Tag Archives: Jesse Lange

Wine Tour Starts With Awesome Pours

11 Wednesday Jun 2014

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My first Grape Sense wine tourism group at Lange Winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley

My first Grape Sense wine tourism group at Lange Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

DUNDEE HILLS, Oregon – There is a strong sense of responsibility bringing guests, paying you, to visit select great wineries. And I’ll have to admit I had some nerves yesterday before my four couples from Indianapolis, Massachusetts, and Iowa arrived.

Members of our group tasting Jesse Lange's three soil series Pinots.
Members of our group tasting Jesse Lange’s three soil series Pinots.

 But the wow factor today and the great start in the Willamette Valley could not have been any better. Literally months of planning went into crafting a four-day, five night wine trip that offered the familiar and the new, the attainable and the not-so-attainable, and some big wow factor. We got all of that in two wine stops on day one.

We spent the bulk of our day at Lange Estate Winery. We walked the vineyards and spent extensive time with Jesse Lange’s assistant winemaker Neil Larson in the winery. Neil walked everyone through the winemaking process and answered some really good questions from the tour participants. WE tasted the unique Lange oaked Pinot Gris, the Chardonnay and the full lineup of Pinot Noir.

Jesse Lange had to be out of town today so he had the delightful Monique pour his 2012 soil series of three different Pinots from three different soil types. The group seemed to really enjoy evaluating the different wines and quizzing each other why they liked one more than the other. It was one of the highlights of the day for me.

The other two highlights was an awesome lunch of meats, nuts, cheese, salad, and sandwiches from Red Hills Market. The topper was a clear sky and the appearance of MT. Hood from the Lange patio. It was the first time the mountain was visible in my four different Lange visits.

The group bought club memberships, individual bottles, cases, and headed off a happy group of wine drinkers.

Our other stop today was at the much newer Alexana Winery. The incredible vineyard property and ultra modern tasting room and winery made for a great tour. Sales Manager Mark Bosko led a portion of our tour but winemaker Bryan Weil walked us through the winemaking and the outdoor tasting. The wines were really stunning. It was definitely, for my palate, wines meant to be taken home and put away for awhile. From the ultra dry Reisling to the silky Pinot Noir we were all impressed.

We had several comparative choices to make and the big winner was a three lot 100 percent Pommard clone Pinot that blew us all away. The wine is a collaboration between Weil and consultant winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash. The bottle is not cheap at $75 but definitely a great representation of Oregon Pinot at the price point.

Wednesday is our really big wine day with four stops.

Blogger Note: I’m taking lots of photos but will not get most up until after the trip. It’s just too difficult on a travel laptop and the time constraints of being the tour leader. I have some great stuff and try to get a few up each day. Many have simply been iPhone shots.

Interesting Chats with Liz and Jesse

10 Tuesday Jun 2014

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Elizabeth Chambers

Elizabeth Chambers

Chatting with winemakers and winery owners is almost always interesting. I know I’m lucky as a wino because most people just don’t get the chance to do that.

The second day in the Willamette Valley was highlighted by a delightful visit with Elizabeth Chambers – and visiting her new namesake winery – and talking with an old acquaintance, Jesse Lange.

The Chambers’ name is big in Oregon, broadcasting/construction and more, but also big in wine. Elizabeth’s mother owned a winery since the late 70s. Elizabeth Chambers and winemaker Michael Stevenson wanted a winery that was all about great wines driven by the vineyard and not by ego or someone else’s expectations.

Elizabeth owned McMinnville’s old city power plant and realized it could make a really cool winery/tasting room. Exposed brick and an outdoor courtyard makes the space perfect for gatherings and special events. The wine lineup includes a Pinot Gris and four vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs. Stevenson’s wines are beautiful with wonderful aromas, perfect balance and ready to drink now or to cellar.

Chambers had previously owned Panther Creek wines with Stevenson as the winemaker. Chambers sold that interest and the two launched Elizabeth Chambers Cellar. She describes the wines as light – or feminine – with great balance.

Chamber has no desire to be a huge producer but is intent on making the best Pinot possible. There is little question she’s off to a great start.

I have interviews and photos with the two of them which will surface as a full story in one of my wine writing outlets in the near future.

Jesse Lange

Jesse Lange

Lange Estate Winery has been one of my favorites since my first visit about seven years ago. I chatted with Jesse Lange then, a couple of times since and today. Jesse can range from outspoken to cautious but he seemed energized today. He has new projects he’s deeply committed to at the iconic winery.

He has a new small-production series based on soils – three wines from three different soil types. The estate has expanded over the last decade and he has new vineyards coming into production. The combination continues to fuel an enthusiasm to make wine a little better every year than the previous vintage.

Lange has been around since the late 1980s but is respected across the valley as one of the great, and most consistent, craftsmen of Pinot Noir in the valley.  The wines are widely available (including Indiana) and are great values compared to the competition. Lange’s Willamette Valley Pinot (under $30) is about the best bottle at the price point. The higher-end wines are perfect for aging and well worth the investment.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) I’ll taste the ‘soil’ Pinot series and that’s exciting. I also did a recorded interview which will also be used in future posts or other writing outlets.

My wine tourism group arrived in Portland today. We’re getting together tonight then headed to the Valley tomorrow morning. Grape Sense’s first ever wine tour is about to get underway!

Lange Pinot Seldom Disappoints

01 Saturday Feb 2014

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Jesse Lange, Lange Estate Vineyards, once told me that there really aren’t bad vintages, just years when you find out who can make wine!

Jesse Lange

Jesse Lange

The Oregon winemaker had a point beyond bravado. There have been some up and down vintages in the Willamette Valley just like there are in any wine growing wine regions in the world.

Initially, as I recall, the 2007 vintage was weak and only garnered a Wine Spectator 84 rating – the lowest in 10 years. I read a few mixed reviews about the 90-point 2009 wines but found them rich when I was in the valley shortly after the release, and again last night. Last night there was a silkiness to the mouth feel.

I had a couple bottles of the Lange 2009 Lange Estate Vineyard Pinot put away and opened one last night. I’m an admitted fan but last night’s glass was really great.

LangeWineIt was also the first time I had used my Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir glasses at home – and by golly they make a difference! I had a very experienced wine-drinking buddy over and walked him through the tasting of Pinot with the Riedel glass along with the Syrah and Cab model – he was equally impressed.

The wine had such a beautiful balance. It was just a tad floral, nice bright cherry and raspberry. I would definitely call it elegant wine.

Lange Estate Vineyard 2009 Pinot Noir, bought this off an internet flash site and had hard time tracking down retail – most Lange vineyard designate wines are $50-$60. Very Highly Recommended.

Chardonnay Oregon’s Next Thing?

03 Monday Jun 2013

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Does the wine world need another great Chardonnay region? California has the great big buttery, woodsy Chards while Chablis brings the mineral and acid. There is virtually every style in between from regions across the globe.

Grape Sense LogoOregon has made its name with Pinot Noir and the white Pinot Gris. Now there are those who think Chardonnay is the next big thing in northwest wine.

“I think Oregon is really well suited for Chardonnay,” said Bill Sweat, Winderlea Winery. “Chardonnay does better in cooler climates. You get that great acidity and brightness, floral notes, the kind of flavors White Burgundy lovers go after.”

Ironically, when the wine drinkers learned Oregon’s Pinot Noir rivaled some of the best in the world some grape growers actually pulled Chardonnay to plant more Pinot. Chardonnay acreage dropped 25 percent between 1995 and 2001 while Pinot Noir and Gris nearly doubled. The original Oregon Chardonnay problem was the wine just wasn’t very good. It was all a matter of getting the right vines.

Penner-Ash, Lynn lo“When I first started in Chardonnay we only hand one clone,” said Lynn Penner-Ash, who has her own winery and consults with others in winemaking. “Now we’re seeing transition to the Dijon clone with better placement and better vineyard management.

The Chardonnays coming out of Oregon now are better and better – much better than early years.” Talking Chardonnay with Oregon producers is all about getting the right vines and a lesson in terroir. Most producers agreed the move away from the original vines to the Dijon vines made a world of difference.

Sweat

Sweat

“We originally started with some Chardonnay in the vineyard that didn’t do very well,” said Sweat. “But for the last 15 years we’ve been able to bring in some selections from France and they’re doing beautifully. “I’d say Oregon winemakers are making Chard that tends to skew more toward the elegant style. That has to do with the fruit itself. It’s not going to get as ripe as it would in a warmer climate.”

At a March tasting in Chicago, many vintners were promoting their Chards with enthusiasm normally reserved for Pinot Noir.

Lange, Jesse lo“Whether its stainless steel or wood fermenting, I think stylistically our wines have an identy of freshness of fruit where the wood balances the wine but never overtakes it,” offered Jesse Lange, Lange Family Estate. “In terms of its attention – grabbing headlines for the Willamette Valley – I think it has really taken off. I think we’re on the cusp of something big.”

Howard’s Picks: Most of the Oregon producers are making small quantities of Chardonnay but you can find a few in better wine shops. The wines compare favorably to traditionally styled Chablis. The price points are in the $20-$30 range. The best at the Chicago event, and previous tastings in Oregon, were the producers mentioned in this story. The best Chard at the pouring was Evening Land Chardonnay from the Eola-Amity Hills region of the Valley.

Oregon Wine Keeps Raising the Bar!

10 Sunday Mar 2013

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Thursday's Tasting Mob at Chicago's City Winery

Thursday’s Tasting Mob at Chicago’s City Winery

Oregon wine long ago found its niche on the world stage as a home for great Pinot Noir. That reputation is growing as the wines become more widely available.

A tasting Thursday in downtown Chicago proved the wines are getting better. I’ve visited the Willamette Valley several times and find the wines improve with each visit.

More than 60 Oregon wine producers poured for 500 trade and media members Thursday afternoon and another 500 that night to customers shelling out $65 a person.

Many Oregon wineries, particularly the better boutique efforts, sell all of each year’s vintage. Jesse Lange, a winemaker who has always treated us like a friend, noted his winery has increased production nearly 10,000 cases the last five years.

The tasting was spectacular. Most of these wines are widely available in Midwestern states but not in huge supply. Obviously, the Willamette Valley Wineries Association thought it was time to expand Oregon’s presence in the Midwest with the first-ever Chicago event.

I managed to get to many different tables and still missed out on many I had never before visited. I do have quite a bit of material to use for future print stories and the blog.

Most of the wines listed here are top shelf offerings. After all, who wants to taste the entry level bottles at a tasting? Here are some of the real winners I tasted:

David Adelsheim

Adelsheim

Adelsheim 2010 Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir – It’s always safe and smart to turn to a region’s pioneers for a great bottle of wine. Big fruit, nice strawberry, and incredible balance make this one worth $55.

Bergstrom

Bergstrom

Bergstrom Sigrid 2011 Chardonnay – Karen Bergstrom defines this wine the “very best of the best” from their vineyards. It was bright and fresh Chardonnay. $80

Crumbled Rock 2010 Julliard Vineyard Pinot Noir – I tasted the Crumbled Rock wine in 2007 from their first vintage as winemakers. Gerard Koschal, owner and winemaker, had been growing and selling grapes for some time before making wine. That first vintage, released in 07, was more unremarkable than memorable. So it was a delightful surprise to be blown away by their beautifully wine in Chicago. $35.

Evening Land 2010 Mad Hatter Chardonnay – Brace yourself regular readers, the Evening Land might have been THE best wine I tasted all day. Largely whole cluster Chardonnay with Chablis-like characteristics of acid and minerality. It might have also been the most surprising wine I’ve tasted from Oregon. Without mentioning names, this was a wine more than one producer said I must taste. They were right. $40.

Dobbes

Dobbes

Joe Dobbes Grenache Blanc – Hobbes is a winemaker and consultant who wanted to use his experience to do something different. He is buying all of the grenache blanc grown in Oregon from the southern Rogue Valley and making a light, spectacular version of the southern French classic. If you’re unfamiliar with Grenache Blanc, one critic suggested thinking of Pinot Gris with more richness. I’d agree. I loved this wine! $26

Lange

Lange

Lange 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir – It’s simply one of the most consistent wines, at a reasonable price, you can find at the price point from Oregon. Full disclaimer: Regular readers know I’m a Lange fan. Jesse and Don have always been available and accomodating during my visits to the valley. But their wines just get better and better. Don wasn’t one of the original pioneers, but his name belongs right beside them. $32

Penner-Ash

Penner-Ash

Penner-Ash 2011 Dussin Vineyard Pinot Noir – A classic bottle of Oregon Pinot with nice big fruit and the balance of one of Oregon’s great, great winemakers – Lynn Penner-Ash. $65.

Sweat

Sweat

Winderlea 2009 Ana Vineyard Pinot Noir – Winderlea makes the term ’boutique winery’ work every time you taste their wines. Bill Sweat and Donna Morris produce just 2,000-3,000 cases annually but they make gorgeous Pinot and wonderful Chardonnay. The Ana Vineyard is classic Oregon. $48

Oregon, Provence Wines Big Hit

08 Friday Mar 2013

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CHCIAGO, Il. – As trade events go, Thursday was a smash hit. The Willamette Valley wineries created a standing room only response during their first trip to Chicago.

Organizers said 500 trade (wine importers, wholesalers, retailers, and wine press) members registered and crowded into City Winery on the city’s near downtown west side.

Even more impressive was the 500 registered for the public tasting event Thursday night at $65 per person.

Penner-Ash

Penner-Ash

I was able to interview some old Oregon friends and several I’ve always wanted to meet. I chatted with Lynn Penner-Ash, David Adelsheim, and John Bergstrom among others.

Oregon Pinot Noir has established a standard that almost never disappoints. The wines were amazing. I talked with many of those folks and others about the emergency – or continued emergency – of Oregon Chardonnay.

After catching up with old friends Jesse Lange, Bill and Donna of Winderlea, and David Milliman of Drouhin, I dashed across town to the Provence tasting.

Breban

Breban

The most amazing thing about the wonderful Provence wines is the price point. Fabulous Rose’ can cost as little as $12-$18. I had the chance to interview Jean-Jacquies Breban, President of the Provence Wine Council about Rose’ booming popularlity in the US and what that means to producers back in France.

I have notes on some labels to explore and specific great wines I tasted I’ll get up in next few days. I remain on the road for my real job for a couple more days.

Brian Doyle Talks Grail, Lange & Wine

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

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Brian Doyle, noted Portland author, paid a visit to Indiana Feb. 28 and delighted and charmed with his wit, enthusiasm, and joyous attitude.

DoyleI had the chance to sit down for a brief interview and talk about “The Grail – A year ambling & shambling through an Oregon vineyard in pursuit of the best pinot noir wine in the whole wild world.”

Doyle’s book was published in 2006 and had a real impact on developing my wine passion. I was headed to Oregon for a business trip in 2007 and had planned on visiting the Willamette Valley but had never heard of Doyle, Jesse Lange, or Lange Winery.

I had the book finished before going west and made an appointment with Jesse. My visit that day and others I made on the trip took my wine interest from passive to passionate.

Here is that chat with Brian Doyle!