Cerise is Chehalem’s version of a Passetoutgrains—80% Gamay Noir, 20% Pinot Noir. Youthful, tasting of berries and spice, it hints at leafy herbs also. It’s a picnic wine—tangy and light, with cherries and raspberries, and finished at just 12.7% alcohol. ——P.G.(6/1/2010)—— 87

One red wine qualifies for this value report, the 2007 Cerise, a blend of 80% Gamay and 20% Pinot Noir, a blend known as Passetoutgrain in Burgundy. The Gamay was sourced from Ridgecrest Vineyard planted in 1984. Cherry red in color, it has a fragrant perfume of cranberry and wild strawberry leading to a ripe, racy, easy-going wine designed for immediate gratification.With all of the attention focused on Willamette Valley’s Pinot Noirs, their excellent white wines often get overlooked. This is a shame because there is plenty of quality as well as superb value and no one is doing it better than Chehalem.Tel. (503) 538-4700; www.chehalemwines.com

Cerise is French for cherry, and cherries are here in abundance, scents and flavors, an explosion of cherries. Light, forward, delicate yet deep, this is a perfect autumn red.——P.G.(12/15/2009)—— 88

The Chehalem red portfolio begins with the 2006 Cerise, a blend of Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir which in Burgundy is known as Passetoutgrain and which can be quite charming. It offers an excellent fruity nose featuring strawberry and cherry leading to a vibrant, flavorful wine with excellent balance and a lengthy finish. Chehalem Winery produces a bevy of white wines that should not be overlooked by consumers, particularly in the 2007 vintage. The vibrant natural acidity gives the wines an extra lift especially for Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling.Tel. (503) 538-9396www.chehalemwines.com