Best Buy! Mike McClure’s rosé is created with Syrah (87%) and Sangiovese from scenic Arena Valley Vineyard near Parma. Made by the saignée method, the lightly floral nose brings notes of strawberry, nectarine and fruit punch. Tangy flavors of cranberry and raspberry with watermelon allows for bright acidity to shine all the way through. This was among the seven gold medals … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2022 Dry Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley $20
Iris Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24.99
Aaron Lieberman helped Oregon State to a share of the Pacific-10 Conference wrestling title in 1992 while on his way to a degree in crop and soil science from the Corvallis school. The skills he’s honed as a winemaker since then has helped Iris Vineyards earn a reputation for continued excellence with Burgundy varieties. This latest version of Pinot Noir brings spice, earth, … [Read more...] about Iris Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24.99
Arenness Cellars 2019 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $44
Each vintage, Portland vintner Robert Bailey selects one or two vineyards to focus on, and while 2019 was a problematic growing season for some, that doesn’t appear to have been the case for this site with historic ties to famed Walla Walla Valley grower Norm McKibben. No new oak was involved during the 25-month barrel program for this clone 8 Cab, which offers aromas of cherry … [Read more...] about Arenness Cellars 2019 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $44
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2022 Old Vines Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $19
Best Buy! The late Jean Ferguson, founding winemaker of L'Ecole, had a soft spot in her heart for Vouvray, so Chenin Blanc has been part of the portfolio at this Walla Walla Valley icon since 1987. In fact, the erstwhile schoolhouse in Lowden produces two expressions of the Loire Valley grape each vintage. Here is the flagship bottling by winemaker Marcus Rafanelli, and it is … [Read more...] about L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2022 Old Vines Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $19
Ashlyn Wines 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $20
Best Buy! Much of winemaking Bryan Croft’s acclaim came from his years with historic Firesteed in Rickreall, Ore., and he continues to make wine in that facility on behalf of Washington-based Pacific Rim and the Banfi group that bought the winery in 20107. Here, the partnership for the young Ashlyn brand includes L&S Vintners in Napa, and yet, this Pinot Gris is very much … [Read more...] about Ashlyn Wines 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $20