FENCES Winery
Jody and David Lennon, transplants from New York, were ready for a change of pace when they found the Medford, Oregon property. Indeed, the name FENCES derives from the fact that they were living in NY feeling, “fenced in.” Olive trees were originally planted on the 10 acre site, but eventually became 8.5 acres of Cabernet vines. The vineyards’ first commercial production of Cabernet was in 2014, followed by their Rosé of Cabernet in 2018.
The vineyard opens for private events, and to the public only a few times a year when hosting release parties to Wine Club members, and for their annual Dine Between the Vines Harvest Dinner. Most sales are direct to customers with only 4 stores in the local area hosting FENCES Wines. So far, FENCES Reserve Cabernets, made by wine maker John Quinones, have received 90 and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, and their current vintage, the 2015 Reserve has also taken home a Gold Medal from the San Francisco Chronicle’s Wine Competition, and a Double Gold from the Oregon Wine Competition. Quinones also created FENCES first Sauvignon Blanc this year that has already sold out of their 97 cases produced! Winemaker Chris Graves creates the Gold Winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosé.
The Bandol-styled Rosé is balanced across the board with just the right amount of acidity. Bandol rosé wines, which account for about a third of total output, are known for their spicy, earthy character and rank among the more distinguished rosés. It opens with aromas of rose petal, honeysuckle and fruit. On the palate it is slightly peppery, fruity and bright.
FENCES estate grown Gold Winning Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of blackberries, cassis and cedar. On the palate, it is fruit-forward with flavors of blackberries and Bing cherries with hints of oak. The tannins are well-balanced and provide for a long smooth finish. As for the 90 Points Double Gold Reserve, This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon is big on the nose with aromas of black cherry, blueberries and dark chocolate. On the palate it offers complex layers of dark-fruit flavors with well-structured tannins, that provides a long and persistent finish.
The winery is very private, but not secluded. Passionate about the wines, Jody wears most of the public affairs hats including hosting events and marketing. The couple strives to produce the Absolute BEST Cabernet Sauvignon around. With 13 foot rows there is plenty of space to plant more vines and increase production. Exciting to see what the future has to come.
