King Estate Domain Pinot Gris 2005
Talcum powder, chalkboard dust and dried mint glide atop luscious tropical notes. More glycerol here that is tempered by bracing acidity. Texturally, the 2005 King Estate Domain Pinot Gris is totally different from its siblings, with exuberant, juicy pineapple, bruised pear, and golden delicious apple at the core and a dollop of spice on the […]
Brooks Winery | David Burke Group ‘Unvarnished’ Pinot Noir 2014
This silken, perfumed Willamette Valley Pinot Noir—created especially for the David Burke restaurant group, a collaboration between Brooks Winery and corporate wine buyer, Natalie Dulaney—is lush, expressing ripe black cherry, rose petals and orange pomander ball, with a lovely top note of dust from an antique bureau. In the mouth, it’s ripe and round and […]
St. Innocent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012
The 2012 St. Innocent Zenith Vineyard has the sort of paradoxical ying-yang balance that some Pinot seems to tread. It flirts on the edge of masculine character, sporting deep violet glints and near opacity in the glass. Woodsy earthy tones give way to blackberry and black cherry, black tea and tobacco and a modest touch […]
Soter North Valley Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2013
From sustainably farmed vineyards, the 2013 North Valley Chardonnay spends two to three months on mostly used French oak, with 77% of the blend going through malolactic fermentation. On the nose, an elegant tempo—smokiness gives way to classic notes of orchard fruit, lemon tart and marzipan. It’s nicely balanced, with crisp acidity, moderate weight and […]
Soter Mineral Springs ‘White Label’ Pinot Noir 2012
Soter’s 2012 Mineral Springs ‘White Label’ Pinot Noir has a unique story in that it is crafted from an unidentified “heirloom” clone. Who cares what the clone is, the results are spectacular. The perfect combination of concentration and finesse, the nose is a romp through a damp and earthy forest glen, fields of lavender, and […]
Soter Mineral Springs Brut Rosé 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this sparkling blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. The 2011 Mineral Springs Brut Rosé has spent three years en tirage, further it’s hand riddled and production is limited to 50 cases. Salmon-hued with a delicate mousse, it’s a lovely juxtaposition between fruit and brisk acidity. Racy tangerine and […]
Angela Estate Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir 2011
I’ve always been fond of Angela Pinot Noir, for those of you not in the know, this it’s made by Ken Wright, for those of you who aren’t fans of Ken’s wines, Angela possesses none of that Oregon funk his wines are famous for. What Angela does have, in abundance, is complexity. Lovely, lush layers […]
Bergström Sigrid Chardonnay 2010
One of the more elegant Oregon Chardonnay’s I’ve tasted. Seamlessly integrated, the nose is subtle and delicately perfumed with aromas of d’Anjou pear, apples, brioche and marzipan. The attack is silky, richly textured and balanced. It’s finely tuned and elegant, like a 1937 Talbot-Lago T150C. It has that sort of opulence and knee-weakening, stylish line. […]
Brooks Muska Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Riesling 2014
Brooks will be offering a series of vineyard designate Rieslings, and the 2014 Muska Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills is technically a pre-release, look for these wines in the fall. Riesling grown at Muska is dry farmed and is seated in well-drained Gelderman soil. Invitingly rich notes of apricot, quince, apple blossom, and spice give way to […]
King Estate Oregon Pinot Gris 1995
20 year-old Pinot Gris? Yes indeed, and from Ed King’s own collection. This exceedingly rare 1995 King Estate Oregon Pinot Gris, in flawless condition with no visual signs of oxidation—still perfectly lemon yellow with a clear rim, with mature yet exceedingly lovely notes of caramelized apple, poached pear, furniture lacquer, and later, on opening, marzipan […]