Wine from Composition

Composition is a partnership between Bertrand de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Katrina Rank. Together they produce a single vineyard and sustainably farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Oregon's Willamette Valley. The backbone of Composition is a conscientious approach to farming and the pure expression of terroir.

Pinot Noir is a synonym for Burgundy for many, but it also beautifully expresses Oregon’s specific climate and terroir. And Chardonnay speaks the truth! Bertrand likes to say, “If your Chardonnay is excellent, everything else follows.”

Bertrand de Villaine went to college in Oregon and always kept that part of the world in mind, with a dream to one day make wine from these vineyards. He and his wife were thinking about that project when they met Katrina Rank in 2016 at a conference in Bourgogne. The conversation developed quickly on the subject and a year later, the first vintage of Composition was produced from the Willamette Valley and released in a few markets in the United States in 2018.

Bertrand and Katrina both knew they wanted vineyards that expressed the unique terroir of Willamette Valley and were sustainably farmed. Their focus is on single-vineyard wines. Pursuing excellence from grape to glass, they’re constantly evolving their vision, with conscientious approaches to farming and the pure expression of terroir — the backbone of Composition. Their growers share their sensibility and approach.

Starting with the 2021 vintage, Composition now draws from two distinct vineyard sources, marking a shift from its inaugural release. The team is thrilled with the results. The Chardonnay originates from a single vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, where older, dry-farmed, and biodynamically cultivated vines contribute to its character. The Pinot Noir is sourced from one of Oregon’s historic vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains, aptly named Chehalem Mountain Vineyard. Originally planted by Dick Erath during the early days of the Willamette Valley, the site remains on its own roots and continues to be farmed using biodynamic practices.

Despite the challenges of distance, language differences, and occasional philosophical nuances, Bertrand, Katrina, and their team share a unified vision for crafting exceptional wines. The resulting wines are impeccably balanced, showcasing elegance and a clear sense of place. Each bottle reflects the Willamette Valley’s most harmonious sites, thoughtfully matched to their respective varietals.