Dec 30, 2022
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Chehalem Winery
| Owner(s) | Bill Stoller |
| Web site | www.chehalemwines.com |
| Link to this site |
Chehalem (‘Chuh-hay-lum’) is an American Indian word meaning “gentle land” or “valley of flowers.” This winery was initially owned by Harry Peterson-Nedry and Bill and Cathy Stoller. Peterson-Nedry has been growing grapes in Ribbon Ridge since 1980 and was the first to plant in this part of the Willamette Valley.
The first wine, a Pinot Noir, appeared in 1990 when the winery was founded. Prior to that, Peterson-Nedry planted a vineyard on Ribbon Ridge while working other jobs and started experimental winemaking in his garage. Peterson-Nedry formed a partnership with Bill Stoller in 1993 when the Stollers were planting their 125-acre vineyard in the Dundee Hills. The Stoller Vineyard remains one of Chehalem's main grape sources.
Chehalem has three distinct estate vineyards, Ridgecrest (originally 37 acres of own-rooted Pommard and Wädenswil planted in 1980; this vineyard was the first in the Ribbon Ridge appellation), Stoller, and Corral Creek (32 acres surrounding the winery).
The Reserve Pinot Noir is chosen from select barrels, primarily from Ridgecrest Vineyard and is a textbook Willamette Valley Pinot treat. A blend of the three vineyards, "3-Vineyards Pinot Noir," is an excellent value-priced wine. A number of well-crafted white Alsatian varieties and an unoaked Chardonnay are produced as well. The signature Chardonnay, Ian's Reserve, is a vineyard designate from Stoller Vineyard. Production is 100% estate grown.
The winemaker became Wynne Peterson-Nedry, Harry's daughter, who has worked at the winery since 1980. She obtained a degree in chemistry from Bryn Mawr College and a master's degree in enology and viticulture from UC Davis in 2008. She joined the winery in 2009 working side-by-side with her father and became the winemaker in 2012. Total production is 20,000 cases (45% Pinot Noir). The viticulturist was Chad Douglas.
In February 2018, Bill Stoller became the sole owner of Chehalem Winery and Corral Creek Vineyard. Shortly thereafter, Wynne departed as winemaker. Chad Douglas left Chehalem in 2017. Jason Tosch then joined Stoller Family Estate as VP of Vineyard Operations and took over all vineyard management duties for Bill's vineyards at that time.
Bill and Harry divided Ridgecrest with Harry owning about 48 acres. Stoller owns 29 acres of Ridgecrest, of which 16 are currently planted.
A tasting room is open at 106 S Center St., Newberg. New labels appeared in 2013, replacing the former abstract paint compositions with photographs taken in the vineyard.
Articles About Chehalem Winery
Chehalem Mountains (7.7 12/17/2008)
Extensive Tasting of 2016 & 2017 Vintage Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (11.47 7/7/2019)
IPNC: Continuing Ed in Pinot Noirvana (6.35 8/6/2007)
Mining Oregon’s Willamette Valley for Good Pinot Noir Priced at or Less Than $30 (11.37 1/17/2019)
Mining for Very Good Over-$30 Pinot:Upping the Ante (8.32 3/1/2011)
More Sips of 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir (8.30 1/27/2011)
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (7.2 9/15/2008)
Oregon Chardonnay Gaining Prominence (10.33 7/6/2016)
Oregon Pinot Briefs (11.19 2/20/2018)
Oregon Pinot Noir Starts Here: A Sampling of Entry Level Wines (10.36 8/29/2016)
Oregon Pinot Noir Tasting (6.20 3/27/2007)
Pinot Briefs (8.43 9/2/2011)
Pinot Briefs (8.40 6/30/2011)
Pinot Briefs (11.36 12/29/2018)
Pinot Gris: Oregon’s Signature White Wine (7.15 3/26/2009)
Rece$$ion Bumpers (7.15 3/26/2009)
Recent Tasting of 2016, 2017 & 2018 Willamette Valley Chardonnay (11.47 7/7/2019)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.6 3/15/2015)
Willamette Valley’s 50th Anniversary: A New Look at the Old Guard (10.18 9/29/2015)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Chehalem INOX™ Unoaked Willamette Valley Chardonnay
12.9% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.68, $20, screw
cap. Sourced from two estate vineyards.
·
Very light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose reminds of Pinot
Gris with aromas of lychee, white peach and grass. Flavors of lemon-lime, cantaloupe, green apple and a
slight grassy note underlain with guarded acidity. I like the wine for its fruitiness, but not as a Chardonnay, for it
could easily be mistaken for a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
ARTICLE »
2018 Chehalem Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir Rosé
13.2% alc., pH 3.16, TA 0.67, $25, screw cap.
·
Light
pink color in the glass. Very shy aromas of orange peel and rose petal. Light in weight, featuring demure
flavors of red berry and yellow peach. Pleasant and nicely balanced, but so austere it is not eye-catching.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Chehalem Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.58, $N/A, screw cap.
·
Light
garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aroma of cherry gum drop. A straightforward, amicable wine with flavors of
oak-kissed dark red cherry and purple berry framed by modest tannins, finishing modestly with a sweet cherry
tone.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 8, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Chemistry Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.56, $15, screw
cap. Produced and bottled by Chehalem, Dayton, Oregon. Sourced from premier sites in
the Willamette Valley. Aged in French oak barrels, 15% new, 85% neutral.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cranberry, baking spice and a hint of straw. Light
to mid weight essence of juicy red cherry with a slightly confected tone. Silky in the mouth
with easygoing tannins and a short, but pleasing finish. A friendly Pinot Noir.
Score: 89.
Reviewed January 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Chehalem Three Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.62, 3,974 cases,
$30, screw cap. Released April 2018. 100% estategrown:
20% Corral Creek Vineyard, 12% Stoller
Vineyard and 68% Ridgecrest Vineyard. Harvest Brix
21.3º-25.2º. 100% de-stemmed, 4-8 days premaceration,
14-20 days total fermentation. Aged 11 months in
French oak barrels, 29% new, 29% 1-year-old and 49% neutral.
Crossflow filtered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Nicely perfumed with aromas of cherry, dusty rose and baking
spices. Light to mid weight in extraction, with juicy flavors of red
cherry and berry complimented by a deft touch of oak. The wine aims to please with easygoing
tannins and an aromatic finish of note. Always a dependable value in Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
Score: 91.
Reviewed January 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2014 Chehalem Three Vineyard Willanette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc.,
6,625 cases, $32, screwcap. Winemaker Wynne Peterson-
Nedry notes, “In Oregon, the bar has been raised to demand
this be our calling card for the Willamette Valley and the
vintage. A proud introduction before the more pampered wines
are later released.” Primarily Corral Creek and Ridgecrest
vineyards with a small amount of Stoller Vineyard. Aged in a
small amount of new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light cherry red
color in the glass. The aromas gain traction over time in the glass,
offering scents of cherry, raspberry and herb garden. Light in weight, with
flavors of black cherry, dark red berry and savory herbs framed by
integrated tannins. Some noticeable length and intensity on the finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed August 29, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Chehalem Ian’s Reserve Willamette Valley Chardonnay
12.0%
alc., , $40, screwcap. A reserve barrel selection of wines from Stoller and
Corral Creek vineyards. Dijon clones. Aged in 31% new and 26% onceused
French oak barrels.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass.
Nicely appointed with aromas of ripe pear, lemon curd and custard.
Satiny smooth in texture, with robust flavors of lemon, brioche and crème
brûlée. Admirable balance and some length on the crisp, stone-ground
and citrus-driven finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Chehalem Ian’s Reserve Stoller Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Chardonnay
13.9% alc., $40,
screwcap. Dijon clones. Aged in French oak barrels, 34% new and 33% once-used.
·
Moderately light golden
yellow color and clear in the glass. Complex aromas of lemon custard, crusty apple pie and spice along with a
hint of reduction lead off. Nicely composed, strutting a clean and bright personality that is full of sunlight, with
flavors of lemon, green apple, baked pear, caramel and toasty brioche, finishing on a soprano note with lemonlime
acidity.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Chehalem Stoller Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.58,
426 cases, $50. Harvest Brix 24.2º-24.5º. Aged 11 months in 100% new French oak barrels, 50% new and
445 1-year-old. Crossflow filtered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Extremely fragrant with hi-tone
aromas of dark raspberries, cassis and toasty oak. Suave on the palate, with robust, flavors of black raspberry,
black plum, tea, and spice framed by mildly grippy tannins. Somewhat earthy, with a tug of oak in the
background. Impressive fruit intensity and finishing length.
Score: 91.
Reviewed March 16, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 CHEHALEM Ridgecrest Vineyards Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Reserve Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.65, 463 cases,
$80, screwcap. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 42% new and
42% once used. This is the winery’s top-of-the-line wine and is the first
vintage Wynne was responsible making in total. Ridgecrest’s 28th
harvest. A rare hailstorm in the spring on Ribbon Ridge clipped the crop
short to half normal and helped to concentrate the wine even more.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Penetrating aromas of
black cherry syrup with a compliment of nutty oak. A robust mid weight
plus wine that offers both power and elegance. Very soft in the mouth,
with an intense charge of well-ripened boysenberry, blueberry and
pomegranate fruits and a touch of cedary oak in the background. The
finish has impressive staying power and there is enough structural tannin
to predict a long life ahead.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 29, 2015
ARTICLE »
2008 Chehalem 3 Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., pH
3.64, 4,529 cases, $27, screw cap. 45% Stoller Vineyard, 30% Corral Creek
Vineyard, 25% Ridgecrest Vineyard (all estate). Always the first Chehalem Pinot
Noir released (February, 2010). Aged 9 months in 23% new, 33% one-use and
44% multiple-use French oak barrels.
·
Demure fruit aromas with a heavy slug of
toasty oak and toffee. The oak is less noticeable on the palate with pleasing
flavors of strawberries and black raspberries framed by mild and slightly
astringent tannins with balanced acidity. Hints of tea and pepper add interest.
An everyday drinker. Good.
Reviewed January 27, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Chehalem Stoller Vineyards Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., $36, screw cap.
·
Aromas of dark red
cherries and berries, generously oaked. Very demure and reserved red berry flavors which are rather linear.
Soft and smooth with a well-proportioned tannic backbone and oak playing a supporting role. Like many 2008
Pinot Noirs from Oregon, this one needs more time in the cellar. Potentially charming. Good.
Reviewed March 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
15.5% alc., $19. Alsatian bottle, screw cap. 0.6%
residual sugar.
·
Scents of pear, honey, and fermenting white grapes. Brioche, melon and citrus on
the full palate with a faint hint of sweetness. A distinct rich style in the Alsatian mold.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem Cerise Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 391 cases, $24. 80% Gamay
Noir, 20% Pinot Noir. “Cerise” is cherry in French. This wine is analogous to passetoutgrains in
Burgundy which is made for drinking while the highly structured Pinot Noirs develop. Cerise has
been produced since 1992. There are two acres of Gamay Noir planted at Ridgecrest Vineyard,
a 55-acre planting on a 176-acre property which pioneered grape growing on Ribbon Ridge in
1980. Aged 9 months in barrel, racked twice, sterile filtered.
·
The nose is restrained, showing
blue and black berries, oak and some good barnyard. The wine offers black grape flavors with
respectable richness and body. Anise and pepper notes add interest and the dry finish has a
spirited grip of citrus zest. A good change up from the sea of Pinot Noir.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem 3 Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,4,053 cases, $32
screw cap. Chehalem (Chuh-hay-lum) is a local Calapooia Indian word best translated as “gentle
land” or “valley of flowers.” Chehalem has 260 planted acres on 600 total acres in three AVAS
(Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge). Chehalem was launched in 1990 by
Harry Peterson-Nedry along with Bill and Cathy Stoller. This wine is the first release of the
vintage and is ready to drink. It is sourced from three estate vineyards: Ridgecrest (25%),
Stoller (60%), and Corral Creek (15%). Aged 9 months in 25% new, 27% one-use, and 48%
multiple-use French barrels. DE filtrated.
·
Bright confected strawberry and cherry scents similar
to a Beaujolais wine. A pleasing core of earth-kissed red fruit which is lightly weighted with a
short, dry finish that leaves a little heat in its wake.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem Corral Creek Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.3% alc., 299 cases,
$44. Corral Creek Vineyards surround the winery and were planted in 1983 by John and Diane
Howieson, founders of Veritas Winery, from whom the vineyard was acquired in 1995. This 28-
acre vineyard is predominantly planted to Pinot Noir. Soils are Laurelwood. Visible from Highway
99W, Corral Creek is a much photographed vineyard. Aged 11 months in 39% new French oak
barrels.
·
Aromas of rose petals, red fruits, oak and loam lead to medium-weighted flavors of black
cherries which are delicately spiced, oaked and tart. Nicely balanced and somewhat elegant with
decent cherry aromas that offer some persistence on the finish.
Reviewed December 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyards Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 587 cases,
$44. Chehalem has had this bottling since its first release in 1990. Ridgecrest is a 55-acre
vineyard on a 176-acre property. This site pioneered grape growing on Ribbon Ridge and dates to
1980. The soils are Willakenzie. Native yeast fermentation, 30% whole cluster, 6-10 days premaceration,
aged 10 months, racking twice, with 50% new French oak barrels.
·
A powerhouse of a
wine with intense aromas of crushed black cherries, spice, soy and roasted nuts. Mouth-coating
with copious sweet, tangy black fruit that grabs a hold and persists on the finish. The racy acidity
predicts a long life ahead.
Reviewed December 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Chehalem Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Chehalem (‘Chuh-hay-lum’) is an American
Indian word meaning “gentle land” or “valley of flowers.” This winery is owned by Harry Peterson-
Nedry and Bill and Cathy Stoller. Chehalem has three distinct estate vineyards, Ridgecrest,
Stoller, and Corral Creek. The Reserve Pinot Noir is chosen from select barrels, primarily from Ridgecrest
Vineyard. Website: www.chehalemwines.com.
·
Very nice restraint here but plenty of zip and zing. The balance is right on. This is
almost too good for mortals.
Reviewed August 6, 2007
ARTICLE »
1999 Chehalem Jacob-Hart Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc..
·
Slightly oxidized,
but still a decent drink. Rich nose of cherries and vanillin and a pleasing mid-palate sweet fruit array that
was fading.
Reviewed March 27, 2007
ARTICLE »
2018 Chehalem INOX™ Unoaked Willamette Valley Chardonnay
12.9% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.68, $20, screw cap. Sourced from two estate vineyards. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose reminds of Pinot Gris with aromas of lychee, white peach and grass. Flavors of lemon-lime, cantaloupe, green apple and a slight grassy note underlain with guarded acidity. I like the wine for its fruitiness, but not as a Chardonnay, for it could easily be mistaken for a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc. Score: 88. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2018 Chehalem Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir Rosé
13.2% alc., pH 3.16, TA 0.67, $25, screw cap. · Light pink color in the glass. Very shy aromas of orange peel and rose petal. Light in weight, featuring demure flavors of red berry and yellow peach. Pleasant and nicely balanced, but so austere it is not eye-catching. Score: 88. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Chehalem Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.58, $N/A, screw cap. · Light garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aroma of cherry gum drop. A straightforward, amicable wine with flavors of oak-kissed dark red cherry and purple berry framed by modest tannins, finishing modestly with a sweet cherry tone. Score: 88. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Chemistry Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.56, $15, screw cap. Produced and bottled by Chehalem, Dayton, Oregon. Sourced from premier sites in the Willamette Valley. Aged in French oak barrels, 15% new, 85% neutral. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cranberry, baking spice and a hint of straw. Light to mid weight essence of juicy red cherry with a slightly confected tone. Silky in the mouth with easygoing tannins and a short, but pleasing finish. A friendly Pinot Noir. Score: 89. Reviewed January 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Chehalem Three Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.62, 3,974 cases, $30, screw cap. Released April 2018. 100% estategrown: 20% Corral Creek Vineyard, 12% Stoller Vineyard and 68% Ridgecrest Vineyard. Harvest Brix 21.3º-25.2º. 100% de-stemmed, 4-8 days premaceration, 14-20 days total fermentation. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 29% new, 29% 1-year-old and 49% neutral. Crossflow filtered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of cherry, dusty rose and baking spices. Light to mid weight in extraction, with juicy flavors of red cherry and berry complimented by a deft touch of oak. The wine aims to please with easygoing tannins and an aromatic finish of note. Always a dependable value in Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Score: 91. Reviewed January 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2014 Chehalem Three Vineyard Willanette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 6,625 cases, $32, screwcap. Winemaker Wynne Peterson- Nedry notes, “In Oregon, the bar has been raised to demand this be our calling card for the Willamette Valley and the vintage. A proud introduction before the more pampered wines are later released.” Primarily Corral Creek and Ridgecrest vineyards with a small amount of Stoller Vineyard. Aged in a small amount of new French oak barrels. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The aromas gain traction over time in the glass, offering scents of cherry, raspberry and herb garden. Light in weight, with flavors of black cherry, dark red berry and savory herbs framed by integrated tannins. Some noticeable length and intensity on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Chehalem Ian’s Reserve Willamette Valley Chardonnay
12.0% alc., , $40, screwcap. A reserve barrel selection of wines from Stoller and Corral Creek vineyards. Dijon clones. Aged in 31% new and 26% onceused French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely appointed with aromas of ripe pear, lemon curd and custard. Satiny smooth in texture, with robust flavors of lemon, brioche and crème brûlée. Admirable balance and some length on the crisp, stone-ground and citrus-driven finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Chehalem Ian’s Reserve Stoller Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Chardonnay
13.9% alc., $40, screwcap. Dijon clones. Aged in French oak barrels, 34% new and 33% once-used. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Complex aromas of lemon custard, crusty apple pie and spice along with a hint of reduction lead off. Nicely composed, strutting a clean and bright personality that is full of sunlight, with flavors of lemon, green apple, baked pear, caramel and toasty brioche, finishing on a soprano note with lemonlime acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Chehalem Stoller Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.58, 426 cases, $50. Harvest Brix 24.2º-24.5º. Aged 11 months in 100% new French oak barrels, 50% new and 445 1-year-old. Crossflow filtered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Extremely fragrant with hi-tone aromas of dark raspberries, cassis and toasty oak. Suave on the palate, with robust, flavors of black raspberry, black plum, tea, and spice framed by mildly grippy tannins. Somewhat earthy, with a tug of oak in the background. Impressive fruit intensity and finishing length. Score: 91. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 CHEHALEM Ridgecrest Vineyards Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Reserve Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.65, 463 cases, $80, screwcap. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 42% new and 42% once used. This is the winery’s top-of-the-line wine and is the first vintage Wynne was responsible making in total. Ridgecrest’s 28th harvest. A rare hailstorm in the spring on Ribbon Ridge clipped the crop short to half normal and helped to concentrate the wine even more. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Penetrating aromas of black cherry syrup with a compliment of nutty oak. A robust mid weight plus wine that offers both power and elegance. Very soft in the mouth, with an intense charge of well-ripened boysenberry, blueberry and pomegranate fruits and a touch of cedary oak in the background. The finish has impressive staying power and there is enough structural tannin to predict a long life ahead. Score: 92. Reviewed September 29, 2015 ARTICLE »
2008 Chehalem 3 Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., pH 3.64, 4,529 cases, $27, screw cap. 45% Stoller Vineyard, 30% Corral Creek Vineyard, 25% Ridgecrest Vineyard (all estate). Always the first Chehalem Pinot Noir released (February, 2010). Aged 9 months in 23% new, 33% one-use and 44% multiple-use French oak barrels. · Demure fruit aromas with a heavy slug of toasty oak and toffee. The oak is less noticeable on the palate with pleasing flavors of strawberries and black raspberries framed by mild and slightly astringent tannins with balanced acidity. Hints of tea and pepper add interest. An everyday drinker. Good. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Chehalem Stoller Vineyards Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., $36, screw cap. · Aromas of dark red cherries and berries, generously oaked. Very demure and reserved red berry flavors which are rather linear. Soft and smooth with a well-proportioned tannic backbone and oak playing a supporting role. Like many 2008 Pinot Noirs from Oregon, this one needs more time in the cellar. Potentially charming. Good. Reviewed March 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
15.5% alc., $19. Alsatian bottle, screw cap. 0.6% residual sugar. · Scents of pear, honey, and fermenting white grapes. Brioche, melon and citrus on the full palate with a faint hint of sweetness. A distinct rich style in the Alsatian mold. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem Cerise Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 391 cases, $24. 80% Gamay Noir, 20% Pinot Noir. “Cerise” is cherry in French. This wine is analogous to passetoutgrains in Burgundy which is made for drinking while the highly structured Pinot Noirs develop. Cerise has been produced since 1992. There are two acres of Gamay Noir planted at Ridgecrest Vineyard, a 55-acre planting on a 176-acre property which pioneered grape growing on Ribbon Ridge in 1980. Aged 9 months in barrel, racked twice, sterile filtered. · The nose is restrained, showing blue and black berries, oak and some good barnyard. The wine offers black grape flavors with respectable richness and body. Anise and pepper notes add interest and the dry finish has a spirited grip of citrus zest. A good change up from the sea of Pinot Noir. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem 3 Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,4,053 cases, $32 screw cap. Chehalem (Chuh-hay-lum) is a local Calapooia Indian word best translated as “gentle land” or “valley of flowers.” Chehalem has 260 planted acres on 600 total acres in three AVAS (Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge). Chehalem was launched in 1990 by Harry Peterson-Nedry along with Bill and Cathy Stoller. This wine is the first release of the vintage and is ready to drink. It is sourced from three estate vineyards: Ridgecrest (25%), Stoller (60%), and Corral Creek (15%). Aged 9 months in 25% new, 27% one-use, and 48% multiple-use French barrels. DE filtrated. · Bright confected strawberry and cherry scents similar to a Beaujolais wine. A pleasing core of earth-kissed red fruit which is lightly weighted with a short, dry finish that leaves a little heat in its wake. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem Corral Creek Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.3% alc., 299 cases, $44. Corral Creek Vineyards surround the winery and were planted in 1983 by John and Diane Howieson, founders of Veritas Winery, from whom the vineyard was acquired in 1995. This 28- acre vineyard is predominantly planted to Pinot Noir. Soils are Laurelwood. Visible from Highway 99W, Corral Creek is a much photographed vineyard. Aged 11 months in 39% new French oak barrels. · Aromas of rose petals, red fruits, oak and loam lead to medium-weighted flavors of black cherries which are delicately spiced, oaked and tart. Nicely balanced and somewhat elegant with decent cherry aromas that offer some persistence on the finish. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyards Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 587 cases, $44. Chehalem has had this bottling since its first release in 1990. Ridgecrest is a 55-acre vineyard on a 176-acre property. This site pioneered grape growing on Ribbon Ridge and dates to 1980. The soils are Willakenzie. Native yeast fermentation, 30% whole cluster, 6-10 days premaceration, aged 10 months, racking twice, with 50% new French oak barrels. · A powerhouse of a wine with intense aromas of crushed black cherries, spice, soy and roasted nuts. Mouth-coating with copious sweet, tangy black fruit that grabs a hold and persists on the finish. The racy acidity predicts a long life ahead. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Chehalem Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Chehalem (‘Chuh-hay-lum’) is an American Indian word meaning “gentle land” or “valley of flowers.” This winery is owned by Harry Peterson- Nedry and Bill and Cathy Stoller. Chehalem has three distinct estate vineyards, Ridgecrest, Stoller, and Corral Creek. The Reserve Pinot Noir is chosen from select barrels, primarily from Ridgecrest Vineyard. Website: www.chehalemwines.com. · Very nice restraint here but plenty of zip and zing. The balance is right on. This is almost too good for mortals. Reviewed August 6, 2007 ARTICLE »
1999 Chehalem Jacob-Hart Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc.. · Slightly oxidized, but still a decent drink. Rich nose of cherries and vanillin and a pleasing mid-palate sweet fruit array that was fading. Reviewed March 27, 2007 ARTICLE »