Adelsheim Vineyard

Owner(s)	David Adelsheim, Ginny Adelsheim, Jack Loacker, Lynn Loacker
Web site	www.adelsheim.com

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David and Ginny Adelsheim spent a summer in Europe back in 1970 and dreamed of planting a vineyard in Oregon. In 1972, they planted 15 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling in the Chehalem Mountains using the assistance of friends and family. This became known as Quarter Mile Lane Vineyard. The first commercial release of 1,300 cases of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris was 1978. In 1982 a 6,000 square foot winery was built. Later a 19-acre vineyard across the street from the original vineyard was leased and became known as Bryan Creek Vineyard. In 1989 a 52-acre site, now named Calkins Lane Vineyard, was purchased and became the home of the current winery in 1997. Extensive additions to the winery were completed in 2008 and a new tasting room opened in 2009.

Co-owners Jack and Lynn Loacker joined Adelsheim Vineyard in 1994 and began planting a 120-acre site on Ribbon Ridge known as Ribbon Springs Vineyard, the source of much of the Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes since 1998. . Winemaker David Paige has been with Adelsheim since 2001, shortly after Elizabeth's Reserve shift from a single-vineyard wine (Quarter Mile Lane) to a multi-vineyard blend. The viticulturist is Chad Vargas.

Adelsheim now farms 13 vineyards over 237 acres in four Willamette Valley sub-AVAs, and produces 42,000 cases of wine annually. 72% of production is estate grown. The Pinot Noirs have consistently maintained among the lowest alcohols among Oregon producers. Beginning in 2011, Adelsheim began to release a "Best of Vintage" Pinot Noir. The inaugural release was from the 29th harvest and was given the name, "Vintage 29." It was crafted from 3½ barrels of Pinot Noir ($140 a bottle). Vintage 31 and Vintage 32 are also available from the winery.

Also beginning in the fall of 2011 and spring of 2012, Adelsheim single vineyard Pinot Noirs will sport new labels. The Adelsheim wines had become known for the colorful portraits of beautiful women drawn on the labels by Ginny. Adelsheim's best known Pinot Noir bottling is the Elizabeth's Reserve, affectionately called "The Lizzie."

David Adelsheim remains an iconic figure in Oregon wine and has participated as a respected spokesperson on important issues in the Oregon wine industry over the years. He remains quiet and unassuming, with a charming sense of humor which belies his considerable achievements.

The winery is located at 16800 NE Calkins Ln in Newberg. The website is www.adelsheim.com and the phone is 503-538-3652. Current Pinot Noir releases include a Willamette Valley blend, Elizabeth's Reserve, and vineyard designates from Bryan Creek, Calkins Lane, Goldschmidt, Quarter Mile Lane, Ribbon Springs, and Temperance Hill vineyards. The wines are available on the website and the Willamette Valley and Elizabeth's Reserve are distributed nationally.

Articles About Adelsheim Vineyard

Adelsheim Vineyard: Still Good After All These Years (7.23 8/17/2009)
Chehalem Mountains (7.7 12/17/2008)
Highlights of the Pinot University Seminars at IPNC (9.10 8/22/2012)
Kick Up Your Heels at the 2012 Oregon International Pinot Noir Celebration (9.7 5/9/2012)
Large Review of 2009 & 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs With a Few from 2008 & 2011 (9.7 5/9/2012)
Many Oregon Wineries Offering Pinot Noir for a C-Note or More (9.15 11/24/2012)
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (7.2 9/15/2008)

Reviewed Wines

2009 Adelsheim Elizabeth’s Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $37.99. A barrel selection from some of the finest lots in the cellar. Mostly estate grown fruit. Named for Elizabeth Edel, the daughter of David and Ginny Adelsheim, the winery’s founders. The portrait on the label is by Ginny Adelsheim. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is complex and well endowed with vibrant aromas of dark red cherries, leather, dried rose petal and berry granola. Tasty essence of fresh black cherries and black raspberries with a lingering cherry and mineral driven finish. Delicately structured with crisp acidity and dusty tannins. Better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Should be a cause for celebration in a few years. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2007 Adelsheim Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 17,425 cases, $32. This bottling has been made since 1979. A blend of multiple vineyards including 7 estate vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains AVA (75%) and 9 other vineyards in other parts of the Willamette Valley (25%). 60% of the wine is Pommard 5 and Wadenswil clones. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day pre-fermentation maceration, aged in French oak barrels. · Slightly muted aromas of red Pinot fruits. Tasty berry melange of strawberries, raspberries and cranberries. Elegantly styled with lively acidity on a clean finish. A dependable daily drinker. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Adelsheim Vineyard Elizabeth’s Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 1,192 cases, $48. Since 2000 this has been a “best of winery” reserve, the best barrels from the best lots. 4 to 6 day cold soak, inoculation with commercial yeast, aged in 30% new French oak barrels for 10 months. Named after David Adelsheim’s daughter. · Intense aromas and flavors of cherries and berries, both red and black, with a subtle hay note. Discreetly concentrated and well-crafted with enough structure to last in the cellar for up to ten years. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Adelsheim Vineyard Boulder Bluff Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 240 cases, $58. From a 10-acre Chehalem Mountains vineyard bought by co-owners Lynn and Jack Loacker in 2000. The vineyard is planted to a Burgundy clone called AS2 and another of unclear origin also planted at Adelsheim’s original Quarter Mile Lane Vineyard in 1974. Soils are basaltic in origin. The grapes were de-stemmed into open-top fermenters followed by a 4 to 6-day cold soak. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels for 10 months. · I liked this wine for its rich pure black cherry and black raspberry fruit, its undertones of spice and roasted hazelnuts, its smooth mouth feel, and its clean and zippy finish. Very impressive classy juice. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Adelsheim Vineyard Calkins Lane Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

249 cases, $58, club release September 1, 2009. Dijon clone 667 and Wadenswil. · Scents of red fruits, hazelnuts and hay. Discreet core of perfumed red fruit with brisk acidity on the mildly floral finish. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Adelsheim Vineyard Bryan Creek Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

280 cases, $68, club release September 1, 2009. From a 20-acre leased vineyard located across the road from the original Quarter Mile Lane Estate Vineyard. A single-vineyard bottling has been produced since 1998. Basaltic, clay-loam soils at 700+ foot elevation. Clone is Pommard 5 planted in 1989. Aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Light garnet color. More delicate this vintage but still delivers plenty of pleasure. Rich mid-palate array of red and black fruits which are powerfully flavored. Acidity is toned down compared to other vineyard-designates. Plush, velvety mouth feel with soft ripe tannins. Very drinkable now and quite enjoyable. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 15,521 cases, $31. The flagship Pinot Noir from Adelsheim sourced from seven estate vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains and nine vineyards in other parts of the Willamette Valley. Both Jory and Willakenzie soil types are represented. 24% new French oak was used. · Cherries, spice and roasted nuts are quite flavorful in this wine which is light on its feet. Silky textured with refined acidity and a hint of earthiness on the finish. A perfectly fine entry wine. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Adelsheim Elizabeth’s Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $40. A barrel selection from four estate vineyards on Chehalem Mountain and a few barrels from northern Willamette Valley. · Heady perfume of strawberry, cherry and fresh herbs. The restrained flavors echo the nose but don’t deliver the intensity of the aromas. A lighter-styled wine that is quite feminine and smooth. The scent trumps the taste now. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Adelsheim Ribbon Springs Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 299 cases, $58. Sedimentary sandstone based soils make up the Ribbon Springs Vineyard consisting of 80 acres of primarily Pinot Noir grapes. Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon clones. The winemaker is Dave Paige. · The palate is all Pinot with mixed berry and black cherry fruit, uplifting acidity and supple tannins. Lovely texture and commendable balance. Gorgeous and pure. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Adelsheim Vineyard Quarter Mile Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir

Longer maceration performed before and after fermentation leading to more tannin for aging. This wine should age 20+ years. Fruit from this vineyard makes up a large percentage of the Adelsheim Reserve bottling (since 1988). · Black cherry is the calling card for this wine which has excellent fruit purity. Very soft in the mouth and easily approachable now. Finishes with a black cherry flourish with staying power. Excellent. Reviewed August 23, 2012 ARTICLE »

1993 Adelsheim Vineyard Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir

Adelsheim was the first to make a vineyarddesignated bottling from this vineyard. Pommard based. From a cool vintage. · Aromas of dried fruit, mushrooms and earth. Light in weight featuring dark red berry fruit and hints of animale and leather. The tannins have fully integrated. Enjoyable. Reviewed August 23, 2012 ARTICLE »

1987 Adesheim Vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir

The last vintage for David Adelsheim as winemaker. First year adjusted crop load; before that, vintners in Oregon hadn’t really thought of trying to adjust crop load for quality. A large vintage marked by rain and then heat near the end. Grapes were picked in early September. · Mild bricking of the rim in the glass. Very shy but pleasing aromas of cherries, mint and buttered brioche. Surprising well-flavored with a tasty core of cherry fruit and a note of teriyaki. The tannins have fully melded, but the wine retains a good cut of acidity. Amazing! Reviewed August 23, 2012 ARTICLE »