Pale ruby color; cherry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, blackberry, clove, earth, violets, sweet and savory spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; silky tannins; vibrant acidity (3.41 pH). Medium body. Wine is 100% pinot noir hand harvested from eight estate vineyards; 90% Pommard clone, 10% clone 777. Destemmed, fermented in open-top stainless steel tanks. Aged for 10 months in 31% new French oak, 69% neutral. The 2023 vintage featured abundance. Cool spring delayed bud break into late May. The weather then shifted to moderately warm and dry, excellent conditions for accelerating bloom, perfect pollination, abundant fruit set. Summer and fall’s conditions resulted in greater than average yields. 13.5% ABV
The Laurelwood District sites are the coolest of Chehalem’s estate vineyards. They were planted in 2007, which makes them the newest planting. The estate includes 210 acres, with more than 120 planted in wine grapes. Laurelwood soils are distinctive—wind-blown loess formed when northeastern winds deposited glacial silt onto volcanic uplifts. The topsoil is layered to varying depths with large, weathered basalt boulders in pockets around the property. There are several natural springs in Little Hells Canyon Creek and Chicken Creek.
The vineyards and winery were LIVE certified in 2008. LIVE certification acknowledges socially responsible winegrowing and winemaking in the Pacific Northwest. Chehalem earned B Corp Certification in 2018—B Corp determines companies ensure they meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
Katie Santora is the winemaker. She worked as the assistant winemaker at Chehalem beginning in 2012. Santora earned her degree at UC Davis majoring in enology and viticulture. Her admirable philosophy is minimal processing, allowing the fruit to speak for itself.
Today, Chehalem is part of the Stoller Wine Group. Bill Stoller was part of the operation beginning in 1988 as part of his entry into Oregon wine. The winery’s first harvest was in 1990. Stoller purchased farmlands in the southern tip of Dundee, including Corral Creek in 1995. In 2018, Stoller became the sole owner of Chehalem, pressing forth for the B Corp status.
Chehalem Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Laurelwood District, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023 is impressive showcase for Laurelwood District wine and Chehalem/Stoller Wine Group skill. The 2023 vintage in Oregon has received much praise—“vintage of the decade.” Except that praise comes around more often than every 10 years, but whatever, this was excellent year. Excellent Oregon pinot noir at reasonable price for this quality. $40-50
Pairing—Salmon, grilled, roasted, pan-seared, smoked is classic, throw in some mushrooms for further enhancement. Duck, the significant acidity cuts through the fatty richness; roasted duck breast or confit. Roasted or grilled chicken, plus game birds such as quail. Turkey, especially nice for holiday meals as it will pair with several meats on the table. Pork tenderloin. Grilled lamb chops, lamb lollipops. Roasted vegetables, particularly butternut squash, Brussels sprout, beets, vegetable risotto, lentil stews. Cheese—Soft, creamy, brie, camembert, fresh goat cheese, chèvre, Vermont Bijou. Gruyère, manchego, aged goat cheese, comté. Sheep’s milk, pecorino, ReNero Pecorino Stagionato. Charcuterie board with prosciutto, salami, soft cheese, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, mushrooms.
