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...an Oregon
Landmark Winery
- 8800
Enchanted Way SE (Map)
Turner,
OR 97392
Winery Information
You Are Invited...
Oregon's Landmark Winery
Wine Tasting
· Open Daily 11 am - 6 pm · Tours by Appointment
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Once
covered with remnants of an old plum orchard and strangled by
invasive blackberry vines and scotch broom bushes, the 50 acres of south- and
southwest-facing slopes that surround the Willamette Valley Vineyards winery
site are now blanketed by neatly and sustainably planted vines of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
and Pinot Gris.
The winery and
its underground cellar are carved into the top of an ancient volcanic cinder cone -- Ilahee Hill.
Well-drained volcanic soils - colored red by their oxidized iron content - slope
away from the winery site at about a 750-foot elevation to the 500-foot elevation
of Enchanted Way below, paralleling I-5. The combined geologic and climatic
characteristics of this fine hillside location have proven their propensity to
yield intensely flavored grapes year after year.
What began as a fledgling
winery in 1989, in the heart of
Oregon's
Willamette Valley appellation, is
today the premier landmark Willamette Valley Vineyards and winery, inspiring awe in even the most casual
observer traveling along the I-5 corridor just south of Salem. For the wine
enthusiast,
the awe of Willamette Valley Vineyards goes beyond the visual as the wines
express the elegant flavors and aromas enjoyed in high-quality Burgundian-style wines
and the terroir of individual Willamette Valley growing sites can be tasted.
With the success of the
original estate vineyards and the wines produced from that site, Willamette Valley
Vineyards went on to expand its wine-grape sourcing with the 1997 purchase of
one of the state's oldest and most respected vineyards -- Tualatin Estate,
located near
Forest Grove, Oregon. Since then, plantings at Tualatin Estate were
increased to include new rootstocks and Dijon clones of the Pinot Noir grape.
In
addition to the estate vineyards and those at Tualatin Estate, Willamette Valley Vineyards
now purchases
fruit from many
additional sites throughout Oregon.
(continue top of next
column)
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Every vineyard lot used by Willamette Valley Vineyards is held separately through fermentation and
cellaring; many wines produced from these lots are then blended to achieve the
finest synergistic results.
"Our intent," explains founder Jim
Bernau, "is to create
premium wines that are true to their origins and keen of aroma and flavor."
With native Oregonian Jim Bernau at
the helm, environmental issues and sustainable practices related to the growing
and vinifying of wine grapes are always part of the equation at Willamette
Valley Vineyards' estate vineyards and those at Tualatin Estate. Both are
certified LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon Safe, and all
vineyard equipment uses bio-fuel. Bernau believes wines made with consideration
for the environment, employees and community simply taste better and are
necessary to maintain and grow a sustainable company for the future.
The art and science of winemaking at
Willamette Valley Vineyards are woven together to produce the finest wines
possible using the winery's state-of-the-art equipment and age-old European
winemaking methods.
For an ideal blend of
picturesque scenery, award-winning wines, and relaxing
atmosphere, be sure to enjoy a leisurely visit to Willamette Valley
Vineyards.
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Become a Member of
The Oregon Wine Guild
The Oregon Wine Guild is
a unique resource for all wine enthusiasts. Guild membership
provides the opportunity to expand your cellar, increase your
knowledge of Oregon varietals and receive wonderful benefits from
Oregon’s landmark winery. Choose from three types of membership,
each catering to different wine preferences.
See
Member Benefits
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Featured Willamette Valley
Vineyard Wines
Willamette Valley Vineyards' approach to wines
Our approach is to grow, by hand, the highest quality fruit using careful canopy
management, and to create wines that are truly expressive of the varietal and
the place where they are grown. Since we ferment and barrel each vineyard lot
separately (sometimes as few as two barrels), we can save the best barrels for
single vineyard bottlings and Signature Cuvée.
Our stylistic emphasis is on pure varietal fruit characters, with attention to
depth and richness of mouthfeel and balance. The wines are truly a collaborative
effort of the entire vineyard and winemaking staff. See ordering information
below
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Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley
2006 Vintage
$25.00
Order Now
88 points - Wine Enthusiast
The 2006 Pinot Noir has sweet, delicate aromas of
raspberry, licorice and violets, with a juicy entry and silky mouthfeel.
The sweet and tart flavors of ripe, red cherry and cranberry are
accented by hints of vanilla, earth and spice. Lingering notes of
cinnamon and clove spice round out the finish. 2006 was a warm year and
experience in the cellar created a wine with flavors in balance with
acids and alcohol. Drink now-2012. A great complement to wild
salmon. Also try with roasted duck, grilled lamb, mushrooms, and medium
cheeses.
Fermentation:
Stainless Steel.
Barrel Regimen: 10
Months in French Oak. New Oak:
20% Allier Forest
Pinot
Noir - Whole Cluster
2007 Vintage
$19.00
Order Now
New Release
Vibrant and explosive aromas of roses, cherries and wild
strawberries dominate with hints of sweet juice and warm spices. Flavors
mirror aromas with strawberries, and cherries dominating, complemented
by juicy and spicy characters. The mouthfeel is soft, round, juicy and
well-balanced with fresh acidity which highlights the fruitiness. Peak
drinkability is 2008-2010. Wonderful by itself or with turkey,
hamburgers, pizza, grilled fish, lighter wild fowl, or pasta dishes with
sun dried tomatoes. Serve at slightly lower than room temperature or
moderately chilled on warmer days.
Fermentation: 100% Stainless
Steel
Pinot Noir Estate
2006 Vintage
$40.00
Order Now
93 points - Wine Enthusiast
The 2006 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir is an elegant wine
that truly expresses the terroir of the red, volcanic earth where it was
grown. Aromas of sweet wild rose, red and black fruits, clove and earth
are complemented by flavors of black cherry, cassis, cocoa, vanilla and
cinnamon. A medium-full bodied wine with a voluptuous mid-palate and big
round tannins in balance with the crisp acidity. The spicy cinnamon and
black pepper finish lingers into the next sip. Appealing now but will
further reward those who cellar this wine. Peak drinkability is between
2008-2012. Pair with prime rib, quail, duck, wild game, and winter
vegetables-especially mushrooms. Great paired with dishes with complex
spices. Try with a variety of medium to strong cheeses.
Fermentation:
100% Small Bin.
Barrel Regime: 35% New French Oak
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Dijon Clone Chardonnay
2005 Vintage
$18.00
Order Now
This elegant, medium-bodied Dijon Clone
Chardonnay shows ripe aromas of pear, honey and citrus.
Fruit-forward flavors mirror aromas and include a round
impression of vanilla, almond, pineapple, and pastry shell with
a creamy, mouthfilling texture. Good acid balance throughout
with a touch of minerality. The finish is long with lingering
flavors of vanilla, pear, spice, and cream. Drink now-2010.
The 2005 Dijon Clone Chardonnay is an excellent companion with
scallops, lemon chicken, white sauces, pork, and light-medium
cheeses. Also try with fresh cut fruit like pear, apricot, and
apple and nuts like walnuts and almonds.
Fermentation:
French Oak Barrels for 10 months
Pinot Gris
- Vintage Selection
2007 vintage
$15.00
Order Now
90 points - Wine Enthusiast
Willamette Valley Vineyards' Pinot Gris continues its history of success with
the 2007 vintage. The newly released '07 Pinot Gris has already earned gold
medals at the 2008 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Awards and the 2008
National Women’s Wine Competition, as well as being the highest scoring Pinot
Gris/Grigio in TheWineBuzz Magazine. They described the wine as “Inviting,
complex aroma full of florals, tangerine, lemon cream and melon; many layers of
flavors each one delicious; lingering and balanced. A fabulous wine." The
oyster legacy continues; this is the third year in a row that the Pacific Coast
Oyster Wine Competition has selected Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris as a
winning oyster-pairing wine. The quintessential match with salmon. Wonderful with scallops, crab, prawns,
mussels, oysters and oily fish. Serve chilled on the table and allow to warm in
the glass for optimal enjoyment.
Fermentation: Stainless Steel with < 1% French Oak barrel
Riesling
2007 Vintage
New Release
$12.00
Order
Now
A semi-sweet, medium-bodied, Germanic-styled wine.
Vibrant aromas of peach, pear, citrus and honeysuckle flowers. The
explosive mouth-filling flavors mirror the aromas with star fruit and
steely apple malic acidity, giving a sweet-tart balance. Clean and
refreshing with a crisp mouth-watering finish. Great by itself. A good
match with light cheeses, citrus fruits, slightly sweet fowl dishes with
fruit chutney, prawns, scallops, and crab. Serve well chilled on the
table and allow to warm in your glass for optimal enjoyment of aromas
and flavor. Residual sugar: < 5%.
Fermentation: 100% Stainless Steel
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Other wines from Willamette Valley
Vineyard
Choose any of the
following options to place your order:
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Click here
to order wines from WVV's secure wine store;
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Call the winery: 1-800-344-9463 or
503-588- 9463
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Fax the
winery: 503-588-8894
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Email us:
info@wvv.com
Finding Willamette Valley Vineyards |
Copyright © 1997 - 2008
Susan R. O'Hara. All rights reserved.
Last updated:
07/08/2008
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