Chehalem Mountains Wine

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Defined by distinct geographical boundaries and a unique climate, Chehalem Mountains are Oregon’s 15th American Viticultural Area and the 6th subappellation of the Willamette Valley. Located in the northern part of the valley, approximately 19 miles southwest of Portland, the AVA spans portions of Clackamas, Yamhill and Washington counties. The Chehalem Mountains are distinguished by a single uplifted landmass with spurs, mountains and ridges such as Ribbon Ridge, Parrett Mountain and Bald Peak, which has a great effect on weather conditions in this growing region. The AVA spans 68,265 acres and includes more than 1,800 planted acres and 50 wineries. The AVA encompasses the Chehalem Mountains, which tower over the surrounding Willamette Valley and measure more than 20 miles in length and five miles in width. A diversity of soils is present, from the sedimentary soils near the southwest boundary to basaltic soils in the central and southern regions and ocean sedimentary (or loess) soils on the northern face. Key grape varietals grown in this AVA include Pinot Noir, whose flavor profiles range from elegant red fruits to deep, firmly structured black fruits; and white varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling that thrive in the loess soils. Unique characteristics of the Chehalem Mountain AVA include: Soils: Diversity of soil types including Volcanic (Jory and Nekia); Sedimentary ocean (Willakenzie); and Sedimentary, blown glacial silt loess (Laurelwood). Elevation: Bald Peak, the highest point in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, rises 1,633 feet above sea level, and provides protection to neighboring hillsides . Vineyards lie between the 200 and 1,000 feet contour lines. Climate: Temperatures vary within this region more than any other within the Willamette Valley, producing microclimates. It’s best characterized by the significant annual precipitation, which ranges from 37 inches in the lower elevations to almost 60 inches at the highest elevation. Following a long history of collaboration in the Oregon Wine industry, the North Willamette Valley AVA group was formed in 2001 to examine the potential for further delineation based on geography, soils and climate. The Chehalem Mountains AVA was the final petition to be approved. The others were: Dundee Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton District and Eola-Amity Hills, which received approval in July 2006. The United States Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) awarded Chehalem Mountains AVA status on December 27, 2006. – Description from ACCQueen (hide)

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Popular wines made in Chehalem Mountains under $20

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Ponzi Vineyards Chardonnay Chehalem Mountains Reserve

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Varietals Produced in Chehalem Mountains View all

Pinot Noir

“With so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, they make the blood run hot,” Joel Fleischman, wine columnist at Van...
Chardonnay

British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, C...
Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer’s direct and obvious charm has made it a popular varietal in almost every corner of the wine world. Ex...
Pinot Blanc

History of the grape: Pinot Blanc was first grown in Burgundy and Champagne, France, and can be traced by some source...

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Chehalem Mountains on Snooth

August 2010

Anam Cara Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Nicholas Estate 2007

Snoothrank:

A touch woody on the nose with a smoldering grapevine note accentuating rather simple fruit. On the palate this is gentle with bright acids and an earthy, slightly herbal core to the flavors of red fruits on the palate. Good length but this remains a bit underwhelming. 87pts Read More

Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz
August 2010

Anam Cara Riesling Chehalem Mountains Nicholas Estate 2008

Snoothrank:

Rich with peach and apple core fruit notes on the nose that gains a nice lime pith and mineral edge with time. On the palate this is softly sweet with peach and lime juice flavors edged in earth with a fine, subtle bitter tone that recalls lime pith on the moderately long finish. 87pts Read More

Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz
April 2010

Carabella Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Inchinnan Carabella Vineyard 2006

Snoothrank:

Mahvelous. Every trait inherent in american pinot that I don't like is missing from this great effort. This is a holder and I think it will be something extra special in 5 years. Pair this any food you want, it'll probably go with it. Read More

Wine review by aronowm2
April 2010

Lachini Pinot Noir S Chehalem Mtns 2007

Snoothrank:

On the first sip, it appeared to be a nice simple wine, clean but not too fruity...almost watery. It was a little too acidic on the finish. 1 glass was enough. Underimpressive for the price. Drank it without food, maybe paired with something it would bring out the flavors of the wine. Read More

Wine review by KLF
February 2010

Adelsheim Pinot Noir Calkins Lane Vineyard 2006

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by redsummit
December 2009

Arbor Brook Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate 777 Block Chehalem Mountains 2006

Snoothrank:

Very Good wine! Read More

Wine review by Jnet64
December 2009

Arborbrook Vineyards Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Estate 777 Block 2007

Snoothrank:

Absolutely a yummy wine! Read More

Wine review by Jnet64
November 2009

For CA Snoothers ... I just got the following email content from Siduri Wines & ... Regularly $272007 Siduri Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir Regularly $292006 Siduri Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir Regularly $49 2007 Siduri Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir Regularly $392006 Novy Christensen Family Vineyard Syrah Regul... Read More

Forum post in the topic Siduri/Novy Cellar Blow out ...
December 2008

Bergstrom Pinot Noir de Lancellotti Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Ava 2006

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by rednat
November 2007

Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Quailhurst Vineyard 2006

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by haus1999

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