The continued exploration of the Willamette Valley by famed Burgundy producers is on display at Domaine Nicolas-Jay where Jean-Nicolas Méo of Domaine Méo-Camuzet collaborates with Tracy Kendall, and their work with the warm 2015 vintage took in four of the North Willamette Valley appellations. It began Sept. 3 in the Chehalem Mountains and concluded Sept. 19. Along the way, … [Read more...] about Domaine Nicolas-Jay 2015 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $60
Oregon
Joleté 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $35
This under-the-radar brand under the Le Cadeau Vineyard umbrella near Newberg, Ore., produces Riesling from California's Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley and this utterly astounding Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. These 14 barrels of juice from Summit View Vineyard were crafted for the Mortimers by Brett Isenhower. The namesake winemaker for … [Read more...] about Joleté 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $35
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Timnah Block Estate Côt et Merlau Malbec-Merlot, Umpqua Valley, $31
Stephen Reustle's skill with cool-climate whites, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Tempranillo are widely publicized, so his work with this 50-50 offering of Malbec and Merlot should not come as a major surprise. Its huge nose carries cherry and plum juice with clove and Jolly Rancher grape candy. The Merlot provides some nice grip backed by dark cherry and barrel spices with lingering … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Timnah Block Estate Côt et Merlau Malbec-Merlot, Umpqua Valley, $31
Ledger David Cellars 2015 Estate Malbec, Rogue Valley, $34
Lena Varner's 16-acre vineyard near Medford, Ore., displays its diversity with Malbec, one of three red Bordeaux varieties grown at decade-old Varner-Traul Vineyard. Of the eight French oak barrels, only one was new, which allows the fruity aromas of Marionberry pie and blueberry to mix with vanilla and toast. It's both glass-coating and mouth-coating as soft tannins allow for … [Read more...] about Ledger David Cellars 2015 Estate Malbec, Rogue Valley, $34
Seven Bridges Winery 2013 Seven Hills Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $42
Bob Switzer, Kevin Ross and Jim Straus launched Seven Bridges Winery in 2008, and the Portland vintners wisely chose to source their Syrah from Seven Hills Vineyard, a venerable site on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley. Sweet barrel spices are met by big dark fruit tones of cordial cherry, blackberry and blueberry jam for a slightly hedonistic finish. Look for their … [Read more...] about Seven Bridges Winery 2013 Seven Hills Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $42