Amalie Robert Estate

Articles About Amalie Robert Estate

Reviewed Wines

2016 Amalie Robert “Pinot in the Pink” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé

13.4% alc., 95 cases, $20. Lightly juiced wings of Pinot Meunier and Pommard clone Pinot Noir including the stems. Fermented to dryness in stainless steel. · Moderately dark pink color in the glass. Lovely aromas of red cherry, strawberry, watermelon, hay and dried herbs. Cheerful and welcoming, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blood orange and tangerine, uplifted by tight acidity. Crisp and refreshing, with a zippy finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Amalie Robert Heirloom Cameo Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 60 cases, $50. From a single block of estate Chardonnay planted to Dijon clones 76 and 95. Whole cluster pressed and vinified in a single 500-liter French oak puncheon without batonnage. Full malolactic conversion. Aged 14 months on the lees. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Engaging aromas of lemon curd, cut apple, pineapple, honeysuckle and stainless steel. Delicious flavors of yellow apple, blonde caramel, poached pear and pineapple. Ripely fruited in this vintage producing a buxom wine that is yet toned and trim. Very satisfying, with a slightly creamy texture and a noticeably heady finish. Score: 93. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Amalie Robert Dijon Clones Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

12.3% alc., 890 cases, $40. 100% estate grown Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir clones 60, 113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and “828.” · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of cherry, red berry, dusty rose, pipe smoke and a subtle green note. Mid weight in style and silky in texture, with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, exotic spice and tobacco. Nicely balanced with a complimentary whole cluster character. The fruit is on the under ripe side, but the wine delivers. Still fine when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Amalie Robert Estate Heirloom Cameo Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

12.9% alc, 86 cases, $50. Estate grown and bottled. Dijon clones 76 and 95. Whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented in a single 500 liter French oak puncheon without lees stirring. Full malolactic conversion. Aged on lees for 14 months then cold stabilized. A small amount of stainless steel fermented wine that did not under go malolactic fermentation was blended back into the wine before bottling. · Moderately light golden straw color in the glass. The nose is replete with aromas of lemon rind, apple and prickly pear. Both saline and earth charged, with primary flavors of lemon, pineapple, melon and subtle oak. Not a mainstream flavor profile and very individualistic, finishing with some length. Could be highly desirable or just unusual depending on your viewpoint, but in any case the wine is well composed. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Amalie Robert Pabuk’s Gift Late Harvest Botrytized Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

10.2% alc., 52 cases, $50 (375 ml). Estate grown and bottled. At the end of September in 2012, extensive rains led to botrytis (noble rot) in the Chardonnay grapes particularly in one block. This rare event was caused by warm weather following typhoon Pabuk. The rains started the fungus infection, but the subsequent weather held it in check. Harvest Brix was 37.4º. About half Dijon clone 76 and half Dijon clone 95. · Moderately light cantaloupe color in the glass. Aromas of fig, ripe pineapple, honey and wax and a dead ringer for a French sauterne. Delicious flavors of dried apricot, honey, tropical fruits and fig spread. Somewhat viscous, not overtly sweet, sliding off the back of the palate like a silk sheet. The finish is notably adorned with intensity. A superb sweet wine with a story (read about it on the website) that makes it even more appealing. I do not drink much sweet wine and review even less, so a score would be superfluous. I would just say, I loved the wine. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Amalie Robert Pommard Clone Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 45 cases, $65. A two barrel selection of the most compelling barrels of Pommard clone Pinot Noir in the cellar. A blend from a new and neutral barrel. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of BBQ spice, toasty oak, tobacco and mulch. Mid weight flavors of black cherry, marionberry, cola, smoke and char. Satiny in texture, with balanced t ‘n a and some length on the finish. Reminds of standing next to a barbecue grill and smelling meat spices, smoke and ash. Score: 87. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Amalie Robert Wädenswil Clone Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

12.2% alc., 45 cases, $65. A selection of two barrels of the most compelling barrels of Wädenswil clone Pinot Noir in the cellar. A blend from a new and a neutral barrel. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark red berry, black cherry, earthy flora, campfire and a slight pungency. Lighter in weight, with flavors of deep red cherry and cranberry accented with an oak spice and a wood char note. Soft tannins and lively acidity, with a red fruited, acid-driven finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Amalie’s Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

16 months · Aromas of cherry, leather and dry mulch lead to a middleweight styled wine with ingratiating flavors of red cherry and red berry. Nicely composed, with polish and balance and a deeply fruited finish. At its peak. Previously 94 Score: 93. Reviewed February 4, 2018 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Estate iPinot Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 300 cases, $28. iPinot is composed of reserve quality barrels of wine selected for the luxury tier of Pinot Noirs blended to create a reserve level wine without the reserve level price. After Amalie’s Cuvée and the Estate Selection are determined, this wine is made from a few favorite barrels of wine without homes. Whole cluster inclusion and feral yeast fermentation. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is very earthy, with aromas of mulch and mushroom, and subservient black cherry fruit in the background. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and red berry are robed in ripe tannins. The wine has enviable harmony and a cherry-fueled finish that has good intensity. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert The Uncarved Block Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 1,000 cases, $30. An introduction to the winery’s style of whole cluster and indigenous yeast fermentation. Represents a combination of all the clones and rootstock combinations of Pinot Noir grown throughout the property. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The whole cluster inspired nose offers aromas of burnt tobacco, wilted rose and charred oak. Succulent black raspberry and purple grape fruit flavors arrive in the mouth with purpose. Accents of smoke and black tea add interest. The tannins are silky and the finish has pedigree. Even better when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with more soaring aromatics and displaying the balance to age successfully. This wine will appeal most to those who favor whole cluster embossed Pinot Noir. Score: 91. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Estate Dijon Clones Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc, 1,030 cases, $40. 100% estate grown and bottled. A collage of seven Dijon clones from twelve dry farmed vineyard blocks. The individual blocks were fermented with whole clusters and feral yeasts from the vineyard. The lots were aged a minimum of 12 months in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Exuberant perfume of black cherry cordial, rose petal, spice and pine oil. Ripe and rather bold, with a mid weight plus array of succulent black cherry, black raspberry, blueberry and pomegranate fruits that envelope the palate with sap and persist through a bodacious finish. Smooth, even creamy in the mouth, with filigree tannins. A wonderful reflection of the 2012 vintage. Score: 95. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Estate Amalie’s Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 295 cases, $50. This wine is a barrel selection by Dena that reflects her palate and the site, and is meant to be approachable upon release. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of cherry, rose petal and spice are so enthralling, I was in no hurry to taste the wine. Very seductive, with a core of fresh black cherry, black raspberry and blueberry fruit flavors that saturate the mid palate and return in waves on the extraordinarily long finish. The wine is beautifully crafted with a supportive tannic spine and balancing acidity, but it is the finish that separates this wine from the pack. Score: 94. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Estate Estate Selection Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 295 cases, $50. Ernie’s barrel selection meant to reflect the vineyard and his palate. Each block in the vineyard is fermented with whole clusters in small 1.5-ton lots and aged 18 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of black cherry, rose petal, mushroom and pine sap lead to a middleweight styled wine with attacking flavors of black cherry and raspberry. The fine grain tannins are well proportioned, their is seasoned oak in the background, and the wine finishes with a juicy and admirably long finish. Score: 92. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Heirloom Cameo Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.8% alc., 70 cases, $50. Estate grown from a 30-acre vineyard located just outside of Dalla. Dijon clones fermented in 500-liter puncheons, partial malolactic fermentation, and aged 14 months with lees stirring in French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is alerted to aromas of baked apple, spice, splintered oak and leafy herbs. On the rich and ripe side, with good depth, blessed with flavors of yellow peach, yellow apple, poached pear, and lemon in a balanced style that has begun to take on some tertiary characters with age. Score: 89. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Estate Pommard Clone Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 45 cases, $65. Two barrels of the most compelling Pommard clone wines in the cellar. Fermented with whole cluster and feral yeasts from the vineyard. Aged for a minimum of 18 months in a new and neutral French oak barrel. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Whole cluster imbued nose featuring aromas of black cherry, cola, loads of spice and toast. The delicious core of sweet cherry, raspberry and spice flavors light up the palate. The ripe tannins are well matched, oak adds a deft touch of seasoning, and the finish hangs on until you take another sip. Score: 93. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Estate Wädenswil Clone Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 45 cases, $65. Clone is planted in sedimentary soil vineyard blocks. Two barrels of most compelling Wädenswil clone in cellar. Whole cluster fermented with feral yeasts and aged a minimum of 12 months in on new and one neutral French oak barrel. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Blackberry, forest floor and hazelnut aromas fill the glass. Substantial tannins support the mid weight plus core of luscious black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruits that have the right accent of spice. The haunting blackberry-filled finish makes quite an impression. Score: 93. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Amalie Robert Estate The Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 65 cases, $100. The vintner’s favorite barrels of the vintage.Half Pommard and half Wädenswil clones. Whole cluster inclusion and fermentation with feral yeasts. Aged a minimum of 18 months in new oak barrels, a third of which was very tight-grained wood grown in Russia. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Exuberant aromas of cherry, wildflower, baking spice and nutty oak. The gorgeous core of black cherry fruit is blessed with supportive, age worthy firm tannins. Flavor notes of exotic spices, vanilla and nutty oak add interest. Long in the mouth and extremely long on the extraordinary finish. A serious, connoisseur's wine that needs time in the cellar for full enjoyment. Even better when tasted several hours later and the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Did I say the finish goes on and on? Score: 97. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2011 Amalie Robert Estate The Uncarved Block Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

12.6% alc., 1,060 cases, $30. An introduction to Amalie Robert Pinot Noir. Estate grown and bottled. Represents all the clone and rootstock combinations of Pinot Noir grown in the estate vineyard. Fermented with whole clusters and feral yeast. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Typical whole cluster infused nose with aromas of cherry, rose petal, pine sap and sandalwood. Light in weight, with flavors of red cherry, cranberry and baking spices framed by bright acidity and silky tannins. This wine reflects the very cool vintage admirably. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2010 Amalie Robert Pommard Clone Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 45 cases, $44. Fermented with whole clusters and indigenous yeast. Aged a minimum of 12 months in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. Uplifting aromas of red cherry pie glaze, baking spices, sandalwood and damp earthy flora. Light in weight and very delicate, with red cherry and raspberry flavors backed by soft fine-grain tannins and nervy acidity. A hint of dried herbs and spice add interest. An elegant and charming wine that forces the drinker to search for nuance. Very delicate for a Pommard based wine. Score: 89. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Amalie Robert Wädenswil Clone Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., 45 cases, $44. Estate grown, produced and bottled in Dallas, Oregon. Fermented with whole clusters and indigenous yeast. Aged a minimum of 12 months in French oak barrels. · Light garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of berry jam, sassafras, nutmeg, perfumed leather glove and a hint of smoky oak. Delicious light to mid weight core of red cherries and berries with accents of dried herbs, toasted oak and sassafras. Very delicate but flavorful and juicy with a good cut of acidity on the finish. May pick up heft over time in the cellar. Score: 91. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »

2009 Amalie Robert Heirloom Cameo Estate Bottled Oregon Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 80 cases, $50. Two-thirds Dijon clone 76 and one-third Dijon clone 95. I haven’t tasted many Oregon Chardonnays, but I do taste quite a few California Chardonnays, and this wine made quite an impression on me. If this wine is indicative of Oregon’s potential for Chardonnay, more Oregon wineries should feature this varietal. Although I enjoy Pinot Gris for what it is and understand it is Oregon’s signature white wine, Chardonnay can potentially offer more sophisticated drinking. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Enticing aromas of white peaches, lemon curd, white pears and buttery oak. Delicious and juicy array of white peach, Asian pear, baked apple and pineapple flavors, honed with just the right amount of mineral-driven acidity for brightness, and offering a silky mouth feel that excites the senses. A classic, and maybe the best Oregon Chardonnay I have ever had. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Amalie Robert Vintage Debut Estate Bottled Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $30. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with vivid aromas of black cherries, spicy stem, and new oak. Light to medium weight flavors of black cherries and red berries with complimentary oak. Supple tannins and brisk acidity on the finish. Nicely put together and very approachable now. I like it for its easy drinkability. Drink this one while you cellar the other 2008 Amalie Estate Pinot Noirs. Fine the next day from a previously opened and recorked bottle indicating it will hold up nicely over the next few years. Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Amalie Robert Dijon Clone Estate Bottled Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 192 cases, $40. Dijon clones 777 (72%), 115 (23%) and 667 (5%) grown on 3 different rootstocks sourced from 5 dry-farmed blocks. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. A chameleon in the glass with mellow aromas that come and go including cherries, strawberries, brier, herbs and spice. Simple and direct, medium-bodied essence of cherries and cherry skins on the palate, finishing on a cherry and citrus high note. A pretty wine that aims to please. Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Amalie Robert Amalie’s Cuvée Estate Bottled Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $50. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex nose offering aromas of cherries, strawberries, sandalwood, wine cellar, balsam and a little barnyard. The pleasing core of fresh cherries makes quite an impression on the mid-palate and persists on the long finish that is marked by sharp citrus-driven acidity. Flavors of new oak and tobacco ply the background. An elegant, vibrant and minerally wine that is ready to drink now. Good (+). Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Amalie Robert Estate Estate Selection Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc. ph 3.66, 311 cases,$50. This blend is made by co-founder and coowner Ernie Pink. Aged in 46% new or second fill French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Aromas of cherry, spice and sandalwood. Discreetly concentrated core of black cherry fruit with accents of tobacco-laced oak. Silky in the mouth with substantial smooth tannin and bright acidity. Picks up interest and depth of flavor over time in the glass. Not as big as many Pinot Noir wines from Oregon’s 2008 harvest, but its show of elegance and vibrancy gives the wine high marks. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2008 Amalie Robert Estate Selection Estate Bottled Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $50. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Subdued but pleasant aromas of mixed berries and black cherries with a violet note. Silky and earth-driven flavors of darker red berries and subtle baking spice, wrapped in supple tannins with oak playing a complimentary role in the background. A classy wine with very impressive persistence on the aromatic finish. The most cellaring potential of the 2008 Amalie Robert Pinot Noirs and the one with the most Pinot charm. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Amalie Robert Wadenswil Estate Bottled Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 50 cases, $50. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex scents of black cherries, blackberries, sassafras, prickly pear and oak vanillin. Darkly fruited and savory, mysterious and primal, offering flavors of black currants, blackberries and brown spices enrobed in dusty, fine-grain tannins. More intrigue and structure and less acidity than the Dijon Clones bottling. A good cellar candidate. Very good (+). Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »