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
Oregon
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
King Estate Winery 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $28
One of the Oregon wine industry’s quintessential examples of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir finishes the 2023 calendar year by adding to its necklace of gold with a Platinum for the King family. Winemaker Brent Stone and longtime viticulturist Ray Nuclo, who racks up miles driving to check on the array of vineyards, play key roles each year in this bottling. Biodynamic estate … [Read more...] about King Estate Winery 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $28
Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Le Coursier Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
A year ago, our Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year picked up a Platinum for the 2012 vintage of Le Coursier, so it makes sense to see this Merlot-leaning blend emerge as one of the top-scoring proprietary reds of the judging. The nose brings thoughts of ripe cherries enrobed in dark chocolate, caramelized sugar and fresh-stripped cedar. It’s full-bodied, offering flavors of … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Le Coursier Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40