2019 Candide
Chehalem Mountains AVA Reserve Pinot Noir
74 cases produced. $54
Named for Leonard Bernstein’s operetta of the same name (which was based on the 1759 novella by Voltaire), Candide is comprised of two heritage clones of Pinot Noir—65.4% Wadenswil (11-year-old vines) sourced from Nemarniki Vineyard and 34.6% Pommard (6-year-old vines) from the Bells Up Estate vineyard—both in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The 2019 vintage barrel-aged for 12 months in French oak. This wine showcases the richer mouthfeel and spicier characteristics of these two clones of Pinot Noir, made more pronounced by a cooler, wetter growing season.
TECHNICAL NOTESNOSE: Blackberry, black plum, black cherry, birch bark, molasses, salinity, fresh earth, forest floor.
PALATE: Balanced and complex with a long finish and tapering acidity. Hints of raspberry, white pepper, rose petal, black currant, blueberry, and baking spices.
Jeff Kralik (The Drunken Cyclist) Review: Luscious and spicy on the nose with lovely, dare I say “harmonious” flavors? That lusciousness carries through on the palate, particularly initially. Quite strong through the mid-palate as well with complexity and depth. The finish shows some soft, but present tannins, suggesting at least 3-5 years of ageability. Outstanding. 93 Points.
Joe Campbell (Wine Bulletin) Review: Sourced at 800 feet in elevation, this wine showcases bright acidity with flavors of cherry and raspberry followed up by a smooth finish.
Anatoli Levine (Talk-A-Vino) Review: Floral, nutmeg, warm spices; Cherries, cut through acidity, black pepper, perfect balance, delicious.
AdVINEtures Review: The “reserve” character comes through with the greater intensity of this wine. Cherry, hints of blueberry, mushroom and forest floor come together in a unison that shows sophistication and good balance. Lovely now, we guess this will show additional development if cellared over the next 5 years or longer. Excellent
