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Broadley Vineyards Claudia’s Choice Pinot Noir 2019: $58

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition Pinot Noir

Location Willamette Valley/Oregon

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar until…

5-8 years: The wine will develop more complexity as primary fruit flavors integrate with secondary and tertiary characteristics such as earth, mushroom, and spice

Cases produced: 250 cases 

A Few More Details: 

Claudia’s Choice is named for Broadley Vineyard’s co-founder Claudia Broadley. This beautiful wine is made from a section of our vineyard that consistently displays a distinctive character, (Pommard & Wädenswil clones). These vines usually ripen a bit later and often set smaller clusters. The Claudia’s Choice wines are not meant to be fruit forward—we want to display the big, dark, and complex character that typifies our Claudia’s Choice release. Wine Making Notes: 250 cases produced. Blend of Pommard and Wädenswil, the majority Pommard. 100% whole cluster. Wild yeast fermentation. Split into open top French oak fermenters spending 14-21 days, two punch downs a day. 20% 1yr old French Oak barrels the balance in neutral French oak barrels. 14-18 months in barrel.

Tasting Notes from the Winemaker

“The Claudia’s Choice always greets you with notes of raspberry and ‘cherry cola’ and finishes with ‘polished tannins’ & spice”

Food Pairing

• Roast Chicken or Duck Breast: The wine’s acidity and earthy notes complement the savory flavors and richness of roasted poultry.
• Turkey with Herbs: Perfect for holiday meals, as the wine enhances the flavors of herbs and stuffing.
• Pork Tenderloin or Loin: Especially with a cranberry or cherry glaze to match the wine’s red fruit flavors.
• Pork Chops with Mushrooms: The earthy mushrooms echo the Pinot Noir’s forest floor nuances.
• Venison or Quail: The wine’s complexity pairs beautifully with the delicate, gamey flavors.
• Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb: The herbal notes in the lamb bring out the wine’s savory side.
• Mushroom Risotto or Wild Mushroom Tart: The wine’s earthy and umami qualities make this a perfect match.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and beets caramelize beautifully and pair with the wine’s fruit and spice.
• Soft Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese enhance the wine’s creamy texture and acidity.
• Aged Cheeses: Aged Gruyère or Comté balance its fruit and earthiness.
• Grilled Salmon or Cedar-Plank Salmon: Classic pairing for Pinot Noir, highlighting its fruit and acidity.
• Seared Tuna: A lightly seasoned tuna steak pairs well with the wine’s red fruit and savory notes.
• Pasta with Light Red Sauce: Tomato-based pastas, especially with herbs, bring out the wine’s bright acidity.
• Farro or Barley Salads: With roasted vegetables and balsamic vinaigrette, these hearty grains complement the wine’s profile.

From them to you:

The 1st phase of the estate vineyard was planted in 1981. Our family has been hand crafting wines since 1986.  Craig & Claudia were the founders of the winery, and their son, Morgan and his wife Jessica are the 2nd generation continuing with their passion in the wine business.  

Our estate vineyard is farmed using sustainable farming practices. We DO NOT use herbicides at Broadley that could potentially be toxic to our plants and our environment. At Broadley we use organic material to promote healthy growth in our vines.

Our goal is to consistently produce dynamic and outstanding wines that are true expressions of the place where they are grown. “Great sites produce great wines!”

We believe that good wine is first made in the vineyard. At Broadley, Pinot Noir grapes are harvested from several designated blocks on the estate vineyard

Wooden fermenters impart unique qualities to our wine. When wine is fermented in wood, it gives a richer and deeper complexity to the finished wine. We also use whole clusters in fermentation when the vintage ripens the fruit’s stems and the flavor and intensity of the fruit is there. This adds structure and character to the wine.

With years of experience brings wine growing wisdom. We searched hard to find the right site to produce our wines. We found our ideal location in the heart of the Willamette Valley. To date, out estate vineyard consists of 33 acres planted in Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir & Chardonnay sitting on a cool North/East slope in the Willamette Valley, just outside the small town of Monroe. 

Broadley Vineyards is in the heart of the Willamette Valley and is protected by the coastal mountain range including Greens Peak and Mary’s Peak. We are located in an ideal fertile growing region for maturing wine grapes. The vines do not have to struggle to obtain ripeness, and we are able to wait for optimum flavor development before we pick.

Our clay soil is a vital component for our vines ultimate character. The soil makes it possible for us to “dry farm,” meaning no need to water & waste a vital resource. Our red volcanic Jory/Hazelair clay soil give us good drainage without excessive vigor, as well as a good compliment of minerality and spice that can be tasted in our wines.

Source: https://www.broadleyvineyards.com/ 

CRISTOM VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY, EOLA-AMITY HILLS 2022: $50.00

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition Chardonnay

Location Eola-Amity/Willamette Valley/OR

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar until…

Optimal Aging Range: 5-7 years. During this time, the wine’s fresh citrus and orchard fruit flavors will integrate with its subtle oak influence, allowing secondary notes of honey, almond, and brioche to emerge.

Maximum Aging: 8-10 years: With proper storage, the 2022 vintage could age for up to a decade, developing deeper complexity and tertiary characteristics such as hazelnut, dried fruit, and a creamy texture.

Press:

94 pts 2022 Decanter “…Delicious and a tad unbelievable as their entry-level bottling.”

93 pts 2022 JD “…elegant, with a juicy, decadent feel…”

93 pts 2022 JS  “…Well driven and precise..”

91 pts 2022 Vinous “…Beautiful.” 

A Few More Details: 

We believe Chardonnay from the distinctive Eola-Amity Hills AVA in Oregon is among the most inspiring wines in the world. Cristom has grown and produced Chardonnay since our founding over 30 years ago. Our Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay is at the epicenter of our Chardonnay program. Chardonnay is grown and farmed using biodynamic and organic methods at our Louise, Eileen, and Paul Gerrie Vineyards. Along with Cristom Estate fruit, we select esteemed neighboring vineyards based on their sustainable farming practices and varying attributes, including volcanic soils, to craft a Chardonnay with the duality of generosity and tension. The fruit from Paul Gerrie, Royer, and Eola Springs vineyards has defining acidity and phenolics and comprises the structural skeleton of the wine.

Von Oehson, Seven Springs, Stiling, and estate vineyards Eileen and Louise flesh out the body of the wine, creating a balance of fresh citrus and floral components and an inviting texture and mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes from the Producer:

The 2022 Chardonnay is aromatically complex, with intermingled notes of brioche, toasted meringue,

lemon curd, and minerality. Zesty Meyer lemon, ginger, and cardamon drive interest on the palate, with a satisfying viscosity and bright acidity that lead to a long finish.

The Crest:

The Cristom logo was commissioned as a sort of ‘coat of arms’ for Paul Gerrie. It was created by the artist Timothy Tyler. The name Cristom honors the Gerrie’s two children, Christine and Tom.

Food Pairing

• Grilled or Roasted Fish: Halibut, sea bass, or salmon with a light citrus or herb sauce complements the wine’s acidity and minerality.
• Shellfish: Lobster with butter, crab cakes, or seared scallops enhance the wine’s richness and subtle oak influence.
• Roast Chicken: Classic roast chicken with herbs pairs beautifully with the wine’s balance of acidity and texture.
• Turkey or Duck: The wine’s orchard fruit notes work well with lighter poultry dishes, especially when served with apple or pear-based sides.
• Creamy Dishes: Pasta Alfredo, mushroom risotto, or dishes with a light cream sauce highlight the wine’s round texture & subtle oak.
• Seafood Pasta: Linguine with clams or shrimp scampi enhances the wine’s citrus and mineral notes.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or squash pair wonderfully, especially when served with a light lemon vinaigrette or herbed yogurt.
• Mild Cheese Tart: A goat cheese or Gruyère tart complements the wine’s creamy texture and vibrant acidity.
• Soft Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, or triple cream cheeses enhance the wine’s texture and subtle oak influence.
• Hard Cheeses: Aged Gouda or Comté balance the wine’s acidity and fruit profile.
• Caesar Salad: The wine’s acidity cuts through the creamy dressing.
• Arugula with Pears and Walnuts: Complements the Chardonnay’s fruit and nutty undertones.

From them to you:

Cristom Vineyards was established in 1992 by the Gerrie family to grow and craft distinguished wines of place that honor individual sites and traditional techniques. Family-owned for over thirty years, we remain stewards of our east-facing volcanic hillside in the Eola-Amity Hills focused on growing benchmark Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Bringing together biodynamic and organic farming methods, we farm the land with the next 100-years in mind. Our winegrowing centers on the philosophy that the greatest expression of terroir produces the finest wines. The cornerstone of our winemaking is rooted in traditional methods – site selection, low yields, whole-cluster fermentation and native yeasts – to produce balanced, dynamic wines of intensity, structure and length.

Source: https://cristomvineyards.com/