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Abbey Road Farm 2022 White Bluffs Vineyard Malbec
Elevation
Daniel and Sandi Wilkens acquired Abbey Road Farm in 2017 with the goal of establishing a distinctive destination in Oregon Wine Country. They had developed a special brand of hospitality at Hanko’s Sports Bar & Grill in Lake Oswego and their vision was to showcase that fervent commitment to hospitality and a dedication to organic practices, utilizing the soil and land to craft exquisite wines and beyond. Since that time, they have cultivated more than 45 acres of vineyards, featuring a diverse range of 16 different grape varieties. Farmed with regenerative organic practices where biodiversity is fostered and encouraged.
After purchasing the property they immediately began improvements to the 82-acre farm to turn it into an all-encompassing agritourism destination. Today, Abbey Road Farm boasts one of the most unique lodging opportunities in the area, offering five silo guest suites, and a three-bedroom guest ranch house. The property’s vegetable garden and chicken coop provide fresh ingredients for gourmet breakfasts. Sweeping lawns provide breathtaking views and a gathering space for up to 200 people. Abbey Road Farm’s permanent residents are available to greet guests: mini donkeys, chickens, mini goats, ducks, llamas and alpacas. The facility offers a variety of lawn games including horse shoes, cornhole, croquet and giant Jenga. With close proximity to some of Willamette Valley’s premier wineries, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey, and Agrivino Fine Dining Event Center, there is no shortage of activities, wining and dining in the neighborhood.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Abbey Road Farm, Carlton, Oregon
2022 White Bluffs Vineyard Malbec
When a winemaker has traveled the world, deciding to settle at a single estate winery and then makes a wine from fruit grown else where - we tend to sit up and pay attention. It is a major red flag for us....because it usually means that the winemaker has fallen in love with truly special fruit that they can't grow themselves and more importantly they know how they can elevate it further.
White Bluffs vineyard was planted in 1980, and enjoys a distinct microclimate that provides for more heat than vineyards to the west, and avoids the frosts and freezes to the east. A true expression of ideal climate and soil, fruit from this vineyard never disappoints. The south facing hillsides above the Columbia River allow for cold air to drop off in the spring and absorb more heat in the growing season. Sandy, rocky soil makes for excellent drainage making for concentrated fruit.
The White Bluffs AVA, situated within the Columbia Valley AVA in Washington state, offers a distinctive environment for viticulture. This region is characterized by its elevated plateau, in this case rising about 1100 feet above the surrounding Pasco Basin. This elevation protects the vineyards from cold air and frost, providing a longer growing season compared to neighboring areas.
Tasting notes
Our 2022 White Bluffs Malbec opens with vibrant aromas of dark fruits like blueberry, plum, and blackberry, layered with hints of ripe cherry. The palate is rich and velvety, showcasing the plush, juicy texture that Malbec is known for, along with deep, concentrated fruit flavors. Subtle herbal and spice elements emerge with notes of charred rosemary, star anise, and a touch of ginseng, adding complexity. The finish is rounded out with a hint of pine resin and a soft, earthy note of leather.
Production notes
Grapes were handpicked and destemmed into a 3T stainless steel tank, pumped over once a day and pressed off after 13 days on the skins. Aged in neutral French Oak for 16 months.
A Cellar 503 selection in May 2026, Magnificent Malbec Columbia Valley | Malbec
