Cardwell Hill Cellars - Oregon
Cardwell Hill Cellars was founded with a passion for premium wine and a love of the Willamette Valley. In January of 2000 Dan and Nancy Chapel purchased the land that is Cardwell Hill Cellars. Located twelve miles west of Corvallis in the shadow of Mary’s Peak, this plot was just what they wanted. It had a north/south slope, volcanic basalt soil and abundant rainfall.
Once the ink was dry on the contract, Dan and Nancy set about to establish their brand. They cleared, planted and built. Soon new vineyards were established and an administrative center and winery were built. In 2003 the first pinot noir was produced. The tasting room opened to the public Thanksgiving weekend 2004. Pinot Noir 2006,their fourth vintage, was included by Wine Spectator in their Top 100. And so the dream continues.
Website: www.cardwellhillwine.com
The Wines
Estate Pinot Noir
Our vineyards are located in the foothills of the coastal range on the west side of the Willamette Valley. This is a cooler part of the valley producing fruit with a slightly lower sugar level and higher acid. The result is alcohol levels of about 13% – 13.3% and a nice backbone of acid which promotes a longer shelf life. Flavors of sour cherry and raspberry linger on the pallet.
This wine goes beautifully with salmon, all fish and shell fish. Pair it with pheasant, duck, and venison. Drink now until 2020. Bon Appetit!
Fenders Blue Estate Pinot Noir
Fender’s Blue butterfly, this wine’s namesake, is a protected species found in the Willamette Valley.
The wine is appropriately lithe and pretty, with floral, cranberry and red cherry notes fluttering on a silky texture. Pair with beet salad or roast beef with mushrooms.
Cardwell Pinot Gris 2021
The 2021 harvest promises to be one of the best in years. Our cool site at the foothills of the coastal range produces outstanding quality fruit. Oregon growers introduced Pinot Gris to the Willamette Valley because it thrives in the same region or terroir as Pinot Noir. Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio as it is known in Italy) is a variant or mutation of Pinot Noir with a light gray skin color. Cardwell Hill planted Dijon clone 152 and uses sustainable agriculture practices to produce premium quality fruit.