Patrick Spangler, Wine Press Northwest magazine's 2018 Oregon Winery of the Year, nurtured fruit from the Khayam's Block on his Umpqua Valley estate into an enticing, complex wine that opens with a verse of flowers and cherry fruit, then transitions to rich flavors of sweet, dark plum, huckleberry, spice and a nip of dark chocolate and vanilla. Antipasto, dried apricots and … [Read more...] about Spangler Vineyards 2015 Khayam’s Block Dolcetto, Umpqua Valley, $29
Oregon
Rain Dance Vineyards 2016 Nicholas Vineyard Estate Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains, $30
Nick and Sheila Nicholas wisely selected Dijon clone 95 for their vineyard on a plateau north of Parrett Mountain in the southeast corner of the Chehalem Mountains. Bryan Weil poured the Sept. 10 harvest into three French oak barrels, one of those being new. The reward is a rich presentation of buttery toast with bright fruit notes of pineapple and lemon zest, backed by … [Read more...] about Rain Dance Vineyards 2016 Nicholas Vineyard Estate Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains, $30
Battle Creek Cellars 2014 Yamhela Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $59
This bottling represents a third of Sarah Cabot's trio of her Single Vineyard Series, and the Dundee, Ore., winemaker marked her debut for this Precept brand with this vintage from Yamhela, which began as a 30-acre site. Its neighbors include historic Shea Vineyard. Aromas and flavors of cranberry/cherry juice with touches of nutmeg, clove and cinnamon. These wines also are … [Read more...] about Battle Creek Cellars 2014 Yamhela Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $59
Alexana Winery 2016 Terroir Series Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $32
Dundee Hills winemaker Bryan Weil presents complexity with the Pinot Gris from the west side of the Alexana estate, devoting some time on the lees with stirring twice a month. The nose is filled with apple blossoms, peach and pear, while the palate offers those same fleshy orchard fruit flavors. The surlie aging shows with crushed banana on the midpalate, which gives way to a … [Read more...] about Alexana Winery 2016 Terroir Series Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $32
Nicole Reese Wines 2015 Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, $28
Southern Oregon winemaker Elisabeth Grunwald, a product of the Southern Oregon Wine Institute, branded her company using the middle names of her two children. Grunwald, who this spring celebrates her 15th anniversary as a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, furthers her reputation with Pinot Noir from Hoyal Farms near Jacksonville, blending clones 115 and 777. Fun aromas of … [Read more...] about Nicole Reese Wines 2015 Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, $28