Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
july 2009 / the tasting panel / I Wendy Lange and her Shelties—Lucy, Nell and Polly— overlooking the estate in the Dundee Hills. W I N E R Y Oregon's prestigious Dundee Hills AVA, located 28 miles southwest of Portland and 40 miles from the Pacifi c Ocean, encompasses 6,490 acres. The hills are situated in the center of the sprawling Willamette Valley AVA. To the north, the Che- halem Mountains act as a buffer from the extreme winds and weather patterns often associated with the Columbia River Gorge. Grape vines also benefi t from warmer nights and less frost than adjacent valley fl oors, and are not subjected to wildly fl uctuating climatic infl uences. The celebrated wines are Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and, lately, Chardonnays of distinct character. New World pioneers in the production of Pinot Gris, Lange Estate was the fi rst to release a barrel-fermented reserve. Winemaker Don Lange crafts beautifully balanced wines from fruit grown on the Winery Estate, located in the heart of the Dundee Hillls appellation. To further supplement their 14,000 case production, the Langes purchase additional fruit from the best vineyards in the surrounding area. D Although Lange Vineyards produc- es six different (and stellar!) Pinot Noirs, we admired the Lange 2007 Freedom Hill Chardonnay (SRP $30) for its brilliant notes of juicy melon and crisp texture driven elegance. Like the reds, Lange wines are food-amorous. L a n g e E s t a t e W i n e r y & V i n e y a r d s