Willamette Valley’s Et Fille Wines in the Limelight
The Et Fille (French for “and daughter”) Wines story is a heartwarming one, about the Willamette Valley father and daughter winemaking team Howard Mozeico and Jessica Mozeico. Howard’s winemaking began as a hobby in his garage in 1984. Jessica enjoyed helping her dad with his hobby, which led them to develop a joint passion for the world of wine. In 2003 they launched their winery, Et Fille Wines, and their first vintage from that same year was released. The family sources grapes from L.I.V.E. Certified sustainable vineyards in multiple Willamette Valley sub-appellations including Eola-Amity Hills, Yamhill Carlton, Dundee Hills, and Chehalem Mountains.
The father-daughter co-winemaking pair worked side by side running the winery, and Jessica gained tremendous knowledge and valuable skills from her father until Howard’s passing in 2017. Today, Jessica carries on her dad’s legacy with honor. She continues to build the business for her young daughter, who Jessica hopes one day will hold the torch in her hands, to keep alive the dream, passion, and hard work of her mother and grandfather.
The wines are expressive and well-crafted:
Et Fille 2019 Deaux Vert Vineyard Viognier ($28), Willamette Valley, OR: At first whiff, the fresh stone fruit and tropical aroma drives you into the glass. This 100% stainless steel fermented wine is silky smooth in texture and perfectly balanced with a nice structure, and it oozes the purity of the variety. Fresh-cut summer peaches and nectarines, star fruit, hints of Meyer lemon, and a suggestion of crushed herbs join tingling acidity that transports the wine to a vivacious and persistent finish.
Et Fille 2020 Rosé of Pinot Noir ($28), Willamette Valley, OR: The luminous pinkish-salmon hue catches the eye, and the aroma of a fresh-picked summer bouquet engages the senses. Vivid fruit-focused flavors of Rainer cherries, tangerines, a touch of lemon verbena, and tiny wild strawberries meld in harmony as the wine floats across the palate with ease. Delicate and well-balanced with crisp acidity, it is refreshing and vitalizing all the way through.
Et Fille 2018 Pinot Noir ($28), Willamette Valley, OR: This zesty and elegant Pinot Noir greets the nose with a cherry blossom aroma. The texture is satin-like, and brisk acidity enlivens the palate as notes of fresh red raspberries, cherry cola, subtle herbs, berry tisane, and savory spice interlace, while hints of understated French oak add further dimension. Fresh and brightly flavored as it heads gracefully to an upbeat finale.
Et Fille 2018 Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noir ($54), Yamhill Carlton, Willamette Valley, OR: Crafted of Pommard and Wädenswil clones, this deeply-hued Pinot Noir is irresistible. The black fruit and fresh-turned-earth aromas captivate the senses. Full-bodied and lush on the palate, where layers of juicy plums, black raspberries, exotic spice, wild mushrooms, Bing cherries, and underlying toasty French oak (from 11-month aging in new and one-year French barrels) unfold and lead to a memorable finish.
The winery, located at 718 E. First Street in Newberg Oregon, is open by appointment Friday thru Sunday 12 noon to 6 pm. A tasting of five wines at $20 per person is waived for club members, or with a minimum purchase for other visitors. You can book online at www.etfillewines.com or call the winery at (503) 538-2900 to schedule your visit.
