2009 Adelsheim Calkins Lane Vineyard Pinot noir
Our property on Calkins Lane, formerly a hazelnut and walnut
orchard, was purchased in 1988. Initially, the site was used
only for white varieties, but in 1996 we began planting Pinot
noir. We made our first single vineyard Pinot noir from the
property in the 2001 vintage. Due to the extraordinary depth and
character shown in the wines from this site, we have continued
to do so every year since.
The 2009 growing season began with three months of above
average temperatures coupled with lower than average rainfall.
Bud break occurred around April 20th, giving the 2009 season a
one week head start compared to 2008. Rainfall
increased throughout the pre-bloom period and temperatures
remained higher, resulting in
gorgeous bloom conditions and bountiful fruit set.
Temperatures spiked into triple digits in July, but cooled to
normal levels for August as we eased into veraison.
Harvest began in mid-September for our lower elevation
vineyards, which we had not seen since the 2006 vintage. Lack
of rain around our picking schedule meant grapes could hang
until they reached optimal ripeness. Our grapes were
harvested on September 16 - 22, 25, 27 and October 10 and
12.
After being hand-harvested, the grapes were gently destemmed
into open top fermenters, followed by a four to six day cold
soak for greater flavor and color extraction.
The grapes were inoculated with a commercial yeast and punched
down two to three times per day during a 6 day alcoholic
fermentation. After pressing, the wine was transferred into
traditional small French oak barrels (31% new) where it was
aged for approximately 10 months. This rich and intriguing
black-fruited
wine was made from four separate blocks that were planted in
1996 and 2000 with several Dijon clones (115, 667, 777), UCD 5
("Pommard"), and UCD 1A ("Wädenswil"). This wine was bottled
on August 23, 2010.
Vineyard Wine:
Appellation: Chehalem Mountains
Elevation: 250-320 feet above sea level
Soils: Marine sediment
Production: 290 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
pH: 3.47
THE PLACE
Calkins Lane is a 40-acre Adelsheim estate vineyard
which adjoins our winery and tasting room at the
foot of the Chehalem Mountains. It sits just inside
the boundary of the Chehalem Mountains American
Viticultural Area. The road after which this single
vineyard wine is named honors a family that settled in
the area in the 1890's and lived here into the 1960's.
This vineyard, on sedimentary soils, is our lowest
elevation,
warmest and earliest site.
THE WINE
This complex wine exhibits layered aromas of
cranberries,
sweet cherry compote, and a hint of spice. On the
palate, the wine shows firm acidity followed by hints
of herbal tea and a plush, smooth mouthfeel. It would
pair wonderfully with grilled salmon, domestic and
wild fowl and other savory main dishes.
AGING
The 2009 vintage has great structure and tannins, so
the resulting wines can age from 2012 - 2024.
16800 NE Calkins Lane, Newberg, OR 97132
Tel: (503) 538-3652 www.adelsheim.com
