Today we share the vision of Dave Jachter who owned and operated several successful car dealerships in Oregon. Jachter cultivated a passion for wine, and a cellar to match. After selling his dealerships Dave has travelled to France, Italy, and California wine regions, and tasted wines from around the world. He studied at UC Davis, completing a variety of viticultural courses as he and his wife, Karen, purchased 120 acres in the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the heart of the Willamette Valley.
These were the first releases that I have tasted from this estate and I was really impressed. I love the 2022 Jachter ‘The J. Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is a marvelous wine from this slightly cooler vintage. Learn more about this exciting new Oregon house at https://www.jachterwine.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Jachter.
2022 Jachter ‘Chehalem Mountains’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Chehalem Mountains’ Chardonnay is soft and elegant on the mouth, leading to lemon zest and lime flavors that mingle well with salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2021 Jachter ‘The J. Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘The J. Reserve’ is a barrel selection Chardonnay that was aged in roughly 50% new French oak before bottling. This is dense and mineral-laden stuff that is showing beautifully right now. Lemon curd and shades of honeydew melon collide with stony minerals on the palate. Quite nervy, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2022 Jachter ‘Chehalem Mountains’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Chehalem Mountains’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful bottling by winemaker Jared Etzel. On the nose this takes on layers of red currants, menthol and salty soils with pine needle accents. The palate is fresh and very pure with bright red fruits that parade with orange zest and copious minerals. Medium-bodied and delicious, showing a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2021 Jachter ‘Cuvee Karen Ann’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Cuvee Karen Ann’ is sourced from the Ribbon Ridge AVA and made from 25 year old Pommard clone Pinot Noir grapes. This is wonderfully earthy with black truffle shavings that meld well with pure red fruits, citrus zest and stony minerals on the palate. This is not big and bold but shows refinement and really speaks to the slight coolness of the vintage. Elegant and refined, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94