We went looking for an established winery in McMinnville, Oregon, which had been recommended to us and in doing so we discovered a new brand that is truly a gem among the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir wine producers. We drove to the address we were given for Panther Creek Cellars and found Elizabeth Chambers Cellar. We were not disappointed. This newly branded winery was actually and literally putting its name up on the door and preparing for its grand opening as we arrived. We were a little confused, but were greeted with open arms even while the staff was preparing for the huge celebration scheduled to occur on the next day.
 |
| Elizabeth Chambers Cellars Tasting Room |
What did we find? Natalie met us at the tasting bar and guided us through a tasting of five Willamette Valley wines, one 2013 Pinot Gris and four 2011 Pinot Noir. She is not only enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the wines and wine production, but her ability to explain the geology of the region and the vineyards from which the grapes are sourced is superior.
 |
| Barrel Room Reflecting the Outside |
We had the opportunity to chat with Michael Stevenson, the Winemaker, about the wines and his view of winemaking. He is excited about the opportunity to use his creative license to develop cutting edge wines and he is also very excited about the newly renovated facility. His approach to winemaking is direct and effective--make good wines that people appreciate. We believe that, in his these offerings of Elizabeth Chambers Cellar, he has met his goal.
Each of the five wines we tasted presented something special and was representative of the region and the exceptionally fine wines produced here.
Starting off the tasting with the 2013 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, $18, we were immediately immersed into a wine full of citrus with hints of grapefruit and orange, nice acidity, and tropical fruits. We found this to be a noteworthy Pinot Gris that stands out from so many others in its unique character highlighted by complex flavors and just the right amount of brightness.
Then the tasting quickly turned to the Pinot Noir offerings, which truly are the stars of the wine tasting experience.
Leading the tasting was the 2011 Winemakers Cuvee Pinot Noir, $32, which was rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast in their August 2014 edition. And it is! This is a highlight wine that I initially felt should be the last one tasted rather than the first--because I truly felt that it would be hard to top this wine. The price point makes this wine a very good buy.
Each of the remaining three 2011 Pinot Noir wines: Shea Vineyard, Freedom Hill, and Lazy River (each $45) provide a integrated and complex interpretation of Pinot Noir highlighting the regions or vineyards from which the grapes were sourced. I especially enjoyed the Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir for its dark, smoky, and brooding tones.
The tasting experience was extremely enjoyable and the facility has been extensively renovated transforming it into a creative space for producing high quality wines. What could be better? Well, how about going back the next day to enjoy the grand opening celebration? How many times do we really get the opportunity to be at the public opening of a winery?
At the celebration we did a barrel tasting of the 2012 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir. Although not scheduled to be bottled for some months yet, this wine is complex and balanced with a nice deep color and an enticing nose. This is going to be a great wine when it is released.
RECOMMENDATION: Find the wines from this winery and enjoy them. They are of the highest quality with a great price point. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting McMinnville, Oregon, stopping by Elizabeth Chambers Cellar is a must.
-- Bob and Chris Doan, writing from Carlton, Oregon
Starting off the tasting with the 2013 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, $18, we were immediately immersed into a wine full of citrus with hints of grapefruit and orange, nice acidity, and tropical fruits. We found this to be a noteworthy Pinot Gris that stands out from so many others in its unique character highlighted by complex flavors and just the right amount of brightness.
Then the tasting quickly turned to the Pinot Noir offerings, which truly are the stars of the wine tasting experience.
Leading the tasting was the 2011 Winemakers Cuvee Pinot Noir, $32, which was rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast in their August 2014 edition. And it is! This is a highlight wine that I initially felt should be the last one tasted rather than the first--because I truly felt that it would be hard to top this wine. The price point makes this wine a very good buy.
 |
| Tasting Room |
Each of the remaining three 2011 Pinot Noir wines: Shea Vineyard, Freedom Hill, and Lazy River (each $45) provide a integrated and complex interpretation of Pinot Noir highlighting the regions or vineyards from which the grapes were sourced. I especially enjoyed the Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir for its dark, smoky, and brooding tones.
The tasting experience was extremely enjoyable and the facility has been extensively renovated transforming it into a creative space for producing high quality wines. What could be better? Well, how about going back the next day to enjoy the grand opening celebration? How many times do we really get the opportunity to be at the public opening of a winery?
 |
| Elizabeth Chambers Grand Opening Looking into the Barrel Room |
At the celebration we did a barrel tasting of the 2012 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir. Although not scheduled to be bottled for some months yet, this wine is complex and balanced with a nice deep color and an enticing nose. This is going to be a great wine when it is released.
RECOMMENDATION: Find the wines from this winery and enjoy them. They are of the highest quality with a great price point. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting McMinnville, Oregon, stopping by Elizabeth Chambers Cellar is a must.
-- Bob and Chris Doan, writing from Carlton, Oregon
No comments:
Post a Comment