VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Nicholas

OwnersCelia Austin, Ken Austin III
AppellationChehalem Mountains
Acres36
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling
Clones115, 777, Pommard, Wädenswil

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2018 Anam Cara Chehalem Mountains Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 110 cases, $25, screw cap. 100% Wädenswil clone from the Nicholas Estate Vineyard. 3-day cold soak, aged in neutral French oak barrels. · Watermelon color in the glass. Aromas of red berry, yellow nectarine and rose petal. Suave in texture and easy to cozy up to, with flavors of strawberry and cranberry. Score: 89. Reviewed July 8, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Anam Cara Cellars Chehalem Mountains Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 110 cases, $22, screw cap. Dijon 114 from Nicholas Vineyard. This clone is grown in the coolest part of the vineyard and was a benefit in this relatively hot vintage. Fermented on skins for two days. · Moderate ruby red color in the glass (the color predicts what is to follow). Substantial aromas of strawberry, red cherry, nectarine and a hint of dried herbs. Very fruity, with mid weight flavors of Damsel plum, cranberry, and yellow peach. Very slight tannins with balancing acidity. Luscious for a rosé, and will stand up to hearty and savory foods. Score: 90. Reviewed May 12, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Rain Dance Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.37, TA 0.60, $30. Released November 2017. Harvest Brix 22.8º. Clone 95. Aged in Fresh oak barrels, 33% new, 33% once-filled and 34% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Complex and persistent aromas of lemon curd, spice, white flower blossoms, tropical fruits and biscuit lead to a wine of lovely composure that is discreetly endowed with flowing flavors of citrus, apple, white peach, banana and vanilla. Very slightly viscous, with a gracious acid backbone and some finishing brightness and resolve. A complete wine and one of the best Chardonnays that I have recently tasted from Oregon. Score: 95. Reviewed November 12, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 335 cases, $39. 37% field blend of Pommard, 115 and 114, 37% 114, 22% 115, and 4% Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 15% new, 25% once-filled. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, ripe cranberry, underbrush, BBQ rub and sawn oak. Light to mid weight in style, offering flavors of black cherry and dark red berries. Straightforward and simple, with a silky mouthfeel and modest finish. Score: 89. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 150 cases, $53. Sourced from reserve rows that yield no more than 1.5 tons per acre. A barrel selection. Wädenswil, 16% 115, 16% 114 and 18% field blend of Pommard, 115 and 114. Aged in French oak barrels, 22% new, 22% once-filled. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Glorious aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spice and earthy flora. Very pleasing in the mouth, displaying black cherry, black raspberry and cassis flavors with a deft touch of oak. Silky and well-balanced, with mid weight plus concentration, finishing with some purpose. Score: 91. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Anam Cara Mark X Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $75. A blend from Reserve rows and barrels that is boldly crafted. 90% field blend of Pommard, 115 and 114, 10% Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 30% new, 30% once-filled. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of black fruits lead off. Bold, rich and full-bodied, yet possessing good energy and spirit. The core of blackberry and black current fruits are blessed with commendable oak integration. The tannins are reigned in, the texture is velvety and the finish is noticeably lengthy. Considerably more open and giving when tasted the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Best to decant first for current drinking. Score: 93. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Rain Dance Nicholas Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Rosé

14.1% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.56, RS 0.16%, 149 cases, $22, screwcap. Released May 1, 2016. Harvest Brix 24.2º. Whole cluster pressed, on skins 4 hours, cold fermented, and aged in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate strawberry red color in the glass. Very fragrant, even over time in the glass, showing aromas of strawberry, raspberry, peach and blood orange. A hearty styled rosé with flavors of cherry, watermelon, strawberry and orange peel. Smooth and crisp in the mouth with some length on the fruit-filled finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 9, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Rain Dance Vineyards Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.525, 220 cases, $30. Produced from LIVE certified grapes grown in Laurelwood and Jory soils. Harvest Brix 25.5. 115, 667, 777 and Pommard clones. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 22% once-filled and 45% neutral. · Gorgeous moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and marionberry lead to a mid weight plus styled wine with a powerful attack of purple berry, plum and spice flavors framed by notable grainy tannins and supported by balanced acidity. The lingering finish leaves quite an impression. Still a youngster and will undoubtedly benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 91. Reviewed November 12, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 400 cases, $35. Released fall 2017. A reflection of the entire vineyard in this vintage. Clones include 114, 115, Wädenswil, Pommard and “field blend.” Aged in 19% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Fresh aromas of iced cherry, blueberry and spice cabinet. Light to mid weight in style with eager flavors of cherry, blueberry and spice, and just a kiss of oak. Forward drinking and easy going, displaying upbeat juiciness and an elegant demeanor. A “little” wine that has a lot to give. Score: 90. Reviewed February 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Reserve Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 125 cases, $50. Released fall 2017. Clones are 20% Wädenswil, 20% Dijon 115 snd 60% “field blend.” Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers a highly compatible marriage of ripened dark fruits and oak with that Pinot earthiness that can be so appealing. Intensely endowed with well-spiced purple berry and black cherry fruit flavors that sing all the high notes and offer superb length in the mouth. Impeccably balanced, with a long finish infused with cherry goodness. This wine is clearly a step up and worthy of the “Reserve” designation. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Wädenswil Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 100 cases, $55. Release in spring 2018. 100% Wädenswil clone planted in a 2-acre block in 2008. Aged in 25% new, 25% once-filled and 50% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very engaging aromas of crushed cherry, plum, marionberry, rose petal and bread dough. Delightful middleweight flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, spice and Hoison sauce. The energetic sap is backed by gentle tannins and offers a sexy texture. Quite approachable, with good finishing pleasure. I am more of a Pommard guy, but I must admit that this is one of the best Wädenswil single clone Pinot Noirs I have ever experienced. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Anam Cara Heather’s Reserve Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 48 cases, $75. Release in spring 2018. Normally the Heather’s bottling reflects the most elegant expression of the vintage. Sourced from the coolest part of the vineyard, a 5-acre block of Dijon clone 114. Originally this bottling came exclusively from this block, but over time other qualifying once-filled barrels have been added to the blend. 50% Dijon 114 (reserve rows), 25% Wädenswil and 25% Dijon 115. Aged in 100% once-filled French oak barrels. The 2015 vintage produced a rather gender-bending expression of Heather’s in that the wine is much bolder than in year’s past. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of darker cherry, Nutella and white chocolate. The opulent black cherry and plum fruit is heady yet light on its feet and well supported by mature tannins. Not as elegant as in past vintages, and maybe not as giving at this stage as other wines in the lineup, but doesn’t disappoint. Score: 92. Reviewed February 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Anam Cara Mark IX Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 50 cases, $75. Release spring 2018. This wine is named for Nick and Sheila’s son, Mark, and intended to be the boldest cuvée of the vintage. This is both a vineyard and barrel blend, sourced from reserve rows cropped to 1.5 tons per acre. 75% Pommard reserve rows, 25% “field blend.” Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. No Mark bottling was offered in 2013, and the Roman numerals denote the wine’s place in the series. Like Heather’s, the Mark bottling is atypical in this vintage, more metrosexual than macho. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose reveals its charms slowly over time in the glass, offering aromas of wild berries and pleasant oak. Very engaging on the palate with a real mouthful of cherry and strawberry fruit goodness. There is plenty of spice accent to satisfy and the barrel management is first class. Slightly more elegant than the Heather’s bottling, even metrosexual, this wine is quite forward in this vintage and grabs your attention. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Reserve Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay

13.2% alc., $32, screwcap. Dijon clones from 2 acres. Fermented and aged 10 months in neutral French oak barrels with a small steel tank addition. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon, honey and subtle bruised apple lead off. Acidity plays a bigger role than fruit in this wine with flavors of yellow stone fruits and citrus. I wanted more fruit generosity in the mid palate and finish, but the overall impression was very conducive and easy to cozy up to. Score: 88. Reviewed July 9, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

187 cases, $37. Release spring 2017. 20% Dijon 115, 20% Pommard, 20% Dijon 114, 20% Wädenswil and 20% Dijon 777. Aged in French oak barrels, 22% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Highly engaging aromas of cherry, forest floor, spice and rose petal. Mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry please. A cheerful, bright wine, with nice balance, the slightest bit of oak seasoning, and a bit of cherry persistence on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Adelsheim Vineyard Caitlin’s Reserve Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.32, 580 cases, $45. A LIVE certified sustainable wine composed of the finest lots of Chardonnay in the cellar. Sourced from Stoller Vineyard (63%), Nicholas Vineyard (24%) and Boulder Bluff Vineyard (13%). Dijon clones. Whole cluster pressed with a gentle bladder press, barrel fermented and aged in French oak barrels (25% new). · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. A delightful wine with a vibrant structure and expressive fruit, offering aromas and flavors of lemon, yellow apple, pineapple and grapefruit augmented with a gentle touch of oak. Very classy, with inviting balance and some length on the cleansing finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 9, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Reserve Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

147 cases, $50. Release spring 2017. 40% Dijon 777, 20% Dijon 115, 20% Pommard, 10% Dijon 114 and 10% Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring perfume of black cherry, earthy flora and spice lead to a vibrant and expansive palate of dark cherry, raspberry and red currant flavors framed by vigorous but complimentary tannins. Silk and satin in texture, with graded oak seasoning, and impressive length on the juicy finish. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Anam Cara Heather’s Reserve Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 50 cases, $70. Release spring 2017. Nicholas Vineyard. 35% Dijon 114, 35% Dijon 115 and 30% Wädenswil. A selection of specific rows and vines pruned for low yields and barrels that excelled before blending. An elegant expression of the vineyard in this vintage. Aged in French oak barrels, 75% once-filled. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of crushed black cherries, raspberries and wood spice. Discreetly concentrated flavors of cherry and cranberry with a submerged oak accent. Light on its feet, crisp and juicy, with a suede texture and a vibrant finish. An elegant wine that will seduce with its aromatics and lithe demeanor. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Anam Cara Mark VIII Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

50 cases, $70. Release spring 2017. Nicholas Vineyard. A selection from reserve barrels with the highest percentage of new oak (40%) meant to be a bold expression of the vineyard in this vintage. 50% Pommard and 50% Dijon 777. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, spice and tobacco lead off. Full-bodied and structured, with flavors of purple and black fruits. Sleek and velvety in the mouth, offering the slightest oak imprint, and exhibiting a very long and mighty finish. A masculine, fruit-driven wine. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 250 cases, $33. Wädenswil (40%), Pommard (20%), Dijon 114 (25%), Dijon 777 (15%). Aged in French oak barrels, 27% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of fresh cherry, strawberry, red rose petal and sandalwood. Engaging on the palate, with discretely concentrated flavors of red cherry, cranberry and Damsel plum. On the delicate side with modest tannins, a silky mouthfeel, and a modest finish. Very Oregonian in demeanor, this wine should pick up intensity over time in bottle. Score: 89-90. Reviewed April 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Reserve Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 47 cases, $45. Dijon 777 (50%) and Pommard (50%). Aged in French oak barrels, 37% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Clearly a step up in quality, this wine offers bright aromas of cherry and red berry preserves leading to a middleweight core of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and mocha flavors backed by mildly firm and deft tannins. More sappy than the regular Nicholas Estate bottling, with a bigger finish. A very gracious wine that engages with flavor and transparency. Score: 92. Reviewed April 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Anam Cara Estate Reserve Chehalem Mountains Williamette Valley Chardonnay

$32. Inaugural release. Dijon clones. Fermented in 2 new French oak barrels and 8 neutral French oak barrels. Stirred weekly on the lees for 4 months before settling for another 4 months. · Light golden yellow with a faint apricot hue in the glass. Likable nose with fresh aromas of tropical fruits, grapefruit, vanilla and roasted nuts. Bright, clean and refreshing with flavors of lemon and pear with oak in the background. Soft in the mouth and easy to like with some finishing lemon-driven persistence. Score: 90. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 1,700 cases, $33. 20% 114, 20% 115, 20% 777, 10% 114 and 10% 667. Aged in 21% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh cherry coulis and sandalwood. Delicious array of mid weight fruit flavors including black cherry and black raspberry with plenty of spice and a graceful oak sheen. Impressive harmony with remarkable persistence on the royal finish. Score: 94. Reviewed June 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Reserve Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 420 cases, $46. 30% Pommard, 30% 777, 20% 115, 10% 114 and 10% 667. Aged in 37% new and 29% once-filled French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose invigorates with effusive aromas of fresh cherries, spice and dark red rose petals. Bright and elegant on the palate, with a pleasing core of cherry fruit accented with hints of brown spice and white chocolate. The suave tannins are nicely integrated, the texture is silky, and the finish is clean and refreshing. Score: 94. Reviewed June 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Wädenswil Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 95 cases, $55. 100% Wädenswil clone. Aged in 25% new and 25% once-filled French oak. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The wine offers a darker fruit profile, including black cherry, blackberry along side flavors of cola, sassafras, spice and graham. All silk and satin in the mouth with firm, but integrated tannins. Definitely unique in character. Score: 93. Reviewed June 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Heather’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 90 cases, $66. 50% 114, 20% 777, 15% 667, and 15% 115. Aged in all once-filled French oak barrels. The most elegant expression of the vineyard which contains the most clone 114. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Seductive aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, spice and sandalwood lead to a feminine, graceful wine with light flavors of cherry and red berries, brown spice and subtle oak. The fine-grain tannins are embracing and the cherry-laden finish is charming. Score: 92. Reviewed June 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Mark VII Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 90 cases, $66. 50% Pommard and 50% 777. Aged in 50% new French oak. The only unfiltered wine in lineup. A masculine, age worthy expression of the vineyard. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. My notes say,“fantastic nose,” with aromas of an array of dark red fruits and exotic spices. Discreetly bold flavors of dark red cherries and berries and red plums with a hint of dark chocolate in the background. A grand wine with excellent balance and length, ending on a high note with a rush of aromatic sweet cherries. Score: 94. Reviewed June 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., $26, screwcap. Inaugural Chardonnay from Anam Cara. Estate Dijon clone grapes. Fermented 70% in neutral oak and 30% in stainless steel. · Light straw color in the glass. A ravishing wine with bright aromas of white peach, passion fruit, lemon curd, apple cider and fir tree. Delicious, fresh, crisp and lively, with flavors of nectarine, baked apple, lemon, and a little nuttiness and minerality. The oak is kept under wraps, the texture is seamless, and the finish is long and refreshing. One of the best Oregon Chardonnays I have had in my recent memory. Reviewed November 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.4% alc., pH 3.60, 1,700 cases, $32. Released winter 2013. Clones 114, 115, 777, 667, and Pommard. Aged in 21% new French oak. The winery’s flagship wine reflecting all five original blocks of Pinot Noir. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of strawberry, red cherry, spice, red rose petal and dried herbs. Demure and elegant with flavors of red cherry, red plum and strawberry. Very giving with soft, dry tannins and juicy acidity. A delightful wine that exudes pinot elegance. Score: 90. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Anam Cara Estate Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., pH 3.60, 420 cases, $45. Release winter 2013. 10 rows in each block are set aside as reserve potential and maintain a yield of no more than 1.5 tons per acre. The final blend is determined by barrel selection. Clones 777, 115, 114, 667 and Pommard. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. The aromatics are engaging with scents of black cherry, blackberry and spice. Modest in weight but big in flavor with mouth coating tastes of dark stone fruits and berries, finishing with a delightful candied cherry note. The wine has balanced firm tannins and bright acidity for aging, with a welcome integration of oak. Not as open as the Estate bottling, but possesses more layered flavors and age ability. Score: 92. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Anam Cara Wädenswil Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.2% alc., pH 3.70, 95 cases, $55. Release fall 2013. The inaugural wine from a 2-acre block of Wädenswil clone, planted in 2008. Picked at the highest Brix of the vintage (23º). Aged in 25% new and 25% 1-year French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy but pleasant aromas of darker berry preserves, dark chocolate and rose petal. The most extracted wine in the 2011 lineup with bold, flamboyant flavors of black grape, blackberry and boysenberry underlain with toasty oak. Brooding and fruit-driven with rugged tannins. Should benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar. Score: 88. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Anam Cara Heather’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.4% alc., pH 3.60, 90 cases, $65. Release late fall 2013. The most elegant expression of the Nicholas Vineyard. The wine is selected from reserve row once-filled oak barrels. Clones 114, 777, 667, and 115. Aged in 100% once-filled French oak barrels. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of black cherry, baking spice and underbrush. An elegant wine with charming flavors of darker red cherries and berries accented by savory herbs. The supple tannins make for easy drinking now, but the wine may pick up more weight and interest over time in the bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Anam Cara Mark VI Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.4% alc., pH 3.50, 90 cases, $65. Release spring 2014. The highest percentage of new oak in the vintage. Intended to be a big and rich wine, blended from the reserve rows and barrels. Named for the Nicholas’ son Mark, the Roman numerals denote the wine’s place in the series. Clones are Pommard, 777 and 667. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Light reddish purple hue in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and raspberry with a hint of dried herbs lead to a flavorful core of intense black raspberry fruit which fans out in peacock tail fashion on the huge, grand cru finish. Not as concentrated as previous vintages, but has the tannic structure to last. Score: 91. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Adelsheim Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.47, 161 cases, $90. This vineyard was first planted by Nick and Sheila Nicholas in 2001 who make their own wines under the Anam Cara label. 100% clone 667 planted in Laurelwood soils (wind-blown ice age sediment) covering basalt. Aged 10 months in 33% new medium-toast French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of fresh red cherry tart and spice are echoed on the palate. Husky tannins create a firm mouth feel and a complimentary note of oak adds interest. The peacock tail finish is special. The wine still showed exceptional character and balance the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Did I mention the finish? Score: 92. Reviewed October 11, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Anam Cara Vineyard Selection Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 450 cases, $24, screw cap. Primarily a restaurant by-the-glass program wine. Aged in once-filled and neutral oak. Predominantly Dijon 114. · Light reddish color in the glass. Pleasant perfume of red berries, wild strawberries and spice. Soft, smooth and elegant, with a lighter-weighted core of red fruits accented with notes of herbs and tar. Decent. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 1,200 cases, $32. The flagship wine, reflecting all five blocks of the vineyard Pinot Noir. Aged in 23% new French oak. A mix of Dijon and Pommard clones. · Light red color in the glass. Very fragrant, plush with bright aromas of fresh berries and red plums. A pretty wine that exudes finesse, offering tasty raspberry and marionberry flavors, framed by gossamer tannins, finishing with a tasty raspberry display. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Anam Cara Reserve Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 195 cases, $45. 10 rows in each block are set aside as Reserve potential and maintain a yield of not more than 1.5 tons per acre. The final blend is chosen by barrel selection. Dijon clones 777, 115, 114 and Pommard. Aged in 37% new French oak. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Deeply perfumed with dark red pie cherries, fraise du bois and stem. Middleweight flavors of dark red berries fan out nicely on the palate, with notes of earth, tar and oak adding interest. A second pass at the wine was made after pouring through a Venturi. The wine became much more expressive aromatically with aromas and flavors of fresh-picked berries and savory herbs. Elegant and soft in the mouth with a plush finish. Not fully forthcoming, but well balanced, and should be terrific after a few years in the cellar. A commendable expression of the vintage. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Anam Cara Heather’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 50 cases, $65. The most elegant expression of the vineyard, using the lightest oak treatment (no new oak, 100% once-filled barrels). 50% Dijon 114, 36% Dijon 777 and 14% Pommard. Usually the wine is from ten rows of Dijon clone 114 in a late ripening block cropped to 1.5 tons per acre. The 2010 bird invasion wiped out these rows which abutted the tree line. The blending process then opened to include other clones. The wine is named for the Nicholas’ daughter. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant, like a well-perfumed woman with a dab of crushed cherries and sandalwood behind her ear. See-through elegance, featuring ripe dark candied griottes cherries, sweet and seductive in the middle and languorous and slinky at the end. Will pick up intensity with more time in the bottle. Very good (+). Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Anam Cara Mark V Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 50 cases, $65. Largest percentage of new oak (50%). 77% 777, 13% Pommard and 10% 667. Crafted to be big and rich choosing the boldest clones and blend from the Reserve rows and barrels. Named for the Nicholas’ son, the Roman numerals denote the wine’s place in the series. · Deepest reddish-purple color in the lineup. Intensely perfumed with perfectly ripe dark red berries with a complimentary scent of oak and dark rose petals. The most intense wine in this vintage and the wine with the most length. It hits the mid palate with a vengeance, expands in the mouth, and ends with a voluptuous charge of fruit that satiates the senses for a minute. A very young, but remarkable wine that is the best ever Mark release from Anam Cara. Grab a few bottles for your cellar; you will thank me down the line. Very good (+). Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 1,000 cases, $30. The flagship wine containing all five blocks of Pinot Noir. Aged in 18% new, 12% 1- year-old, and 70% neutral French oak barrels. 667 (37%), Pommard (22%), 115 (16%), 114 (13%) and 777 (12%). · Moderate reddispurple color. Glass-filling perfume of ripe berries, concord grapes and a subtle whiff of oak. Velvety on the palate with a discreetly concentrated mix of fresh black cherry and dark red berry flavors set off by complimentary oak. A seamless, solid drinker to be enjoyed now. Very Good. Reviewed August 13, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Et Fille Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 172 cases, $34. From the well-known Nicholas Vineyard farmed by Nick and Sheila Nicholas. Pommard clone. Aged 10 months in 31% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Beefy, husky and dark-fruited on the nose. Thick, broad flavors of blueberries, black cherries, black raspberries and dark plums. Tremendous concentration and grip, but retains an attractive feminine tone. Perfectly balanced with a soft but ruffled texture in a worn leather jacket sort of way. Impressive finishing persistence. Even better two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, indicating this wine will be an ideal cellar candidate. Everything you want and some things you didn’t think to ask for in an Oregon Pinot at the right price. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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