A truly unique wine from a historic planting in the Chehalem Hills. This vineyard, that is the name sake vineyard of the subsequent AVA, was first planted by Oregon Pioneer Dick Erath in 1968. It is one of the oldest vineyard sites in the region. The core of this wine is from a block planted in 1978 to a rare clone of Pinot Noir brought to Oregon by Charles Coury and Dick Erath in the mid-1970s directly from the Grand Cru of Clos Vougeot in Burgundy. These old, dry-farmed vines produce a uniquely savory and complex Pinot Noir that is utterly beguiling. These old vines are supplemented with Pommard, Calera, Wadenswil and 943 clones planted later. The vineyard is farmed using organic and Biodynamic practices, soon to be certified Biodynamic. Several ferments were conducted using various amounts of whole-cluster, up to 75% in some lots. The wine was aged in just 10% new oak with the rest one used and neutral barrels. The wine is very layered and somewhat shy on first sniff, be sure to give it a few swirls in the glass or a 30 minute decant to release the perfume and brooding fruits. Earthy spiced cherry, clove, forest floor, hints of truffle and wild thyme. Dark red fruits, dry leaves, sexy slightly reductive notes and complexity and intrigue. Such a fascinating wine that demands to be studied and explored. Enjoy of the course of a long, relaxed meal to see it hit it's full potential.

Though I'm a bit biased towards the Patricia Green Pinot Noir's, huge fan, I won't let me admiration get in the way of an honest review. The striking thing about the Chehalem Mountain version is the nose. It is soooo pretty! All crushed flowers (roses, violets and slight bit of geranium spice). Fresh raspberry and hard cherry candy scents. In the mouth, more of the hard cherry candy flavors with a back note of sweeter cherries and mineral purity. That purity and cleanliness is at the tip of the tongue. The finish is clean and lingering with a soft chalky aftertaste. very inviting and delicious!