Winemaking Process | Adelsheim crafts their Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir to showcase the complexity and diversity of this remarkable AVA. The 2021 vintage was truly exceptional, marked by an early start to the growing season and near-perfect harvest conditions.
Grapes are sourced from 8 select hillside sites within the Chehalem Mountains AVA, with 77% coming from estate vineyards. This blend represents the three major soil types found in the region: 27% loess, 26% sedimentary, and 47% volcanic, each contributing unique characteristics to the final wine.
The grapes are hand-harvested and mostly de-stemmed, with about 4% left as whole clusters to add complexity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for 2-3 weeks. After gentle pressing and settling, the wine is racked to French oak barrels, 30% of which are new, for 10 months of aging. This process, combined with LIVE Certified farming practices, results in a wine that truly expresses the terroir of the Chehalem Mountains.
Tasting Notes | Picture a glass filled with a wine of ripe ruby color, inviting you to explore its depths. As you bring it to your nose, you're greeted with an enticing bouquet that speaks to the complexity of its origins.
The aroma is a harmonious blend of floral and earthy notes. Delicate hibiscus and rose petal scents mingle with wild raspberry, creating a perfume-like quality. Underneath, you'll detect hints of wet stone, loam, and wild mushrooms, adding depth and intrigue.
On the palate, the wine reveals its true character. It moves across your tongue with a weightless elegance, supported by fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavors of tangy red raspberries and sweet blackberries are complemented by notes of cacao nibs and a trace of spicy Ligurian olive oil. The finish is clean and fresh, with a subtle warmth of cinnamon bark lingering pleasantly.
This Pinot Noir strikes a beautiful balance between fruit, earth, and spice, embodying the elegance and complexity that the Chehalem Mountains AVA is known for.
How to Enjoy | To fully appreciate the nuances of this exceptional Pinot Noir, we recommend serving it at a cool room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). While enjoyable now, this wine has the potential to develop beautifully with age.
Consider pairing this versatile wine with dishes that complement its elegant profile:
* Grilled salmon with a wild mushroom risotto
* Roasted duck breast with a hibiscus and raspberry sauce
* Wild mushroom and truffle pasta
* Aged goat cheese or mild blue cheese
For those who enjoy contemplative sipping, this wine also stands beautifully on its own, allowing you to fully explore its complex layers of flavor and aroma.
With only 3,681 cases of 750mL bottles and 100 cases of 375mL bottles produced, each bottle represents a piece of the Chehalem Mountains' story and the particular triumphs of the 2021 vintage. Whether you choose to enjoy it now or cellar it for future pleasure, this wine promises a truly memorable experience.
