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2019 Bernau Block Chardonnay
Made with Dijon clones planted more than 20 years ago by Founder Jim Bernau who traveled with the Oregon Governor's Delegation to Burgundy in the 1980s to seek out French clones to improve our state's Chardonnay quality. The vines were brought back and quarantined at OSU before being propagated for use in Oregon vineyards.
On the Nose: Pearlescence with a tinge of a chlorophyllic hue. Oranges, apples and pears are fused with ginger and baking spices that gives the wine a nice warm entry on the palate
On the Palate: A touch of brioche mid palate gives the wine a nice viscosity that then turns to a green apple, lemon zest, key limes, kiwis coolness that allows the wine to have layers of complexity
Food Pairing: Pesto Linguine with clams, grilled halibut with marinated artichoke hearts
"Wines made with consideration for the environment, employees and community simply taste better."
Jim Bernau, Founder/Winegrower
Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Vineyard in the Salem Hills
Willamette Valley AVA
In 1983, with the encouragement from winemakers making their move from California, Jim cleared an old pioneer plum orchard in the Salem Hills, hidden underneath scotch broom and blackberry vines to plant Pinot Noir. Unable to afford drip irrigation, he watered the vines by hand using 17 lengths of 75’ garden hose to get the grapelings through their first summer.
The vineyard site rises from 500-750 feet in elevation with seven to twelve degree slopes tilted toward the sun. As a result, the vines get excellent air drainage and are above the frost line. At this elevation and slope, the temperature is approximately 10 degrees cooler than the valley floor during the day.
The Estate Vineyard has a total of 67 acres of vines planted, with the first Dijon clones grafted in 1993. It is primarily planted with Pinot Noir Dijon clones 667, 777, Pommard and Wädenswil. Additionally, a portion is planted in Pinot Gris and Dijon Clone Chardonnay 76 and 96.
Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s leading wineries, earning the title “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
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