Chehalem Cerise (Gamay Noir) 04: Dark, purple, firm and fruit-driven characteristics of great Gamay Noir, but complexly done. Pepper, some new leather, blue fruit, plums, spices wide-ranging through clove and cinnamon in aroma and on the palate. A dried chukar cherry flavor and sweetness with a slight accent of sourness and pepper in the finish. Well balanced, tart, and a great value.
Not currently available to order.
May be out of stock or sold out. Inquire at 541-752-7418 or store@avalonwine.com
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
From the winery: "CeriseÖ is our name for a predominantly Gamay noir blend with Pinot noir. Both varietals are best done in Burgundy and both exhibit a palate of cherry flavors and aromas. "Cherry" in French, Cerise is our tribute to a high fruit, moderately serious red wine. In Burgundy they do one too, called passetoutgrains, blended at approximately 80% Gamay noir to 20% Pinot noir, for drinking while waiting for their highly structured pinots to develop. Ours is made with the same casual purpose in mind."
"A powerful, surprising wine, even for fans of Cerise. Many will not know it from a big, spicy Cote de Nuits Pinot noir, and some may even, from a more domestic vantage, call it the best zinfandel they've had. It may be the best Cerise since 1992, or better. It is black-garnet with a deep-well sort of depth, is spicy with loads of clove and nutmeg, and has a soft, round fruit somewhat atypical of Gamay noir grown here-probably the heat. It has excellent weight, nice balance and no apparent acid or tannin edginess. A best."
"2002 is an amazing vintage, characterized by an early, warm growing season, a spurt of rain prior to the harvest period that served to stabilize sugars, acids and pHs, and a dry, long harvest period with cool-to-moderate temperatures that allowed us to pick at precisely timed points for ultimate ripeness. For example, Pinot noir was picked over a full month, from September 26 through October 26. Healthy croploads permitted full ripeness over this extended harvest, with excellent concentration and retained acidities."
