the first sip was heaven in my mouth! It was strong tannins right up front, followed berry, then a smooth finish. It was so unlike any pinot I have had before (as are most in the Umpqua Valley) that I knew two bottles to go would be a great idea...too bad we already drank both of them.  I would suggest using a big ass glass for this wine as it opens up better with more air.


Oh, and on our way out, Vicky even gave us some of the delish mustard we liked so much FOR FREE :) If you are ever in Roseburg, OR tasting wine, definitely take the time to swing by Chateau Nonchalant. I know I can't wait to get back there.


- KW