Vineyard: Olenik

OwnersJohn Olenik, Susan Olenik
AppellationChehalem Mountains
StoryA source of fruit for Elk Cove Vineyards, J. Christopher, Patricia Green Cellars, Penner-Ash and Raptor Ridge. The oldest vines, Pommard and Wädenswil, are planted on their own roots.
Dates Planted1989, 1991, 1992, 1998, 2007, 2009
Acres28.60
LocationJust outside the town of Newberg.
AspectSouth-facing exposure, 325-480 feet elevation.
SoilsPrimarily Jory with small veins of Willakenzie running through the eastern slope.
VarietiesPinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Clones114, 115, 777, Pommard, Wädenswil
Rootstock101-14, 3309, 4453, 4454, own rooted, Riparia Gloria
Trellis Spacing5' x 9' vertical trellis (updated to 4' x 7' with recent plantings)
ManagersJavier Marin

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 AWE Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., $50. Sourced from Olenik Vineyard planted in 1989. Volcanic soils with basalt rocks. 100% Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 23.3º. 25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 12 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Tasted twice two months apart with this review based on the second tasting that was most recent. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, raspberry, savory herbs and compelling spice. Mid weight plus in style, with expansive flavors of plum, blackberry, allspice, and a whiff of leaf and stem. The fruit finds every nook and cranny in the mouth. Silken in texture, with modest tannins, and a juicy finish. The wine offers matching flavor ripeness and phenolic ripeness. More overall pleasure when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Thoroughly enjoyable now, but another 6-12 months in bottle will prove even more rewarding. Score: 93. Reviewed May 10, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Olenik Vineyards Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 125 cases, $45. Harvest Brix 26.6º-27.4º. A blend of Pommard, 777 and 115 planted in 1999. · Dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Much riper fruit profile than the 2011 bottling with scents of black cherry, black raspberry and spice. Mid to full-bodied with a luscious core of sappy black raspberry and black cherry fruits that floods the palate. Appealing oak compliment in the background and a generous sweet fruit finish. A big boy wine that will appeal to fruit hedonists. A touch of heat surfaces in the background. Score: 89. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Olenik Vineyards Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 75 cases, $45. From a 14.7-acre vineyard split off from the Jacob-Hart Vineyard in 2005. Winemaker Christopher Mazepink (Archery Summit). The vineyard is situated at 333 to 450 feet elevation and is a unique rocky site composed of fractured basalt covering Jory soils on the eastern side and purely sedimentary soils on the western side. Harvest Brix 24.2º-25.3º. A blend of Pommard, 777 and 115. 100% de-stemmed. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of darker fruits, brown spice, iodine and green herbs. Mid weight flavors of plum, purple grapes and cassis with a green herbal vein in the background. Good fruit intensity with balanced dry tannins and respectable length on the finish. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Tasted twice. Score: 88. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Raptor Ridge Olenik Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 100 cases, $38, screwcap. Released March 15, 2012. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is appealing with an array of aromas including dark berries, sassafras, hickory, pepper and floral accents. Tastes of the essence of blackberries with an oaky, earthy edge. Well-balanced dry tannins provide good support and bright acidity on the finish infuses the wine with vigor. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »