Minnesota-grown winemaker Nate Klostermann and his team have grown this tier — previously named on the label as “Grower Series” — by more than nearly 40% since the 2018 vintage, and yet it’s stunningly delicious at any price. Argyle’s core four vineyard sites come into play in storied Knudsen in the Dundee Hills, Lone Star and Spirit Hill in the Eola-Amity Hills and Giving Tree southwest of the state capital. And its a six-clonal blend of Pommard, Wadenswil and Dijon selections 777, 667, 115, 114. The approach and scale explains why there’s very little oak involved, so the style is fruit-forward with gobs of purple fruit akin to Marionberry, black currant and blueberry. The 5% of new French oak barrels shows with just whispers of light mocha and cocoa butter, making for a remarkably balanced Pinot Noir that features acidity over tannin, exemplified in the finish of blueberry/pomegranate juice. Suggested pairing include Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry Glaze and Mushrooms and Black Beans & Brown Rice Mushroom Sliders with Felton & Mary’s Smokey Brown Sugar Sauce.
Rating: Outstanding! — 93 points
Production: 55,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
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