Elizabeth Chambers Cellar, a Boutique Oregon Winery, Announces National Wine Debut

Elizabeth Chambers Cellar, a boutique winery specializing in Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, has just released their first wines on a national basis. Owned by Liz Chambers, a 3rd generation Oregonian whose family’s winemaking presence dates back to 1991, the McMinnville-based winery is part of the dynamic growth of high-end Oregon wines.

“We started Elizabeth Chambers Cellar to make the wines we love and proudly serve at home,” comments Liz Chambers. “Our Willamette Valley climate is unique and I want our Pinot Noir to be balanced with a sense of place. For me that means a more feminine and elegant style of Pinot Noir that respects what nature brings in every vintage.”

Liz’s passion for Pinot Noir marries well with the expertise of winemaker Michael Stevenson, who has over 20 years of experience in the Willamette Valley. Liz and Michael employ the micro-négociant approach for Elizabeth Chambers Cellar, sourcing the finest grapes from top growers such as Freedom Hill and Shea Vineyard for their single vineyard program and the winery’s signature blend. “We take as much care making the wine as our partners did in growing the grapes,” notes Michael. Each grower is carefully evaluated every year, and remains in continual interaction with Michael to select precise vineyard blocks and make key viticultural decisions from pruning to harvest. The relationship is a true partnership. Michael also takes pride in mentoring up-and-coming growers to explore the untapped potential of the Willamette Valley.

Liz and Michael believe in working with what nature gives them. “90% of what’s in the bottle is determined by what’s in the vineyard,” adds Michael. The warm days and cool nights of the Willamette Valley lend an important balance between acidity and flavor for Pinot Noir. Elizabeth Chambers Cellar strives for a natural integration of flavors, derived through restraint in winemaking that respects the distinct character of each vintage without excessive manipulation.

Widely recognized as one of America’s foremost regions, the Willamette Valley climate is ideal for a Pinot Noir specialist like Elizabeth Chambers. Named Region of the Year by Snooth in 2013, sales of Oregon wines reached nearly 2 million cases in 2012 with Pinot Noir representing nearly half of all wines sold and showing no signs of slowing down.

Elizabeth Chambers Cellar currently produces 3,500 cases. Signature wines include their Winemaker’s Cuvée, a custom blend in every vintage. Elizabeth Chambers Cellar 2011 Winemaker’s Cuvée, sourced largely from Freedom Hill and Lazy River vineyards, combines balanced oak, softer tannins, and fully ripened yet delicate fruit flavors (suggested retail: $32.00). Available in limited quantity nationally, the 2011 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir and 2011 Freedom Hill Pinot Noir comprise Elizabeth Chambers Cellar’s single vineyard program.