If you’re searching for a Pinot Noir that balances elegance with complexity—and truly expresses its origin—you’ve likely come across the 2016 Square Plumb & Level Pinot Noir Libra Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton. Many wine lovers struggle to find bottles that deliver both authenticity and value, especially in Oregon’s competitive Willamette Valley scene. This wine, however, has earned praise for its nuanced profile and sense of place. Let’s uncork what makes this vintage special.
What Is the 2016 Square Plumb & Level Pinot Noir Libra Vineyard?
The 2016 Square Plumb & Level Pinot Noir Libra Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton is a single-vineyard wine produced in Oregon’s renowned Yamhill-Carlton AVA, part of the greater Willamette Valley. The winery—Square Plumb & Level—is known for small-lot, terroir-driven wines that emphasize balance (plumb) and structure (level), hence the name.
This 2016 vintage comes entirely from Libra Vineyard, a 22-acre site planted in 2006 on marine sedimentary soils at 300–400 feet elevation. These conditions are ideal for Pinot Noir, offering excellent drainage and moderate temperatures—key for slow, even ripening.
“The 2016 vintage in Oregon was near-perfect—warm days, cool nights, and a dry harvest. It gave us wines with depth, structure, and freshness,” says Jesse Lange, winemaker and owner of Lange Estate Winery, reflecting on the broader regional success of that year.
Why Is the Yamhill-Carlton AVA Significant for Pinot Noir?
The Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of Oregon’s most celebrated sub-regions for Pinot Noir. Established in 2004, it’s defined by its ancient marine sedimentary soils and protective coastal mountain ranges that create a rain shadow effect.
According to the Oregon Wine Board, Yamhill-Carlton accounts for only 7% of Oregon’s total vineyard acreage but consistently produces some of the state’s most structured and age-worthy Pinot Noirs.
Key characteristics of Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir:
- Soil: Marine sedimentary (Willakenzie series), low in nutrients, excellent drainage
- Climate: Warm days, cool nights; ideal diurnal shift
- Flavor profile: Dark red fruits (black cherry, plum), earth, spice, and firm tannins
This terroir shines through in the 2016 Square Plumb & Level bottling, offering both immediate drinkability and aging potential.
Tasting Notes & Flavor Profile
The 2016 Square Plumb & Level Pinot Noir Libra Vineyard reveals a layered, expressive profile that evolves in the glass.
- Appearance: Medium ruby with violet edges
- Nose: Aromas of black cherry, dried rose, forest floor, baking spice (clove, allspice), and a hint of cola
- Palate: Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and flavors of boysenberry, black tea, and damp earth
- Finish: Long and savory, with lingering notes of licorice and mineral
Critics have noted its balance between fruit and earth—a hallmark of thoughtful Oregon Pinot.
Wine Enthusiast scored this vintage 92 points, praising its “impressive depth and structure” and calling it “a textbook Yamhill-Carlton Pinot.”
Winemaking Process: How Is It Made?
Square Plumb & Level takes a minimalist, hands-on approach:
- Harvest: Hand-picked in late September 2016 at optimal ripeness (~23.5° Brix)
- Fermentation: 100% whole-cluster inclusion (estimated at 30–40% based on winemaking notes), native yeast
- Aging: 12 months in French oak (25% new), unfiltered and unfined
- Bottling: Lightly fined with egg whites (traditional method), bottled in spring 2018
This low-intervention style preserves the vineyard’s voice while adding subtle complexity from oak and stem inclusion.
How Does It Compare to Other 2016 Oregon Pinot Noirs?
To understand its standing, let’s compare it to peers from the same vintage and sub-region:
| Wine | Score (WE) | ABV | Oak Usage | Price (2017 Release) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Plumb & Level Libra Vineyard | 92 | 13.8% | 25% new French | $42 | Earthy, structured, age-worthy |
| Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvée | 91 | 14.1% | 35% new | $65 | Riper fruit, more oak influence |
| Elk Cove Vineyards Estate | 90 | 13.5% | 20% new | $38 | Bright red fruit, lighter body |
| Soter Vineyards Mineral Springs | 93 | 13.7% | 30% new | $70 | High-toned, floral, mineral-driven |
Source: Wine Enthusiast, 2017–2018 reviews
The Square Plumb & Level stands out for its value-to-quality ratio, offering Yamhill-Carlton typicity without the $60+ price tag.
Food Pairing Suggestions
This wine’s acidity and earthy undertones make it incredibly food-friendly. Try pairing it with:
- Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction
- Mushroom risotto (creamy texture balances tannins)
- Grilled salmon with herb crust
- Aged gouda or taleggio cheese
Avoid overly spicy or sweet dishes—they can clash with the wine’s savory profile.
Aging Potential: Should You Drink It Now or Cellar It?
The 2016 vintage is drinking beautifully now (as of 2025), but it still has room to evolve. With its balanced acidity and structured tannins, it can easily age another 3–5 years.
Ideal drinking window: 2023–2029
Storage tip: Keep at 55°F (13°C), 70% humidity, lying on its side.
If you have multiple bottles, open one now and cellar the rest to track its development.
Where to Buy & Price History
Originally released at $42, the 2016 Square Plumb & Level Pinot Noir is now mostly found through:
- Online retailers (Wine.com, Vivino, Total Wine)
- Oregon-based wine shops
- Secondary markets (e.g., WineBid)
Current market price ranges from $45–$60, depending on condition and provenance. Given its quality, it remains fairly priced compared to peers.
Note: Square Plumb & Level produces only ~200 cases annually—scarcity adds to its appeal.
FAQ Section
What makes Libra Vineyard special?
Libra Vineyard sits on ancient marine sedimentary soils in Yamhill-Carlton, with southwest-facing slopes that maximize sun exposure. Planted in 2006, its young vines produce concentrated yet balanced fruit—ideal for expressive Pinot Noir.
Is the 2016 vintage considered good for Oregon Pinot Noir?
Yes. 2016 was a benchmark vintage in Oregon—warm but not hot, with a dry, extended harvest. The wines show ripe fruit, structure, and acidity. The Oregon Wine Board calls it “one of the most consistent vintages of the decade.”
Does this wine contain sulfites?
Like all wines, it contains naturally occurring sulfites. Minimal added SO₂ is used during winemaking for stability, but it’s not labeled as “no sulfites added.”
Is Square Plumb & Level an organic winery?
While not certified organic, the winery sources from sustainably farmed vineyards and uses low-intervention practices (native yeast, minimal filtration).
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 58–62°F (14–17°C). Decant 30 minutes before serving to soften tannins and open aromas.
Can I visit the winery?
Square Plumb & Level is a micro-producer without a public tasting room. However, they occasionally host private tastings by appointment in McMinnville, OR.
Conclusion
The 2016 Square Plumb & Level Pinot Noir Libra Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton is a masterclass in Oregon terroir—earthy, structured, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, this bottle offers exceptional value and authenticity.
If you’ve tasted it, share your thoughts on Instagram or Twitter with #OregonPinot—we’d love to hear your experience! And if you’re searching for a wine that tells a story of soil, season, and skill, this 2016 vintage deserves a place in your cellar (or on your table tonight).
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