Chehalem Winery's Latest Releases

Two years into the new ownership of Chehalem Winery, it is interesting to see how the winery is faring. The wines remain clean and pristine, and the prices of the most accessible wines remain exactly or about the same. Perhaps there are distinctions more visible further up the quality chain? At any rate, winemaker Katie Santora - with Chehalem since 2012, keeps the heartbeat steady here, from what I have tasted.

91
Chehalem 2018 Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 13.5% $30
This is supple and accessible Pinot Noir that has good balance and drinkability. The aromas rocket out of the glass: bramble, blackberry, cassis. Aroma-wise, it's a rather brooding Pinot Noir. The wine glides onto the palate with a discreet glossiness that lightly coats the palate coupled with the barest bother of tannins that really surface only on the finish. This is a ripely flavored Pinot Noir, that is still brilliantly Pinot-y with its mouthwatering, acidic relief. (PS 19% Estate Grown)
Drink: 2020-25  

90
Chehalem 2019 Chardonnay INOX Unoaked Willamette Valley 12.5% $20
When I think of unoaked, New World Chardonnay, I conjure up a fruit-driven palate with some pear and apple fruit that is pleasant but - more often than not - not so distinctive. This one couldn't be further from that image! It is immediately fragrant with notes of green pear and golden apple with a kick of star fruit and white cherry. The fruit array is dazzling, and it's complemented by scents of peony and aloe. The palate has a satisfying breadth and moderate weight with its solid juiciness lifted by scintillating acidity. This is a whole lot of wine for only $20! (PS 61% Estate Grown)
Drink: 2020-22

89
Chehalem 2019 Pinot Gris Chehalem Mountains 12.5% $20
This is a Pinot Gris with a serious spiciness! There is also ample pear and yellow cherry fruit that blends into a curvaceous, medium-bodied palate with a whisper of glycerol, despite the rather low abv. The tightly-knit acidity gives this very good quaffability and extends the flavors into a medium finish that turns nicely savory with celeriac and straw tones. This drinks well now but should hold nicely for several years. 
Drink: 2020-24

88
Chehalem 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 12% $25
Bright with tangy strawberries and red currants, there is a pleasant mouth-puckering tang on the moderately concentrated back palate. Lean and zippy, this is rosé for the table. There is a clean strain of earthiness that nods to Pinot Noir. Impressively, a rounder sense of fruit comes through on the solid finish. Don’t serve this too cold! Not only does chill detract from the delicate fruit, it emphasizes the light bitterness on the back palate that is rather attractive when served closer to cellar temperature. (PS 100% Estate Grown)
Drink: 2020-22