David Adelsheim, recipient of the Oregon Wine Board’s Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrated his 45th year of his eponymous brand in 2016 with the debut of his Breaking Ground tier. This marks the second vintage of that project, and it serves as another delicious example of the teamwork among Gina Hennen and David Paige with vineyard manager Kelli Gregory. The winemakers remain committed to the 10-months French oak barrel program of 27% new wood as well as the all-Chehalem Mountains sourcing from certified sustainable fruit grown in soils types ranging from marine sedimentary, volcanic basalt and wind-blown loess. It all adds up to a pleasantly fruit-forward Pinot Noir that’s bright with a theme of blueberry and cranberry-cherry juice. The creamy structure carries very little in the way of tannin, leading out with dried orange peel and cola. Enjoy with lightly grilled salmon. This success of Breaking Ground is apparent as Team Adelsheim more than doubled production from the inaugural vintage, which was 1,800 cases, and now represents about 10 percent of the winery’s efforts.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 4,406 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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