Tony Rynders is in no rush to release these Tendril Wine Cellars bottlings, and his 18-month barrel program with whole-cluster Pinot Noir is both relatively unique and utterly remarkable. All three barrels were new French oak, yet the results carry sweet Burgundian aromas of Benton cherry, red currant, cinnamon bark and forest floor with cedar duff. There's no disappointment on … [Read more...] about Tendril Wine Cellars 2013 C-Note Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $100
Oregon
Rain Dance Vineyards 2015 Nicholas Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $30
The Austin family is royalty in the North Willamette Valley, and Ken Austin III and his wife, Celia, established their first vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains in 2009. During the 2015 harvest, they made news with their recent acquisition of renowned Nicholas Vineyard near Newberg. That fruit, combined with the stellar winemaking by Bryan Weil of Alexana, led to this remarkable … [Read more...] about Rain Dance Vineyards 2015 Nicholas Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $30
Battle Creek Cellars 2015 Unconditional Pinot Noir, Oregon, $19
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Battle Creek Cellars brand, this 2015 vintage reflects the talents of winemaker Sarah Cabot when dealing with a hot growing season. She pulled from several estate vineyards — Battle Creek, Howell Prairie, Roe, Waldo Hills and Yamhela — and her light touch with oak show. Fruity aromas of cherry pie filling, Marionberry cobbler and … [Read more...] about Battle Creek Cellars 2015 Unconditional Pinot Noir, Oregon, $19
Crew Work Wines 2014 Pinot Noir, Elkton Oregon, $28
Nathan Wood, nicknamed "The Grape Cowboy," has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, who began to manage vineyards in Napa after serving in World War II. Wood discovered Oregon's Umpqua Valley in 2009, and he launched Elkton Vineyard Management two years later. This release stemming from 2014 marks his debut vintage for Crew Work. Hundredth Valley Vineyard, a young … [Read more...] about Crew Work Wines 2014 Pinot Noir, Elkton Oregon, $28
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2017 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, McMinnville, $16
Peaches, nectarines and a hint of jasmine welcome you to this rosé of Pinot Noir, where the tartness of the cranberry and rhubarb profile shine through on the palate. Let the liquid linger and you'll find a subtle finish of white pepper to balance out the fruit. This won best rosé and the Cole Danehower Memorial Award for Best Oregon Wine at the sixth annual Cascadia … [Read more...] about Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2017 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, McMinnville, $16