According to the Critics
— A Closer Look at Boedecker Cellars
Vintage by Vintage
“Helmed by husband and wife duo Athena and Stewart Boedecker, this urban winery in Northwest Portland is making some very solid wines indeed, with some impressive longevity…”
The Athena and Stewart bottlings give each of the partners their own creative freedom to produce two separate wines from the same vintage, tailored to their own tastes, and offer a fun way to explore what the vintage has to offer.”
— Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck
“...[Stewart and Athena have] built a solid track record for sturdy, age worthy wines that are always released on the late side, which is a big plus for impatient consumers."
— Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media
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2023 Vintages
Co-Ferm
Pinot Noir + Chardonnay
Willamette Valley
91 Points | Wine Enthusiast
Is this co-fermented 50-50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay a red, white or rosé? Who cares - it's delicious. Flint and bright red cherry aromas are accented by bits of cut grass and rosemary. The wine's texture is like rubbing suede and its red apple, cranberry, clove and beeswax flavors are ultimately satisfying.
2022 Vintages
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
92 Points | International Wine Report
Shimmering with a light to medium ruby-red core and a delicate pink rim, the 2022 Pinot Noir from Boedecker Cellars is both vibrant and inviting. The nose unfolds with aromas of dried rose petals, citrus-kissed thyme, and warm baking spices, seamlessly interwoven with ripe red strawberries and juicy cherries. The palate is silky and polished, offering a graceful balance of supple texture and fresh acidity. Fine, lightly crunchy tannins frame the fruit beautifully, leading to a lingering, spice-tinged finish. Best buy.
Hirschy Vineyard
Chardonnay
Willamette Valley
92 Points | Wine Enthusiast
Fermented and aged in mostly neutral oak, the Hirschy Vineyard Chardonnay is fresh and bright, with aromas of lemon, pine needles and a saline note reminiscent of green olives. Blazing acidity ushers flavors like rosemary, ginger and peaches drizzled in sea salt across the long finish line.
2021 Vintages
90 Points | Wine Spectator
A spunky Pinot, with lively flavors of raspberry and pomegranate accented by sassafras and spiced tea. Finishes with balanced tannins. Drink now through 2030
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
Athena Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
92 Points | International Wine Report
Displaying a deep ruby hue, the 2021 Boedecker Cellars Athena Pinot Noir opens with a beautifully perfumed bouquet of wild violets, macerated black cherries, and damp forest floor. Hints of spiced plum and dried lavender add further dimension, creating a richly layered aromatic profile. The palate is plush and inviting, offering a seamless blend of juicy red and dark berry flavors balanced by a touch of earthy minerality. Silky, well-integrated tannins provide structure, while the wine’s bright acidity maintains its vibrancy.
90 Points | Vinous Media
The 2021 Pinot Noir Athena open with an intense burst of autumnal spices and rum-soaked black cherries. This is weighty in feel with velvety textures and rich red berry fruits that slowly saturate the senses. It finishes a bit shorter than anticipated and only gently tannic, leaving an air of lavender to linger on.
90 Points | Wine Enthusiast
Aged in neutral French oak, this balanced screw capped gem leads with hunger pang-inducing aromas of red cherries, vanilla bean and sourdough bread dough. Crisp acidity and a juicy mouthfeel go hand-in-hand with tart lemon zest and ripe red raspberry flavors.
Stewart Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
92 Points | Wine Spectator
A handsomely crafted version, with expressive flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, orange peel and dusky spices that take on richness and focus toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031.
92 Points | Vinous Media
The 2021 Pinot Noir Stewart opens in the glass with a rich mix of ground clove, minty herbs and rum cake giving way to dried cherries. This displays a pretty inner sweetness and silken textures as hints of sweet spice accentuate ripe wild berry fruits. Juicy acidity maintains fantastic balance through the long and rose-tinged finale as gently grippy tannins persist.
93 Points | International Wine Report
With a luminous ruby-red core and a delicate pink rim, the 2021 Boedecker Cellars Stewart Pinot Noir exudes vibrancy and charm. The nose is expressive and fruit-forward, showcasing ripe red cherries, spiced cranberry compote, and hints of cinnamon-dusted petals. Medium-bodied and silky, the palate bursts with juicy red fruit flavors, underscored by subtle notes of clove and dried hibiscus. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while a bright acidity keeps the wine fresh and lively. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a gentle touch of vanilla and earthy minerality.
Shea Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Yamhill - Carlton, Willamette Valley
92 Points | International Wine Report
Glowing with a vibrant red hue, the 2021 Boedecker Cellars Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir is both bold and nuanced. Offering up aromas of roasted red plums, cinnamon-dusted cherries, and damp earth. Subtle hints of dried mushroom and black tea add further depth. On the palate, juicy red fruit melds with warming spice and a touch of crushed herbs, framed by fresh acidity that gives the wine lift and precision. The tannins are polished yet firm, adding a slight grip that lingers beyond the wine’s velvety finish, where traces of cedar and toasted anise emerge.
90 Points | Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard is like dessert in a glass, with an intense bouquet of spice box, cloves, cinnamon, dried flowers, incense and black cherries. Silky and soothing to the senses, this washes across the palate with ripe wild berry fruits as fine-grained tannins amass toward the close. The 2021 finishes dry and structured, leaving a minty herbal resonance that slowly fades.
The 2021 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard is a rich red hue in the glass and is riper compared to the 2019 and more savory as well, with subtle umami notes of baked cherries, melding spice, and turned soil. Medium-bodied and juicy, with a light, zesty, fresh acidity and ripe tannins, it reveals a toasty incense on the finish and a bit of grip after the wine dissipates.
2019 Vintages
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
90 Points | Wine Enthusiast
Graced with a silky smooth texture, this screw-capped wine opens with rich, sweet aromas of dark chocolate and Amarena cherries. That decadent theme continues on the palate as cherry compote, citrus and juniper berry flavors mix it up. I would consider pairing this wine with a picnic blanket and a good paperback.
Athena
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
92 Points | Wine Enthusiast
Athena is ageing gracefully, with plenty of acidity and sturdy tannins left in its tank. It opens with a floral note that mixes freesia and sweetpea flower aromas, followed by all the ripe boysenberries and vanilla bean you can handle. The palate showcases spicy Damson plums and orange zest, along with a dollop of cut grass.
92.5 Points | Vinous
Lavender, wilted violets, cola, cinnamon and cedar shavings form an enticing bouquet as the 2019 Pinot Noir Athena slowly evolves in the glass. It’s cool-toned and racy in feel, with a seductive wave of velvety textures and ripe red and blue fruits. Medium in length, the 2019 leaves a big impact, finishing darkly floral, with a mineral tinge.
Stewart
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
92 Points | James Suckling
Creamy, dense and fruit-driven with plenty of juicy strawberries, raspberries, cherries and a touch of oak spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with a mellow, delicious mid-palate with sliced strawberry character and a long, lively finish.
91 Points | Vinous
Dusty rose, violet, minty herbs and mentholated cherries form an inviting bouquet as the 2019 Pinot Noir Stewart blossoms in the glass. Its juicy and lifted in feel with crisp red berry fruits and red inner florals that cascade throughout. It tapers off with medium length, gently tannic, leaving a spicy sensation and a bitter tinge of blackberry that slowly fades.
Cherry Grove Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
91 Points | Vinous
The 2019 Pinot Noir Cherry Grove Vineyard is a spice box on the nose, with an array of cinnamon and clove accentuating dried strawberries and cherries. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness and ripe red and blue fruits, all accelerated by cooling acidity. The slightest tinge of heat pokes through yet doesn’t get in the way as the 2019 finishes remarkably fresh, medium in length and with a lovely hint of licorice that lingers on.
93 Points | International Wine Report
Radiating a medium ruby hue with a subtle bluish rim, the 2019 Boedecker Cellars Distinction Pinot Noir is layered and expressive. The nose unfolds with warming holiday spices, ripe black cherries, wild blueberries, and hints of fennel, all complemented by delicate notes of bergamot and dried lavender. On the palate, juicy blue and black fruits take center stage, mingling with a touch of cracked pepper and subtle earthiness. The tannins are polished yet firm, providing structure, while bright acidity lifts the wine’s rich, fruit-driven core. The finish is long and velvety, lingering with traces of spice and dark cocoa.
Distinction
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
Hirschy Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Yamhill - Carlton, Willamette Valley
92 Points | Vinous
The 2019 Pinot Noir Hirschy Vineyard is heady, with a mix of mentholated cherries, rum-soaked plums, sage and dried rose forming its bouquet. Its energetic within despite its rich character and nearly velvety textures. Cocoa-tinged red fruit slowly saturates toward the close. It finishes with admirable length and a balsamic resonance, tapering off with hints of bitter blackberry.
Shea Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Yamhill - Carlton, Willamette Valley
93 Points | James Suckling
This is intense and rich with spicy character, offering ripe cherries, red plums, smoked herbs and wet earth. Medium- to full-bodied, compact and structured with a firm backbone of tannins and a lengthy, chewy aftertaste.
Pathos
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
90 Points | Vinous
The 2019 Pinot Noir Pathos opens with mentholated freshness and masses of medicinal red and black fruits. It’s juicy and fruit-focused, with tart raspberry depths complicated by hints of dark chocolate and exotic spice. Grippy and staining yet still fresh - this finishes potent and long, leaving a gentle tug of fine tannin.
2018 Vintages
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
93 Points | Wine Enthusiast
Glistening ruby-red. Aromas of cherry and black raspberry pick up spice and musky earth nuances with air. In a plush, accessible style, offering nicely concentrated red and dark berry flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Supple tannins frame a persistent finish that leaves cherry pit and baking spice notes behind.
Athena
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
92 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
With the majority of its fruit from the Hirschy Vineyard, the 2018 Pinot Noir Athena is dark ruby and takes on a bit more oak spice presence, with toasted cedar, baking spice, and lush black cherry fruit. Full-bodied, with ripe fruit, a dark mineral tone, and a meaty texture, it retains ample tannic structure. Gripping and serious in character, it can stand up to grilled meats. Drink 2023-2030
91 Points | Vinous
The 2018 Pinot Noir Athena is very pretty, with blue-toned florals, crushed blackberries and hints of citrus forming its bouquet. This is juicy, with dark depths of red and blue fruits swirling throughout. It finishes with admirable concentration and gentle tannic grip as hints of salted licorice fade.
Stewart
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
93 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of fruit from Cherry Grove Vineyard, Shea Vineyard, and Hershey Vineyards, the 2018 Pinot Noir Stewart displays a spicy and floral character, with notes of fresh pine, cherry liqueur, and cinnamon. Ripe and medium-bodied, with ripe present tannins, good energy throughout, and notes of mossy earth on the finish, it has broader shoulders and is still hanging on to a ripe yet firm, almost Nebbiolo-like tannin structure which I personally enjoy. Give it another couple of years and drink over the following 6-8.
90 Points | Wine Enthusiast
A dark raspberry aroma eventually gives way to delicate rose water and cedar scents. The wine's grippy tannins provide a nice frame for concentrated, sweet Black Ruby plum and cherry flavors. The mildly bitter orange pith note offers a nice contrast.
92 Points | Vinous
The 2018 Pinot Noir Stewart blossoms in the glass as dark chocolate and cola come together with cooling mint and dried strawberries. It soothes with its round textures and brisk acidity as mineral-laced red berry fruits drench the palate. A coating of fine-grained tannins lingers, yet this finishes remarkably fresh, literally mouthwatering, with long lingering purple and blue inner florals.
Cherry Grove
Vineyard Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
94 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from what is now the Tualatin Hills AVA, on shallow Willakenzie soils, the 2018 Pinot Noir Cherry Grove Vineyard is a dark ruby-red color and offers savory notes of espresso, blackberry fruit, and fresh leather. Medium to full-bodied, its plush primary fruit fills the mid-palate with more sweet tannins, followed by notes of scorched earth on the finish. I enjoy where this is drinking now and it will continue to drink well over the next 6-8 years.
91 Points |Vinous
The 2018 Pinot Noir Cherry Grove Vineyard is perfumed and fresh with a blend of red florals and spiced black cherries. It washes easily across the palate, softly textured with ripe red and blue fruits enlivened by brilliant acidity. Cooling mineral tones lighten the load as grippy tannins take hold through the long, staining, violet-tinged finale.
91 Points | Wine Enthusiast
Black-and-blueberries launch an aromatic circus that includes chalkboard dust, Indonesian coffee and lemon peels. Things get darker on the palate, with blackcurrant and dark plum flavors wrapped around a core of mocha latte. The tannins are integrated, with elevated acidity and a plush texture. I'd drink this by 2026-2027.
Hirschy Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Yamhill - Carlton, Willamette Valley
93 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Also a very deep ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Hirschy Vineyard takes on notes of mocha, sun-ripened black cherry, and toasted cedar. Full-bodied and ample with ripe tannins, it’s more grounded in its sensibility, with an earth-toned profile, and delivers savory umami richness, with notes of dried porcini on the finish. It’s going to hold up well over the next 8 or more years, but I wouldn’t bet on the structure softening much. Drink 2023-2030.
92 Points | Vinous
The 2018 Pinot Noir Hirschy Vineyard opens with a dusty blend of violets and roses, complementing citrus-kissed sour cherries. This is juicy and round in character with a slow build of tension, saline minerals, and tart wild berry fruits slowly saturating. This tapers off with a cocoa bitterness and crunchy tart blackberry, lightly structured and long.
Shea Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Yamhill - Carlton, Willamette Valley
95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
The dark red 2018 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard is packed with layers of spice as well as notes of toasted cedar, wild forest spices, and preserved black cherry. The palate is pure and inviting, with more red fruit tones shining through, a more compact tannic structure, and a bright spice of acidity. I like the energy of this wine, and it should have a wide drinking window over the next ten or so years. Drink 2023-2033.
92.5 Points | Vinous
The 2018 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard is sweetly floral with a green olive tinge to its dusty violet and lavender tones. Cooling and round on the palate, this possesses saturating dark red and blue fruit depths as saline minerals add a distinct savoriness toward the close. The Shea leaves a pleasantly bitter tinge while finishing long, staining and structured.
Solace
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
90 Points | Vinous
Glistening ruby-red. Aromas of cherry and black raspberry pick up spice and musky earth nuances with air. In a plush, accessible style, offering nicely concentrated red and dark berry flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Supple tannins frame a persistent finish that leaves cherry pit and baking spice notes behind.
2017 and earlier
Athena
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
2017
91 Points | Wine Spectator
Generous and lively, with expressive raspberry, sassafras and spiced tea flavors that build structure and tension toward refined tannins.
92 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Pinot Noir Athena is attractively perfumed with cherry lozenge, quinine, and crushed roses. It is medium-bodied, with a silky texture and notes of raspberry coulis, pine, and wet stone. This lovely wine is approachable now or over the next 6-8 years.
92 Points | Vinous
Glistening ruby. Ripe, spice-tinged red and dark berries, candied flowers, mocha and smoky minerals on the perfumed nose. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, bitter cherry, vanilla and lavender pastille flavors that turn sweeter as the wine opens up. Shows fine definition and a repeating cherry note on the persistent finish, which is firmed by gently gripping tannins. 30% whole clusters; 35% new French oak.
91 Points | James Suckling
Aromas of plums, dark cherries, dried herbs, spices and cocoa powder. Medium-bodied with crunchy tannins and lively acidity. Round and textured. Fleshy and ripe with a fruity, flavorful finish. James Suckling
Cherry Grove
Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
93 points | Vinous
Deep, shimmering red. Spice-laced cherry and black raspberry scents show fine clarity and pick up hints of musky earth and pungent flowers with aeration. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry, dark berry and spicecake flavors that take a sweeter turn as the wine stretches out. Closes taut and impressively long, with resonating spiciness, well-knit tannins and a lingering hint of cola. 30% whole clusters; all used oak
Hirschy Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley
2017
92 points | Vinous
Deep magenta. Pungent, spice-tinged aromas of cherry, black raspberry, violet and a hint of licorice. Shows very good depth as well as energy to the sweet cherry cola, dark berry and spicecake flavors, which take on a smoky nuance as the wine opens up. Slowly mounting tannins add grip to a long, focused finish that strongly echoes the cherry and spice notes.
2016
92 Points | James Suckling
Attractive, fresh strawberries and wild raspberries on offer here. This has a very attractive, earthy edge and oven-fresh pastry, too. The palate is succulent and has assertive tannins, driving plenty of rich, dark-fruit flavor. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
2015
91 points | Vinous
Bright scarlet. Pungent red berry, incense and succulent herbs on the nose, with a smoky mineral accent building in the glass. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering nicely concentrated cherry and raspberry flavors that are emphasized by a subtle baking spice accent. Fine-grained and precise in character, with a repeating cherry note, resonating spiciness and subtle tannins on the persistent finish.
Pappas Wine Co.
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
2017
90 Points | Wine Spectator
Bright and lively, with well-crafted cherry and green tea flavors that finish on a note of vibrant acidity
Shea Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley
2017
93 Points | Vinous
Bright ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of red fruit preserves, cherry cola, candied flowers and baking spices. Impressively concentrated yet lively on the palate, offering appealingly sweet raspberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that spread out steadily through the midpalate. Conveys an appealing blend of power and finesse and finishes with gently gripping tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence. Made with de-stemmed fruit; all neutral oak.
91 Points | Wine Spectator
Steely and tart at the core, this fleshes out as it opens to cherry fruit leather, orange peel, clove and other savory accents, building toward snappy tannins.
2016
92 Points | Vinous
Brilliant, bright-rimmed ruby-red. Powerful cherry preserve, blackberry, candied licorice and exotic spice aromas are lifted and sharpened by a steadily building mineral note. Succulent and penetrating on the palate, offering gently sweet red and dark berry flavors, a hint of savory herbs and a floral pastille quality that gains strength on the back half. Finishes with excellent clarity, a resonating cherry note and youthful tannic grip.
92 Points | James Suckling
This has a very built feel with abundant, toasty oak that really dominates the nose and palate for now. Firm tannins, ripe red plums, cherries and a strong, woody edge to the finish.
2015
91 points | Vinous
Shimmering red. Pungent, spice-accented dark berry and cherry aromas, along with suggestions of candied rose, licorice and underbrush. Chewy and broad on the palate, showing good heft and spicy cut to concentrated black raspberry, cherry compote and bitter chocolate flavors. The floral quality comes back strong on an energetic finish that features steadily building tannins and a lingering suggestion of sappy dark fruit.
Stewart
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
2017
93 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to a slightly darker profile, the 2017 Pinot Noir Stewart is layered with aromas of cedar, ripe cherry, and fresh leather. It has a bit more structure, although it maintains a stylistically soft and supple nature, juicy wild raspberry that fills the mid-palate, and beetroot and mouthwatering salinity on the finish. Whichever personality you prefer, these are two wonderful wines to drink now or over the next 8 or more years.
92 Points | Wine Spectator
Supple in texture and elegantly layered, with lovely violet, raspberry and pomegranate flavors that glide on a polished finish.
92 Points | Vinous
Shimmering ruby-red. Spice-tinged cherry and boysenberry scents are complemented by suggestions of cola, musky flowers and freshly turned earth. Sweet and focused on the palate, offering juicy red and blue fruit and spicecake flavors that deepen through the back half. Dusty tannins provide grip to the long, spicy finish, which leaves a bitter cherry note behind. 40% whole clusters; 25% new French oak.
92 Points | James Suckling
Aromas of blueberries, cherries, mushrooms and baking spices. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and fresh acidity. Crunchy and spicy. Clean and flavorful finish. James Suckling
2016
93 Points | James Suckling
Sweetly spiced blueberry biscuits and notes of violets and graphite, making a fresh impression. The palate has a very plush, supple feel with smoothly resolved, fine tannins that build impressive depth on the finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
90 Points | Vinous
Vivid crimson. Displays spice-tinged raspberry and cherry scents that are complicated by suggestions of musky sassafras, herb and floral nuances. Gently sweet and focused on the palate, offering juicy red/dark berry flavors along with suggestions of licorice and bitter chocolate. Closes with solid finishing punch, dusty tannins and very good, spicy tenacity.
92 Points | Decanter
Five different clones are given the white-glove treatment: open-top fermenters, 30% whole-cluster, cold maceration, wild fermentation, 10 months sur lie; wife and husband winemaking team practise minimal intervention with a maximum by-hand approach... in an industrial warehouse. Garnet hue with generous aromas of cedar, blackberries and eucalyptus. Medium body with refreshing acidity and plush tannins. Deep and persistent on the finish. Their Gi-Gi Gewürztraminer-Pinot Gris is also excellent.
Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
2017
91 Points | Vinous
Brilliant red. Expressive, spice-tinged raspberry and mulberry aromas, along with subtle cola and spice nuances. Shows good depth and no rough edges to the jammy red and blue fruit flavors, which firm up slowly through the back half. Round, even tannins frame a persistent finish that leaves kirsch and cracked pepper notes behind.