Anam Cara Cellars
I recently visited Sheila Nicholas at the Anam Cara Cellars tasting room in Newberg. I have written extensively
in the PinotFile about this winery: www.princeofpinot.com/winery/268/. The winery has had several
winemakers through the years, but owners Sheila and Nick have had considerable input and the style,
although changed in subtle ways through the years, has never wavered. The current winemaker is Michael
Collins who crafts the wines at 12th & Maple Winery in Dundee. All wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,
Riesling and Gewürztraminer, are estate grown. The website is www.anamcaracellars.com.
The 2012 Pinot Noirs tasted here will be released in the late fall of 2014 except for the Mark VII which will be
held back until next year. These wines are among the very best I have tasted from this winery. Scary to think
they were bottled in February 2014 and will only get better over the ensuing months in bottle.
2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 1,700 cases, $33. 20%
114, 20% 115, 20% 777, 10% 114 and 10% 667. Aged in 21%
new French oak.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. Lovely aromas of fresh cherry coulis and sandalwood.
Delicious array of mid weight fruit flavors including black cherry
and black raspberry with plenty of spice and a graceful oak sheen. Impressive
harmony with remarkable persistence on the royal finish.
Score: 94
2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Reserve Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,
420 cases, $46. 30% Pommard, 30% 777, 20% 115, 10% 114 and 10% 667. Aged in 37% new and
29% once-filled French oak.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose invigorates
with effusive aromas of fresh cherries, spice and dark red rose petals. Bright and elegant on the palate,
with a pleasing core of cherry fruit accented with hints of brown spice and white chocolate. The suave
tannins are nicely integrated, the texture is silky, and the finish is clean and refreshing.
Score: 94
2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Wädenswil Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 95
cases, $55. 100% Wädenswil clone. Aged in 25% new and 25% once-filled French oak.
·
Moderate reddish
purple hue in the glass. The wine offers a darker fruit profile, including black cherry, blackberry along side
flavors of cola, sassafras, spice and graham. All silk and satin in the mouth with firm, but integrated tannins.
Definitely unique in character.
Score: 93
2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Heather’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2%
alc., 90 cases, $66. 50% 114, 20% 777, 15% 667, and 15% 115. Aged in all once-filled French oak barrels.
The most elegant expression of the vineyard which contains the most clone 114.
·
Moderately light reddish
purple color in the glass. Seductive aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, spice and sandalwood lead to a
feminine, graceful wine with light flavors of cherry and red berries, brown spice and subtle oak. The fine-grain
tannins are embracing and the cherry-laden finish is charming.
Score: 92
2012 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Mark VII Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 90
cases, $66. 50% Pommard and 50% 777. Aged in 50% new French oak. The only unfiltered wine in
lineup. A masculine, age worthy expression of the vineyard.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the
glass. My notes say,“fantastic nose,” with aromas of an array of dark red fruits and exotic spices.
Discreetly bold flavors of dark red cherries and berries and red plums with a hint of dark chocolate in
the background. A grand wine with excellent balance and length, ending on a high note with a rush of
aromatic sweet cherries.
Score: 94
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