Lynn Penner-Ash, one of the leading winemakers in Oregon, has announced that she is stepping down from her eponymous winery, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, after 23 years. The announcement has come as a surprise to many in the wine industry, as Penner-Ash has been a major force in Oregon’s wine scene for over two decades. Let’s take a closer look at her legacy and what’s next for Penner-Ash.

Leading Oregon Winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash Moves on

Who is Lynn Penner-Ash?

Lynn Penner-Ash is a highly respected winemaker who helped put Oregon Pinot Noir on the map. She began her career in Napa Valley in the 1980s, working for such prestigious wineries as Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Chappellet. In 1988, she moved to Oregon to work for Rex Hill Vineyards, where she met her future husband, Ron Penner-Ash. In 1998, they founded Penner-Ash Wine Cellars together, which has become one of the most highly regarded wineries in Oregon.

Penner-Ash’s Legacy

Penner-Ash has been instrumental in elevating Oregon Pinot Noir to a world-class level. Her wines have consistently received high scores and critical acclaim, and she has been recognized for her contributions to the Oregon wine industry with numerous awards, including the James Beard Foundation‘s 2013 “Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional” award.

Penner-Ash is known for her attention to detail and commitment to sustainability. She has been a leader in using biodynamic and organic farming practices, and her winery was certified as a B Corp, a designation for businesses committed to social and environmental sustainability.

What’s Next for Penner-Ash?

Penner-Ash’s departure from her winery has left many wondering what’s next for the renowned winemaker. While she has not announced any specific plans, she has stated that she intends to stay in the wine industry and remain in Oregon.

Penner-Ash has also expressed an interest in mentoring the next generation of winemakers and continuing her commitment to sustainability. She has said that she is excited for the opportunities that her departure from her winery will bring and looks forward to what the future holds.

The Future of Penner-Ash Wine Cellars

Penner-Ash Wine Cellars will continue under the ownership of Jackson Family Wines, which acquired the winery in 2016. The winery’s current winemaker, Kate Ayres, will take over as head winemaker, and the winery’s focus on producing high-quality, sustainably made wines is expected to continue.

The Bottom Line

Lynn Penner-Ash’s departure from her winery marks the end of an era in Oregon’s wine industry. Her legacy as a leading winemaker and commitment to sustainability will undoubtedly continue to influence the industry for years to come. While her future plans are not yet clear, the wine industry will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what’s next for this highly respected and influential figure.

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Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate Merlot Napa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey Merlot Napa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

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