|
|
|
|
Amalie Robert EstatePursuit of Premium Oregon Pinot Noir Leads Couple to New Lifestyle Dallas, OR. (4/14/2008) – This is the story of the sculptor and the uncarved block. When a sculptor imagines a block of marble, he sees what others cannot. His chisel removes what does not belong to expose the elegance and beauty of what was hidden. This purity of form is only revealed by careful and thoughtful action. In their desire to produce wines of integrity and beauty, Ernie Pink and Dena Drews have embraced a vision of the inherently pure qualities of Pinot noir. Their uncarved block was a cherry orchard they sculpted into a vineyard in 2000 - Amalie Robert Estate (ARE). Located in the central part of the Willamette Valley, some fifteen miles southwest of Salem, Oregon, Amalie Robert Estate produces premium quality Pinot noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and a small amount of Northern Rhone varietals. Amalie Robert Estate has quickly earned a reputation for its farming practices, reflecting a true understanding of the site. They have dedicated themselves to growing premium quality fruit and are committed to delivering quality throughout the growing and winemaking process. They have been keen students of the industry through their collaboration with some of Oregon’s most celebrated wineries.
Looking Back Ernie and Dena weren’t always so focused on the future. Back in 1995, when the Microsoft exec met the IT consultant over a keyboard and conference table in Dublin, Ireland, the hectic demands of corporate culture kept them thinking one day at a time. Weekend trips to Portugal gave them a taste of fine wine and an appreciation for the rich rewards of simple living. They were soon ready for a change, and in 1999 an opportunity presented itself. As software professionals, they had lived by the code “Luck is when an opportunity meets a prepared mind.” Ernie and Dena had done intense research into vineyard site selection from soil type and microclimate to barrel tasting specific clones from different vineyard sites, and it was no surprise when their hard work eventually paid off. “When we purchased and moved to our site in April, 1999, it was planted to Montmorency cherries that were in full bloom,” says Ernie. Their task was to see their vineyard in that orchard and bring it to fruition. “The owner was retiring but he helped us to harvest the cherries one last time”, Dena remembers. “Then we set about removing what was not necessary for life as a vineyard.” The property comprises some 60 acres, with about 30 currently planted with vinifera, and another 10 reserved for future planting. “There was this great parallel learning process going on,” says Ernie. “Just as we were starting life anew as farmers and stewards of the land, the theoretical met the practical. The keyboards and cocktail napkins gave way to boots and shovels.” On Earth Day in 2000, with the help of a few close friends, ten acres of grafted vines replaced tree trunks, and the dream of Amalie Robert Estate was realized.
A Taste of the Vineyard 2002 was the first harvest for Amalie Robert Estate, and the dry-farmed vineyard quickly gained a reputation among some of Oregon’s best known winemakers for its well cared for fruit. “We wanted to get it right in the field so it didn’t have to be fixed in the winery,” said Dena. Ernie and Dena set out to establish open, collaborative relationships with their winery customers. “We wanted to place the fruit in the right hands, gentle knowing hands, not just sell a few tons of grapes,” adds Ernie. Communication has been a cornerstone in establishing close working relationships between Amalie Robert Estate and their winery partners. The highly detailed reports on vineyard developments during the growing season (i.e. bud break, flowering, veraison and grape maturity) sent out by Ernie and Dena specific to each winemaker, are a valuable decision-making tool. In addition, the reports keep everyone informed about climate issues that provide a general understanding of what Mother Nature has in mind, and what promise the vintage may hold. The hallmark of Amalie Robert Estate has been Ernie and Dena’s attention to detail, follow-through and most importantly, ability to produce great fruit. Cristom Vineyards, Elk Cove Vineyards, Erath Vineyards, and Panther Creek were among the first to buy Amalie Robert Estate grapes. Beaux Frères is the most recent client. “We are both hard workers by nature,” says Dena. “The one thing our past careers have taught us is that there is no shortcut to success.” Ernie and Dena’s vision for Amalie Robert wines is one that transports the palate to an elevated state of awareness: an appreciation for what is there and what is not. Interested in stewarding the whole process of seeing their wine fully express the vineyard, Dena and Ernie have designed and recently completed a gravity flow estate winery. The first crush was 30 tons from the 2006 harvest. Current releases include Amalie Robert 2005 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir and 2005 Amalie’s Cuvée Pinot Noir. Look for a very special Pinot Noir at the ¡Salud! Pinot Noir auction.
Looking Forward Ernie and Dena are careful to balance the rigors of work with the pleasures of wine country living. “One of my favorite summer events is the International Pinot Noir Celebration -- the IPNC. Before becoming a featured winery, we were volunteers. One year we met an interesting fellow from Florida, who wanted to see the vineyard. We have become close friends and now we create our own celebration with Duck and Pinot Noir.” says Dena. “Each year we choose a theme, but maintain the tradition of serving duck and Pinot noir in multiple courses. We experiment with new ingredients and techniques to vary each dish to reflect the vintage.” “This party is also a great opportunity to raid the cellar,” admits Ernie.
More Information... Amalie Robert Estate Fact Sheet Top 10 reasons a career in software prepared us to become winegrowers Brief History of How Good Friends Make Great Wines
|