Alexana Wines was born of Dr. Madaiah Revana’s love of the great wines of Burgundy. In the spring of 2005, Dr. Revana began a search for both the ideal region and an experienced winemaker with the goal of making Pinot Noirs that could rival those from Burgundy. His search ended in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where he met Lynn Penner-Ash.
Lynn’s reputation stretches beyond the borders of Willamette Valley where she has crafted world-class wines for two decades. She has established herself as a premier winemaker of Burgundian-style wines with her label, Penner-Ash. Wine Spectator said she brings “the perfect blend of science, artistry and passion…. Her signature style has brought a new perspective” to winemaking.
Lynn was aware of Dr. Revana’s vision and commitment to producing world-class wines. She knew of his Napa Valley winery, Revana Family Vineyard, whose Cabernet’s produced by winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett have quickly gained status as among the best in Napa.
After agreeing to work together, they began looking for a vineyard property that could become the foundation of a great estate Pinot Noir program. Lynn’s vivid descriptions of the microclimates, soils and elevations of the Willamette Valley’s Dundee Hills appellation gave them an immediate focus.
Fortuitously, they found an 80-acre property in the famed Dundee Hills of Willamette Valley. Sixteen acres had already been meticulously planted with Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. After purchasing the property, further acreage was developed and a wide range of Pinot Noir clones were planted.
In 2006, the first two wines, a Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir were made from the property. A third Pinot Noir was made from the famed Shea Vineyard. Dr. Revana then gave the wines and the property their name, Alexana – after his daughter Alexandra Revana.
