Another winner from Chehalem, a brand of Stoller Wine Group. Chehalem consistently produces excellence from a vineyard planted in 1982 and graced with outstanding Pinot Noir terroir. $45–55
The 2024 vintage challenged Willamette Valley winemakers early before settling into welcomed predictability. A hard January freeze damaged lower-elevation vines—Ridgecrest’s higher elevation seems to have largely dodged that bullet. Spring brought heavy precipitation, then August rains brought humidity-driven disease pressure. July saw triple-digit temperatures, although the Ribbon Ridge AVA’s elevation ameliorated some of that pressure. After an early heat spike, September favored the winemakers with nearly ideal conditions, extending the season with warm days and cool nights—the magic elixir for quality wine. Winemakers got the worst early and the best late. Such is the roller coaster life of a grape grower.
Chehalem’s meticulous talent was a key element in surviving the 2024 roller coaster. Winemaker Katie Santora had to time the harvest and demand aggressive grape sorting to get the most out of this vexing year, and—no surprise—she did so. I’ve tasted this young from a sample sent to me by Stoller, so this is in the vanguard of reviews and the wine surely could benefit from time in the cellar. But Chehalem is a brand I admire, and I could not restrain myself. You would be well served to snatch several bottles of this 2024 and give them some time.
Stoller and Chehalem are assiduously responsible makers. 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 is earned by companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
Winemaker Katie Santora earned her degree at UC Davis majoring in enology and viticulture. She worked as the assistant winemaker at Chehalem beginning in 2012 and was promoted to head winemaker in 2018. Her admirable philosophy is minimal processing, allowing the fruit to speak for itself.
Today, Chehalem is part of the Stoller Wine Group, but Bill Stoller invested in the Ridgecrest vineyard beginning in 1988 as part of his entry into Oregon wine, partnering with Harry Peterson-Nedry, who planted the vineyard and established Chehalem. The winery’s first harvest was in 1990. In 2018, Stoller became the sole owner of Chehalem, and continued pursuit of the B Corp status.
Chehalem Wines Ridgecrest Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2024: Medium ruby color; cherry, raspberry, blackberry, cranberry, blueberry, cocoa, baking spices, earth, forest floor on the nose and palate. 14.3% ABV
Dry; firm, chalky tannins with discreet balancing acidity (3.4 pH). Medium body. Still a little tight, so consider decanting if you want to drink it now—or you can cellar this for several years. This is a blend of three Pinot Noir clones: Pommard, Wädenswil, Dijon. Fermented in combination of open-top stainless steel and wooden tanks, then aged 15 months in French oak, 43% new.
Pairing—Salmon, grilled, roasted, pan-seared, smoked is classic; throw in some mushrooms for further enhancement. Duck, the acidity cuts through the fatty richness; roasted duck breast or confit. Roasted or grilled chicken, plus game birds, 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 sprouts, 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.
