Today we share a brand new winery out of Oregon. Founded by NBA legend CJ McCollum and his wife, Dr. Elise McCollum, McCollum Heritage 91 was created in partnership with Adelsheim Vineyard and all wines are made at Adelsheim by eminent winemaker Gina Hennen. CJ was introduced to wine in his early 20s by his wife Elise, and while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers he found himself regularly visiting the Willamette Valley and tasting. Turning his passion into business, CJ launched McCollum Heritage 91 in 2020 with the release of the inaugural 2018 Pinot Noir. McCollum Heritage 91 is a culmination of CJ’s passion for wine and dedication to creating a brand that carries his legacy forward. Together with Elise, CJ acquired a 318-acre vineyard property in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA in 2021.
The new wines come from the 2021 vintage and were seriously good. I love the 2021 McCollum Heritage 91 Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is silky and viscous from this warm vintage. Learn more about this electric new wine brand at https://mccollumheritage91.com/ and here are my reviews of the new McCollum Heritage 91 wines.
2021 McCollum Heritage 91 Chardonnay- Sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA, this 2023 Chardonnay offers juicy white peach, Meyer lemon cream with brioche notes on the palate alongside juicy starfruit and salty minerals. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, with terrific viscosity, enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2022 McCollum Heritage 91 Chardonnay- Lifted, concentrated and delicious, the 2022 McCollum Heritage 91 Chardonnay delivers ripe each and kiwi flavors alongside starfruit and hints of mango, with flinty and reductive undertones. Neatly-textured, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2021 McCollum Heritage 91 Pinot Noir- Also sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA, this 2021 Pinot Noir offers rocky soils on the nose with tart cranberry, blood orange zest and shades of red licorice. The palate is smooth on the approach, as this comes off loaded with bright red fruits, with wet gravel and citrus rind accents. Drink 2025-2033- 92
2022 Mc Collum Heritage 91 Pinot Noir- The 2022 Mc Collum Heritage 91 Pinot Noir opens with a beautiful red floral bouquet alongside damp earth, white truffles and hints of bergamot. The palate is plush and soft with a great sense of underlying freshness and verve, offering a beautiful melange of red fruits with kumquat notes. Drink 2025-2033- 92