The tone of the violin can be expressed in the language of science as 'resonance.' When the strings are rubbed with a bow, the vibration energy of the strings is transmitted to the body through the bridge of the violin. As the vibrations increase from the strings' original natural frequency and get closer to the natural frequency of the body, the body responds strongly, amplifying the vibrations. The closer the frequency of the strings and the body are to each other, the louder and richer the sound resonates. The clear and deep tone characteristic of the violin is derived from this resonance. The same is true for other string instruments such as the cello and guitar.
Resonance is not just a phenomenon of amplifying vibrations but a harmony of nature that occurs when different entities perfectly blend together. Small vibrations gather to form harmony, and this harmony enriches our lives.
The name of the Résonance winery in the United States itself means resonance in French. Established in 2013 by the representative winery of Burgundy, Louis Jadot, it is the first winery to be built outside Burgundy in the 150-year history of Louis Jadot. The name 'resonance' embodies the hope that the wine-making philosophies of France and the United States will harmonize.
The wine-making methods of Résonance are greatly influenced by Jacques Lardière, who served as the chief winemaker at Louis Jadot for 42 years. They currently work closely with the current winemaker of Résonance, Guillaume Large.
Lardière has expressed his philosophy in various interviews, stating that a good wine is born only when the grapes, soil, and human touch resonate together. He has said he drew inspiration from quantum physics, energy, and vibrations. In the founding process of the Résonance winery, he emphasized the 'energy of the place' and aimed to produce high-quality wines on a small scale rather than mass production.
'Résonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir' is the result of transferring decades of experience he accumulated in Burgundy to Oregon. The Résonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of Pinot Noir selected from various prestigious vineyards within the Willamette Valley, applying Burgundy's traditional methods.
Burgundy wines primarily use only one grape variety. They generally produce wine from grapes harvested from a single vineyard, but even when blending grapes harvested from multiple vineyards, only one variety is used. This method harmoniously incorporates the strengths of each vineyard, resulting in complex flavors. Various fruity aromas, floral scents, and earthy notes layer upon one another.
Résonance adheres to environmentally friendly farming methods, avoiding chemical fertilizers and herbicides. The grapes are hand-harvested and strictly sorted, then aged in oak barrels for 15 months. Custom French oak barrels manufactured by the Louis Jadot-owned wood cooperage, Cadus, are used. Everything from the type of oak barrels to their usage and aging period applies methods validated in Burgundy.
The Willamette Valley is characterized by a cool environment with significant temperature differences, influenced by a maritime climate, Pacific winds, and the Coast and Cascade mountain ranges. The summer months, when grapes grow, see little rain, and during the cultivation period, the daily sunlight can reach 15 hours, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and healthily. While Pinot Noir is the most famous variety in Burgundy, the Willamette Valley, with its unique climate and diverse volcanic and marine soils, is also called 'the paradise of Pinot Noir.'
When poured, the Résonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir displays a bright and transparent ruby hue. On the nose, abundant aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, mulberries, roses, and violets bloom, along with delicate notes of vanilla, licorice, and cedar. On the palate, flavors of dark fruits like black cherry and cranberry stand out, with prominent tannins that harmonize smoothly and balanced. The vibrant nuances of minerals elegantly extend into a long, clean finish. Its delicate and balanced structure, vibrant acidity, and long finish are impressive.
The 2021 vintage was ranked 9th among the top 100 wines in the world chosen by Wine Spectator in 2023. It received the award for the New World Red Wine category at the 2025 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards. The domestic importer is Shinsegae L&B.