I tasted a number of 2006 Pinot Noir barrel samples. Peterson-Nedry describes the vintage as ” ?powerful, one of the two or three best vintages off these vineyards”. These are richer, riper, more full-bodied wines that will greet you with a hug rather than a handshake. It certainly promises to be the finest vintage after 2002. Chehalem is led by co-owner/winemaker Harry Peterson-Nedry. He planted the estate’s Ridgecrest Vineyard in 1980 and founded the winery in 1990. Chehalem is unusual for Willamette Valley in that over 50% of its production is white wine from Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Readers who see Chehalem’s whites should try these uniformly excellent wines. Tel. (503) 538-4700; www.chehalemwines.com. Also tasted: 2006 Rose of Pinot Noir (88), 2006 Dry Riesling Reserve (87), 2005 Riesling “Corral Creek Vineyard” (86), 2005 Pinot Gris (89), 2006 Pinot Gris (90), 2005 Pinot Gris Reserve (88), 2006 Pinot Gris Reserve (90), 2005 Pinot Blanc (88), 2006 Pinot Blanc(89), 2005 Chardonnay INOX (87), 2006 Chardonnay INOX (88), 2004 Chardonnay “Ian’s Reserve” (89), 2005 Chardonnay “Ian’s Reserve” (90)

Although this is a rather light and tart wine, it has unusual flavors of cured ham and lots of herbal power in the finish, which is leafy and tannic. It might be better as a component in a blend, but as a stand-alone it shows some genuine terroir.——P.G.(2/1/2008)—— 89