I love introducing new Oregon winery projects. Chosen Family is a three-armed winery that utilizes the winemaking skills of Chase Renton and financial backing of former NBA star Channing Fry. Channing grew more and more interested in Oregon wines while playing for the Portland Trailblazers and various other teams along the way. He has Frye partnered with L’Angolo Estate and their Dundee Hills Vineyard, to create Chosen Family, and the first wines, a 2018 Pinot Noir and 2019 Chardonnay.
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Channing had an illustrious career at the University of Arizona before becoming a pro and eventual NBA champion while with the Lebron James led Cleveland Cavaliers. Channing became particularly more enticed with wines of the world and Oregon wines while playing for the Orlando Magic. Evenings after games were spent at a special restaurant which fostered his wine education.
Portland later became Channing’s home, as he loved visiting wine country and sharing wines of the world with those close to him. I think that Channing’s influence in the Oregon wine scene is just marvelous, not only because he is one of the few black winery owners but the depth of experience that he has being regularly exposed to wines of the world and wines from different cultures. Channing admits that he has a special affinity for Italian wines as well.
I had never tried the Chosen Family wines and was really impressed with each wine. The beautifully textured 2019 Chosen Family Chardonnay (OB, 91) impresses with its melon tones and has some good aging potential. Even better was the seriously good 2018 Chosen Family Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which has great range and a great core of red and especially dark fruits. Learn more about these great new wines at chosenfamilywines.com Here are my reviews of the new Chosen Family wines.
2019 Chosen Family ‘L’Angelo Estate’ Chardonnay- Big and wonderfully textured, the 2018 ‘L’Angelo Estate’ Chardonnay delivers nutty undertones that combine with ripe melon, Pink Lady apple and vanilla cream flavors. Beautiful and layered, enjoy this great new bottling over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2021-2028- 91
2018 Chosen Family ‘L’Angelo Estate’ Pinot Noir- Intensely colored once in the glass, the 2018 Chosen Family Pinot Noir shows off heady red currants and smoky tones that collide with shades of wild blackberry and black tea with Asian spices on this outstanding bouquet. The palate is soft, round and generous, with silky tannins and beautiful length. Ripe red and dark fruits mingle with smoky and peat moss and citrus rind tones on the palate. Outstanding to savor in its youth, this beautiful new wine will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2035- 92