This blend of Argyle’s Spirit Hill Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills with historic Knudsen Vineyard just up Worden Hill Road from the Dundee, Ore., tasting house continues to be a deliciously dependable example of Nate Klostermann’s skill. The product of Minnesota is only the second winemaker in the 35-year history of the winery, and his work with three Dijon clones of Chardonnay is emblematic of this program — particularly at this price for a classic methode Champenoise aged in bottle for 30 months. It’s fun to watch the bubbles twirl and dance in the glass, and there’s the classic blanc de blancs nose of light brioche from 40% barrel fermentation over six months, Asian pear and lime. The mousse is mouth-filling yet restrained, and the essentially bone-dry dosage (an imperceptible 0.15% residual sugar) accents the profile of starfruit, citrus and jasmine, making for a lithe and incredibly food-friendly finish.
Rating: 92 points — Outstanding!
Production: 2,200 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
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