Anam Cara Cellars: Celtic Pride in Every Bottle
Nick and Sheila Nicholas lovingly nurture a 30-acre vineyard located on the southeastern slopes of the
Chehalem Mountains, just north of the town of Newberg. The property was originally an overgrown walnut,
plum and hazelnut orchard with a neglected Christmas tree forest and included a quaint farmhouse dating to
1902 and several wooden outhouses. Lying between 450 and 650 feet in elevation, the well drained soils are
primarily Jory series. Five blocks of Pinot Noir were planted in 2000-2001 to Pommard, 114, 115, 667 and 777
clones. There is also one acre each of Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Plans call for the planting of 6 more
acres to Wädenswil clone Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more Riesling. Farming is sustainable with both organic
and biodynamic practices.
The words Anam Cara are Celtic for “friend of my soul” and symbolize the journey the Nicholas’s have taken to
make their wine and the relationship they have with their vineyard. The label depicts the vineyard. Production
is 1,000 cases annually of primarily Pinot Noir with small amounts of Riesling and a Gewürztraminer dessert
wine. The winemaker is Aron Hess (Daedalus and several other wineries) and the vineyard managers are
Evan Bellinger and Buddy Beck.
I have sampled the 2006 lineup of Anam Cara Cellars Pinot Noirs on two occasions and my notes follow. The
wines are reflective of the warm 2006 vintage in Oregon which resulted in darker colors, higher alcohols and
tremendous concentration of Pinot fruit. These are hearty wines that are beginning to hit their stride now and
have enough tannins (beautifully integrated and barely noticeable) and acidity to last a number of years. They
will work both as wines for contemplation and wines for drinking at the table. I would recommend decanting if
you plan to drink them now.
2006 Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Reserve Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.0% alc., $45. A few select barrels in the cellar.
·
The most fragrant
wine in the lineup with alluring aromas of red plum, black cherry and dark red
raspberries framed by toasty oak. Delicious raspberry fruit core that is full and
rich with a touch of anise, tea and oak. A big-boned wine yet it dances smoothly
across the palate, leaving a little heat in its wake.
2006 Anam Cara Cellars Heather’s Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.0% alc., 50 cases, $65. This wine is named after the Nicholas’s
daughter and is the most feminine wine in the lineup. Sourced from a 5-acre
block of Dijon 114.
·
Aromas of ripe black cherries, herbs and oak char.
Smooth and velvety in the mouth with rich but not jammy dark stone fruits and
berries, herbs and a deft touch of oak. Clean and juicy with a refreshing acid driven
tang on the finish. I like this wine for its elegance.
2006 Anam Cara Cellars Mark I Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.0% alc., 50 cases, $65. This wine is an estate vineyard barrel
selection aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Primarily Pommard
clone. Named for son, Mark, and is the first vintage of this wine.
Intended for the cellar.
·
Reserved scents of dark cherries and
strawberries with a hint of oak. Thick and chewy dark fruits which are at
first brooding but pick up life and interest with time in the glass. Nicely
composed and balanced. Like a big bear in hibernation who has yet to emerge.
Potentially the most magnificent wine in the lineup, but 3-5 years away from
maturity.
The Anam Cara Cellars wines are sold through a mailing list and on the website at www.anamcaracellars.com.
Tours and tasting are available by appointment. If you visit, check out “Digger,” who roams the property
controlling the gopher population.
