The 2019 Adelsheim “Staking Claim” Chardonnay — Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Oregon received generally strong professional reviews, landing mostly in the 90–93 point range.
Professional ratings
| Reviewer |
Rating |
Notes |
| James Suckling |
93 points |
Described as showing grapefruit pith, flint, roasted almonds, and toasted lemon; medium-bodied with bright acidity and a tight, fresh finish. |
| Wine Spectator |
91 points |
Noted a “svelte and snappy” style with orange peel, pear, and honeysuckle tones. |
| Jeb Dunnuck |
91 points |
Highlighted orchard fruit, peach, lemon custard, baked apple, beeswax, and hazelnut flavors with a supple texture. |
| Vinous |
90 points |
Found aromas of wild herbs, crushed oyster shell, and green apple, with a soft texture and stone-fruit character. |
| James Suckling (alternate listing) |
92 points |
Some listings show a 92-point score rather than 93, likely reflecting different database entries. |
Overall professional consensus
- Style: Oregon Chardonnay with a more restrained, mineral-driven profile rather than a heavily oaked California style.
- Common descriptors: citrus, pear, orchard fruit, flint/mineral notes, toasted almond, hazelnut, and subtle oak.
- Quality level: Generally regarded as excellent (roughly 90–93 points), with critics emphasizing freshness, acidity, and balance.
A reasonable summary score would be about 91–92 points from professional critics.
For context, Adelsheim’s Staking Claim bottling is one of the winery’s signature Chardonnays from the Chehalem Mountains area of the Willamette Valley, and the 2019 vintage is generally considered a strong year for Oregon Chardonnay.
James Suckling 92Pts.
Grapefruit pith, flint, roasted almonds and toasted lemons here. It’s medium-bodied, flinty and gently toasty with bright acidity and a fresh, tight finish. Sustainable.
Wine Spectator 91Pts.
Svelte and snappy, with attractive orange peel, pear and honeysuckle tones that linger on the finish.
Jeb Dunnack 91Pts.
Layered aromas of ripe orchard fruits, peach, lemon custard, and a light touch of flinty reduction in the 2019 Chardonnay Staking Claim are followed by a supple palate with notes of baked apples, beeswax, and hazelnut. It is a well-balanced and delicious wine with a decadent feel, that cleans up nicely on the finish. Drink 2022-2028.
