P. O. Box 395

Dallas, Oregon 97338

 

Phone/FAX

 503.831.4703

 

E-mail

amalierobert@msn.com

 

Web site Address

www.amalierobert.com

 

Hello and Welcome, 

Are we there yet?! Are we there yet?! Many people can remember the seemingly endless car rides as a young “adult” and the staccato like questioning directed at the driver. In our car, the drivers response was always the same “We can’t get there from here.”

But, we are close. Mother Nature is putting the finishing touches on our fruit. The excess clusters were thinned off the vines long ago and the remaining clusters were carefully trimmed of late ripening “wings.” This next week or two of added time before harvest helps develop character and fine nuances – in the vineyard manager, if nothing else. The next time you see Ernie, check him for character and fine nuances.                                       

The 2008 growing season is another cool climate Oregon vintage. The strawberries and blueberries were late this year, but were very intense. This bodes well for a late Oregon vintage. Check out this photo gallery for some of the things we do to match our vines to Mother Nature’s growing conditions.  {Wings & Crop thinning photo gallery}

 

                                               

                                    Bloom                                      Fruit Set                                 Color Change

 

As the vines’ journey from bloom to fruit set to color change continued, Amalie Robert was on the road. Our first stop was Gotham Hall in Manhattan. Doug Polaner and his wife Tina Fischer began Polaner Selections in 1999 – the same year we started. They represent a very fine portfolio of wines, and host an annual tasting in the city. But the evening belonged to Texas Barbeque.  (sorry, no photos here!)

The next stop was Dallas, Texas. This is where we answered the infamous question “Where y’all from?” With a big smile, we replied “Dallas – Oregon.” Avante Beverages is a growing wine distributorship in Texas. We are proud to be represented by them in the Lone Star state.

Cyberspace is the final frontier, and we find ourselves turning back to Hi-tech. A new Internet based distribution model has emerged called VinoShipper. This service navigates the seemingly endless regulation encasing customer shipping. So, if you do not live in New York, Texas or Oregon, and are interested in our wines, check them out.

 

Finally, we were there – The International Pinot Noir Celebration. Along with the ¡Salud! Pinot Noir Auction, this event is where you want to be. Top Pinot Noir producers from all over the world and about 800 guests attend this annual event. Simply to be invited to participate is an accomplishment in and of itself.

 

 

Ernie had the honor of speaking in a sustainability forum and chose to discuss the role of cover crops in the vineyard.  This is something he is very familiar with. He grows 30 acres (about 36 miles worth) of various grasses, legumes and what some may call “weeds.” These plants all have their function from reducing erosion to providing habitat for beneficial insects and ultimately providing nutrients to the vines. To learn more, view the cover crop photo gallery and Cover Crop FAQ.

Where do we go from here? The fall brings with it a change from the dog days of summer, to real work in the vineyard and winery. Not the least of which is our 7^th harvest, bringing in about 60 tons of Estate grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and miniscule amounts of Syrah and Viognier.

 

 

 

This bounty of the land was recognized by some clever folks in tourism and marketing, and they developed the “Oregon Bounty” program. This is a chance for everyone to drive out to wine country and experience “a day in the life of the winegrower.” You can bet there will be a photo gallery on that! If you need a rest break, stop in the “year in the life of a vine” photo gallery.

As a producer of an “Oregon Bounty”, we will be at the winery every Sunday from Noon until 3:00 through the months of October and November. You will have a chance to see the winemaker and Pinot Noir “stewing in its own juices”, more commonly known as fermenting. Or, if we have not harvested yet, you may see the winemaker “stewing in his own juices”, and Pinot Noir still on the vine. To get here from there, follow this link to make an appointment and view driving directions.

Either way, there will be wine to share! We will have our current releases on hand, and introduce our 2006 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir. Here is the line-up (click on any of these wines for tasting notes): 2006 Chardonnay, 2007 Viognier, 2006 Pinot Meunier, 2006 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir, and 2006 Syrah. Note: “A-list” members will have already received these wines, and are afforded a complimentary tasting.

This overlaps the Thanksgiving Weekend and the debut of our new releases including the limited production 2006 “Amalie’s Cuvée” and “Estate” Pinot Noirs. 2006 gave us wines with “Pretty fruit, Nice acid™” Please join us from 10:00 through 3:00, Friday the 28^th through Sunday the 30^th.

If you can’t get here from there, maybe we can rally at one of these events. Each is a special cause that we are proud to support.

September 20, 2008: Software Association of Oregon “Uncork-ED 2008” raises funds to provide Hi-tech education and funding to Oregon Kindergarten through 12^th grade educators via the “Tech-Start Education Foundation.”

November 7 & 8, 2008: ¡Salud! “The Oregon Pinot Noir Auction.” The ¡Salud! mission is to provide healthcare resources to vineyard workers and their families. Supporting this program through your generous bidding and donations provides an essential service and we salute you!

Each participating winery crafts a unique 5 case ¡Salud! Cuvée specifically for this single weekend event. The ¡Salud! Cuvée is only available at the auction and is not available for purchase at any other place or time. Follow this link to vicariously taste our 2006 vintage ¡Salud! Cuvée.

 

December 6, 2008: The Providence Newberg Health Foundation “Barrels of Dreams” raises funds for women’s health and heart services.

As we come to a close, we are reminded of the holiday season and the opportunities that come with a new year. We wish you the very best of the season and a fruitful 2009.

Kindest Regards,

Dena Drews & Ernie Pink