Southern Oregon’s climate lends itself to Pinot Noir that’s often fruit-forward and compelling, and the Marca family also has the benefit of growing at nearly 2,000 feet elevation to help create balance. Their winemaker since 2018, Chemeketa-trained Chris Jiron, released this stunning blend with Dijon clone 777 (60%) and Pommard, discretely accented by a barrel program of 15% … [Read more...] about DANCIN Vineyards 2021 Alto Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley $42
Oregon
Love & Squalor 2017 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $64
Portland Wine Company winemaker Matt Berson, headquartered just southwest of Mount Tabor Park, has nurtured these two nicely used barrels of Pinot Noir from famed grower Dai Crisp. It represents an Oct. 8 harvest and a blend from two blocks where the resident clones are Pommard and Dijon 113, 114 and 667. Despite the neutral French oak, there’s prominent nose of black cherry, … [Read more...] about Love & Squalor 2017 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $64
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2022 Estate Selection Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $34
Stephen Reustle’s expression of Grüner Veltliner that spends time on the lees — hefeabzug translates to yeast-aged — offers scents of sea breeze, crushed oyster shells, timothy hay and Mandarin orange peel, leading to a palate filled with a melange of citrus, slate and Granny Smith apple. Reustle’s success in the vineyard and the following for his program has paved the way for … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2022 Estate Selection Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $34
Benedetto Vineyards 2021 Shipman Vineyard Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley $28
The Fitzgerald and Marshall families began planting Shipman Vineyard in 2018, starting with 2 acres of Gamay Noir, and they have wisely worked with veteran winemaker Steve Anderson of nearby Eola Hills Wine Cellars to launch their brand. The Oregon State University grad captured the hearts of judges at the 2023 Platinum Awards with his remarkable effort showcasing this charming … [Read more...] about Benedetto Vineyards 2021 Shipman Vineyard Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley $28
Spangler Vineyards 2019 Sundown Cabernet Franc, Southern Oregon $32
Patrick Spangler first won a Platinum for his Cabernet Franc program in 2006. This effort marks his sixth with Cab Franc, and its ranking as the top-scoring Cab Franc of the 2023 Platinum cements his reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s top talents with this sometimes-challenging variety. His traditional go-to-site has been Sundown Vineyard in the Medford suburbs, and … [Read more...] about Spangler Vineyards 2019 Sundown Cabernet Franc, Southern Oregon $32