2009 Adelsheim Elizabeth's
Reserve Pinot noir
Vineyard Wine
Appellation: Willamette Valley Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 3800 cases pH: 3.54
The name "Elizabeth's Reserve" was first used in 1986 to
designate the blend of our best barrels of Pinot noir. From
1987 until 1999 it designated a single vineyard wine, but in
2000 returned to a "best of winery" reserve - the best barrels from
our best lots. Most of the fruit for this wine (67%) comes
from five of our estate vineyards located on south-facing
slopes of the Chehalem Mountains. With many wonderful lots
representing different soil types, clones, site climates, fermenter
sizes, and barrel characteristics, winemaker Dave Paige pulls
together those that best create a reserve level wine, one that
truly reflects the vintage and character of our corner of the
Willamette
Valley.
This wine is both elegant and intense, offering layered aromas
of red raspberries, fresh Oregon strawberries, brown spice and
cedar. Its aromas are reflected on a palate that speaks of
purity and elegance, and is exceptionally balanced with silky
tannins and a persistent finish. This wine will pair
beautifully with the Pinot noir classics - lamb, duck, grilled
salmon, and aged cheeses.
Vineyard Blend Soil AVA Picking Date
Bryan Creek estate 22% volcanic Chehalem Mountains 10/7,
10/9
Boulder Bluff estate 21 volcanic Chehalem Mountains 9/17
Redman non-estate 10 sedimentary Ribbon Ridge 9/21
Quarter Mile estate 9 volcanic Chehalem Mountains 10/7
Calkins Lane estate 9 sedimentary Chehalem Mountains 9/16,
9/22
Lillie's Vineyard non-estate 8 volcanic Dundee Hills
9/28
Olenik non-estate 7 sedimentary Chehalem Mountains 9/27
Ribbon Springs estate 6 sedimentary Ribbon Ridge 9/23,
9/28
Winderlea non-estate 4 volcanic Dundee Hills 9/23
Nicholas non-estate 3 volcanic with
loess overlay
Chehalem Mountains 9/28
Zenith non-estate 1 sedimentary Eola-Amity Hills 9/28
THE VINTAGE
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.
WINEMAKING
After hand-harvesting, 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 then inoculated with a
commercial yeast and punched down two or three
times per day during a 6 day fermentation. After
pressing, the wine was transferred into traditional
small French oak barrels (30% new) where it was
aged for approximately 10 months. It was bottled
on April 26, 2011.
16800 NE Calkins Lane, Newberg, OR 97132
Tel: (503) 538-3652 www.adelsheim.com
