Let’s get ready for Turkey Day, when we traditionally pair lighter wines with your feast.
“Chehalem” translates to “Valley of Flowers” in the Native American language, Calapooia. The winery follows an example set centuries ago: treat the land with great care and continue the mission of creating a sustainable future. In 2018, the winery became the sixth winery in Oregon to achieve B Corp status. This rigorous certification assesses companies to ensure they meet the highest standard of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.
We will sample three wines from Willamette Valley, Oregon:
INOX Chardonnay 2020 — INOX takes its name from the abbreviation of the French word for stainless steel, inoxydable. Eliminating oak from the aging of the grape allows the fruit-rich characteristics to shine. As the name suggests, this wine is 100% stainless steel fermented and aged. Rich and bright with initial stone fruit aromatics that give way to notes of lemon curd, dried mango, and honey. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity; fresh and zesty. The mouth-watering palate is weighted by a slight viscosity that creates an alluring texture on the finish. 12.5% ABV. Rating: 91, James Suckling. $23.99/$8
The Chehalem Mountains AVA is a single uplifted landmass southwest of Portland in the northern Willamette Valley. The highest point within the Willamette Valley is the Chehalem Mountains’ Bald Peak (at 1,633 feet) affecting weather for the AVA and for adjoining grape growing hillsides. It is the geography and climate that differentiate this AVA from others.
Mountains Pinot Gris 2020 — Fresh and bright, with notes of stone fruit, tropical fruits, and citrus aromatics. Plump pear fruit with a fleshy mouthfeel. There's a streak of vanilla bean and moderate acidity along with a twist of lime. The mouth-watering palate is weighted by a refreshing minerality that creates an alluring texture to the finish. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, aged seven months in tank. Drink now through 2026 12.5% ABV. Rating: 91, Wine Enthusiast. $24.99/$9
Mountains Pinot Noir 2019 — Intense bright red fruit aromatics of strawberries, cranberries, and cherry pie that evolve with subtle notes of toasted almonds, toffee, and white pepper spice. The palate is dense but approachable with silky tannins and a mouth-watering juiciness. The red fruit aromatics follow through to the palate, giving this wine a vibrant energy. This wine is delicious now but has the bones to age elegantly. 13.5% ABV. Rating: 91, James Suckling. $29.99/$10
St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese is open inside the store for your cheese needs and is bringing in some amazing new cheeses every week! Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a trash can at the back entrance).
See you Friday!