Abbot Claim with Alban

This whole trip was created after Alban Debeaulieu the wine maker and GM at Abbott Claim invited me out to taste with him. Ironically the women who reviews Oregon wines for James Suckling was there as well. This was very nice experience and Molly gave my friend Joe and I a tour of the property and then we hit the elaborate tasting room in their caves.

This is a beautiful experience. Wines are priced accordingly and represent Willamette Valley. Starting with a Vilmart Champagne is a very nice touch. I highly recommend visit Abbott Claim on you next visit.

CellarTracker! Abbott Claim (Day 2: Visit 2: Wilamette Valley)

• N.V. Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Grand Cellier Brut – France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
  Tasted as a starter at Abbott Claim. Disgorgement 2/25. Wow this one is for sure a six pack. Lemon, spices, chalk, orange zest, lime and grapefruit. Refreshing and complex. (93 pts.)

Abbott Claim Portfolio

Showing well but actually want to circle back and try these on day 1. These were all 3 day samples as I requested.

• 2023 Abbott Claim Chardonnay Eola – Amity Hills – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola – Amity Hills
  Day 3 Review. Sourced from Eola, Temperance Hill, Orchard House & X Omni. Spices, lemon, white flowers, dust, wood and tropical fruit. Not at the level of the 22 at this stage so maybe cellar for a few years. (92 pts.)

• 2023 Abbott Claim Chardonnay X Omni Vineyard – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola – Amity Hills
  Day 3 review. Very nice with matchstick, orange peel, spices, chalk, wood, lime and a hint of smoke. Medium finish. Solid effort. (93 pts.)

• 2023 Abbott Claim Chardonnay Temperance Hill Vineyard – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola – Amity Hills
  Day 3 review. Matchstick, lemon, tropical fruit, spice and wood. This is nice but lacks in comparison to the 2022 and that might be due to me requesting 3 day old wines at the visit. Will be buying a six pack and retasted all these wines. 92+ (92 pts.)

• 2023 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir Abbott Claim Vineyard – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
  Day 3 sampling. The team saved them for me. This is a lighter style than the 22 and maybe needs some time. Cherry, wood, spices, rose petals and dust. Nice acidity and medium finish. (91 pts.)

• 2023 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir Due North – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
  This is a big step up from the Abbott Claim vineyard 23. Soy, strawberries, minerals, dust, blueberries and earth. Complex and a richer style wine. Tasted this on day 3. (95 pts.)

• 2023 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir Orientate – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
  Tasted on day 3. Splitting the point difference on this one and the Due North. Dust minerals, underbrush, violets, spices and dust. Complex offering that will benefit in the cellar. (93 pts.)

Lily Springs Project

This is a new project Alban and the team are releasing this August. Got a chance to taste them prior to the release party.

• 2024 Abbott Claim Chardonnay Lily Springs Yamhill-Carlton – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
  Pop and poured at the winery. This is a new venture they are working on 13.3% alcohol. Chalk, minerals, saline, lemon, spice and apple skins. Medium plus finish and very nice overall. 92+ (92 pts.)

• 2024 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir Lily Springs – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
  First release of the new Lily Springs Pinot Noir. Very nice offering with strawberries, minerals, spices, dust, dried flowers and raspberries. Medium finish. Should improve with age and over a few days. Sampled this on a pop and pour. (93 pts.)