Alloro Vineyard

Owner(s) David Nemarnik
Web site www.allorovineyard.com
 
Link to this site
Alloro Vineyard

Alloro is the Latin and Italian word for laurel, the evergreen plant said to symbolize immortality in ancient times and a symbol of peace and victory today. Laurel is a theme of sorts because Alloro Vineyard and Winery is situated on Laurel Ridge, in the Chehalem Mountains just north of Newberg in Sherwood, and the vineyard is planted in the Laurelwood soil series.

David Nemarnik, the CEO of Pacific Coast Fruit Company, is the founder and vineyard manager. Established in 1999, the 78-acre property (28 acres of vines) is planted to Pommard and Dijon clones of Pinot Noir and Dijon clones 76 and 96 of Chardonnay. A winery specifically designed for vinifying Pinot Noir was completed for the 2003 harvest.

Located in the western reaches of the Chehalem Mountains, the summer days linger leading the wines to have a more generous fruit profile than a number of other Willamette Valley producers. The wines are richly colored and textured as well with a characteristic floral rose note.

The winemaker is University of California at Davis educated Tom Fitzpatrick. The 2,500 case production is 100% estate from the Alloro Vineyard including an Estate, Justina and Riservata Pinot Noir.

Wines are available for sale on the website and the Tasting Room that is open Thursday-Monday afternoons. The winery is also open Thanksgiving and Memorial Day weekends. 22075 SW Lebeau Road, Sherwood, OR. 503-813-0063.

Reviewed Wines

2016 Alloro Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.7% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.60, RS 0.00 g/L, 275 cases, $34. Released September 1, 2018. 50% Dijon 76 and 50% Dijon 96. Whole cluster gently pressed, barrel fermented, full ML, lees stirring, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The aromas of lemon oil, pineapple and warm biscuit build in intensity over time in the glass. Joyous flavors of citrus, white peach, and tropical melon are presented in a bright style with a slightly viscous texture and some finishing verve. Recent Oregon Chardonnays continue to impress me. Score: 93. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Alloro Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.53, RS 0.00 g/L, 1,700 cases, $40. Released November 1, 2018. 33% Pommard, 33% 777, 29% 114, 5% Wädenswil. Grapes were 100% de-stemmed, 5 to 7-day cold soak, native inoculum, warm fermentation, native ML, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 27% new. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Gracious aromas of purple berry, black cherry, savory herbs and nutty oak. Light to mid weight in concentration, with tasty red and black cherry and purple berry fruit flavors. A little spice and complimentary oak add support. Suave on the palate and easy to cozy up to, with a juicy, quenching finish. Score: 92. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Alloro Vineyard Estate Riservata Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.61, RS 0.00 g/L, 300 cases, $50. Released November 1, 2018. 23% Pommard, 36% 777, 29% 114, and 12% Wädenswil. Grapes 100% de-stemmed, 5 to 7-day cold soak, native inoculum, warm fermentation, native ML, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 49% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A step up in seduction, with hi-tone aromas of cherry and savory oak. Quite elegant but flavor packed, offering cherry and Marionberry fruit flavors with a gregarious spice compliment that wakes up every taste bud. Sleek and seamless, while underscored with an ever-so-subtle savory component. Very fine tannins coat the teeth with grace and the barrel treatment is dazzling. Even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when the wine was just about perfect in every way. Dollar for dollar, the best Oregon Pinot Noir I have tasted from the stellar 2016 vintage. Score: 96. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Alloro Vineyard Estate Justina Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.54, RS 0.00 g/L, 300 cases, $95, wax closure. Released November 1, 2018. 100% Dijon 777. Grapes 100% de-stemmed, 5 to 7-day cold soak, native inoculum, warm fermentation, native ML, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 78% new. · This wine is completely different from the Riservata, yet admirable in its own way. Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of brooding black fruits. Nearly full bodied in a dense, black-fruited style with somewhat lower acidity and a seductive, velvety mouthfeel. Loads of fruit march with style and grace through the mid palate, culminating in an intense and riveting finish. There is plenty of new oak on this wine but one never thinks oak when drinking it because the fruit load ameliorates it. More enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Alloro Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 1,600 cases, $40. Estate grown, produced and bottled. 46% Pommard, 35% 777, 19% 114. 100% destemmed, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, native malolactic fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 23% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Vigorous aromas of black cherry, rose petal and earthy flora. Generous surge of cherry fruit really alerts the palate. Very fresh and juicy in a mid weight style, with terrific balance and some finishing intent. Score: 92. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Alloro Vineyard Estate ‘Riservata’ Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 300 cases, $50. A 12 barrel selection blend to capture additional body, weight, texture and complexity. This wine represents the best marriage of all the diverse characteristics contributed by each of the individual vineyard blocks. Truly, a reserve wine. 32% Pommard, 46% 777 and 22% 114. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native primary and malolactic fermentations, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 46% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is somewhat brooding but very genial, with aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and complimentary oak. More of everything in this wine, including concentration, intensity, tannin and finish. Makes a bold statement, yet easy to cozy up to. Mid-weight plus in style, with flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and spice. Silky in the mouth with a deft integration of oak. Still a bit aloof but the potential is obvious. Considerably more giving when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. A stunning wine with swagger, depth and dimension. Score: 95. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Alloro Vineyard Estate ‘Justina’ Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.57, 150 cases, $85. A special barrel select blend, crafted to show off the very best of the vintage. The wine is named after winery owner David Nemarnik’s daughter. 81% 777, 19% 114. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native primary and malolactiic fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 80% new. · This beauty is the polar opposite of the Riservata. More pastel in color with a moderately light garnet tone. Soaring aromas of cherry, raspberry, spice, balsam and nuttiness, becoming more demonstrative over time in the glass. More red-fruited in a mid weight plus, seductively elegant style that literally dances across the palate. The silk pajama texture creates the impression of grace and splendor, while the expansive finish resonates lip-smacking spicy goodness. There are notable tannins in the background, most certainly from the high percentage of new oak, but these tannins showed more amelioration when the wine was tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine went from great to exceptional over night. Score: 96. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Alloro Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 1400-1800 cases. This wine is meant to reflect the personality of the site. Aged in French oak barrels, 25%-30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Scents of cherry and spice lead off. The mid weight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry impact the mid palate and carry through the silky and modestly endowed finish. The tannins are folded in and the toasty oak in the background adds spicy seasoning and structure. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Alloro Vineyard Justina Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 300 cases. This wine is even more showier, with the most weight and persistence and the most new oak treatment. It is meant to be aged. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is infused with brooding aromas of dark stone fruits and berries with a slight floral and spice accent. Slightly darker fruited in a full bodied, flamboyant style, with more toast overlay, and a very long and hedonistic finish. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Alloro Vineyard Riservata Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. Meant to be showier, a little broader and denser with more persistence. Aged in 35%-45% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of black cherry and blackberry with a hint of sweet oak. Mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and blackberry are generous and expansive. Soft, smooth and broad in texture with more noticeable but not intrusive oak treatment, and well-integrated tannins. A step up from the Estate in concentration and finishing length. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Alloro Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay

13.4% alc., 250 cases, $34. Released November 2015. 100% Alloro Vineyard. Dijon clones 76 and 96. Gently whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented with 100% malolactic fermentation and lees stirring. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Reserved, but pleasing aromas of lemon creme, nectarine and croissant. Silky on the palate, with inviting flavors of lemon, pineapple, brioche, creme caramel and nutty oak. Nothing but good things to say about this harmonious offering. Score: 91. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Alloro Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay

13.4% alc., 250 cases, $34. 100% estate grown and bottled. 50% Dijon 76 and 50% Dijon 96.Barrel fermented, full malolactic fermentation with batonnage, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of grilled pineapple, orange bitters, butter sauce and nori. Lemon, pineapple and white peach fruits form the core of this unpretentious wine. Slightly creamy in the mouth, with some acid-driven minerality and a lingering, citrus themed finish. Score: 89. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Alloro Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 1,300 cases, $35. Release September 1, 2016. 100% Alloro Vineyard. 41% Pommard, 30% 777 and 29% 114. Aged in 24% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose blends aromas of cherry and nutty oak, showing more oak over time in the glass. Light to mid weight in style with a toned cherry core supported by silky tannins and complimentary oak. Easy to drink, with some length to the sweet cherry finish. Score: 89. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Alloro Estate “Riservata” Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 300 cases, $45. Release September 1, 2016. 100% Alloro Vineyard. 28% Pommard, 53% 777 and 19% 114. Aged in 41% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Clearly a step up in quality with a more aromatic nose offering scents of ripe dark cherry and a hint of toasty oak. Discreetly concentrated with pleasing flavors of dark cherry and blueberry framed by structured but blended tannins. Softly textured and seductive, with a deft touch of oak. Score: 91. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Alloro Estate “Justina” Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 100 cases, $85. Release September 1, 2016. 100% Alloro Vineyard. 100% Dijon 777. Aged in 71% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of darker stone and berry fruits, opening slowly in the glass. The wine has a strong physique and notable oak presence, with a core of black cherry and raspberry fruit and mildly firm but silky tannins. Creamy in the mouth with a compliment of oak toast and spice. Much more open and enjoyable several hours later when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with the fruit more exuberant as it escaped some of its oak cloak. A serious offering that is age worthy. Score: 93. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2010 Alloro Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice, leather, tobacco leaf and raisin. Tertiary characters of tea, rose and tobacco leaf show up on the palate. The tannins have melded and the juicy, long finish satisfies. This wine has aged beautifully. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2010 Alloro Vineyard Justina Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring aromas of cherry, spice and rose petal become intoxicating in the glass over time. A stunning wine with mid weight plus flavors of blackberry and black raspberry with a hint of tea leaf. More natural acidity and less fruit concentration than the 2014 vintage, but highly enjoyable in its own right. The age ability of this bottling is well demonstrated as this wine can easily shine for another 5-10 years. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2010 Alloro Vineyard Riservata Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

Moderate cherry red color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, tea leaf and spice are framed by fully integrated tannins. Compared to the Estate, the finish is noticeably more generous, spicy and persistent. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2006 Alloro Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $34. The 70-acre vineyard is situated on Laurel Ridge just north of Newberg at elevations of 375 to 700 feet. The soil is Laurelwood. Dijon and Pommard clones are farmed sustainably. David Nemarnik, founder and vineyard manager, established Alloro (Latin and Italian word for laurel) in 1999. A Mediterranean inspired winery and tasting room with underground cellars was completed in time for the 2003 harvest. This wine is a blend of four estate grown clones, aged in 27% new French oak, and is unfined and unfiltered. · Appealing scent of dark fruits, oak and spice cabinet. Ample ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruit is mouth filling and smoothly textured, and the finish is soft and smooth. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

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