Byron Dooley makes his wines in the McMinnville American Viticultural Area of Oregon, but this expression of Sauvignon Blanc again proves he’s among the more adventurous winemakers in the Willamette Valley. He ventures to the Maryhill area of Washington’s Columbia Valley, grabbing the white Bordeaux grape from near the war memorial, a harvest of 36-year-old vines he orchestrated on Sept. 19. It opens with floral aromas of dusty sweet herbs, Jolly Rancher Green Apple candy and a touch of oak – a subtle sign of the fermentation involving 50% neutral French barrels. Orchard fruit flavors and honeydew melon make it an easy drink, and the arrival of lime zest in the back tightens it up nicely for a bone-dry finish.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 154 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
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