Pair This: Adelsheim Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir with Fall in Oregon

Yesterday was a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon in the Willamette Valley, and there couldn’t have been a more perfect time for a glass of Adelsheim Oregon Pinot Noir. The skies were blue, the air was brisk and the leaves on the trees were simply stunning; bright orange, yellow and red leaves grace the branches of trees and the ground beneath.  I know people say that Vermont and New Hampshire have colorful falls that attract people from around the world, but there is nothing quite like the Willamette Valley come October.  There’s also nothing quite like pairing a glass of stellar Oregon Pinot Noir with a beautiful fall day.

Adelsheim Elizabeth’s Reserve 2010 ($55) is full of succulent cherry and red berry aromas highlighted by fall spices.  Bolder and more fruit forward than the average Pinot Noir out of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the mouthfeel is super lush and round.  Layers of berry flavors flow from the front of the palate to the back, ending in an elegant, luscious, long lasting finish.

Notes from Adelsheim about the 2010 Elizabeth’s Reserve:

“The name Elizabeth’s Reserve was first used in 1986 to designate the blend of our best barrels of Pinot noir.  From 1987 to 1999 it designated a single vineyard wine, but in 2000 returned to a “best of winery” reserve – the best barrels from our best lots.  Most of the fruit for this wine (65%) comes from five of our estate vineyards located on south-facing slopes of the Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge.  With many wonderful lots representing different soil types, clones, site climates, fermenter sizes and barrel characteristics, winemaker Dave Paige pulls together those that best create a reserve-level wine, one that truly reflects the vintage and character of our corner of the Willamette Valley.“

Visit Adelsheim at 16800 NE Calkins Lane, Newberg, OR 97132