The estate Lone Star Vineyard, a tribute to founding winemaker Rollin Soles’s Texas heritage, takes up all the real estate in this Chardonnay from Argyle Winery that’s a beautiful example of the stylistic approach taking place in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Picked over the course of two days — Sept. 20-21 — at 22 Brix, lead winemaker Nate Klostermann’s use of 40% new French barrels over the course of 16 months creates a lingerie approach with the oak. Aromas of kiwi, dried pineapple, lemon/lime and delicate toast make room for a dusting of white pepper. The focus stays on the fruit throughout as penetrating citrus still allows for enjoyment of Spanish almond and herbed butter in the background. These wines are available at the tasting gallery behind the Spirithouse in downtown Dundee, Ore.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 975 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
Subscribe to our Wine of the Week newsletter
Leave a Reply