There are nearly 7 acres of Riesling planted in Argyle Winery’s Lone Star Vineyard, and while it amounts to less than 2 percent of the vineyard work, from judging by this bottling, it’s apparent that Riesling remains a significant percentage of Nate Klostermann’s attention in the cellar. He takes 20% of the lot and ferments it completely dry on the lees in neutral oak for 16 … [Read more...] about Argyle Winery 2014 Nuthouse Master Series Riesling, Eola-Amity Hills, $30
Reininger Winery 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $51
Beyond the initially chewy tannins is a Carménère of unusually bright fruit – think watermelon – remarkable spice and unfamiliar perseverance. This won a gold medal and best Carménère of the 2016 Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition. The 2013 vintage won the same award in the 2015 Cascadia Wine Competition. Its annual popularity since the inaugural five-barrel 2002 … [Read more...] about Reininger Winery 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $51
Owen Roe 2015 DuBrul Vineyard Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $48
Dr. Hugh and Kathy Shiels of Côte Bonneville fame direct the hand-harvesting of their low-producing vines in the Rattlesnake Hills for David O’Reilly, and the Union Gap vintner has turned the lot into one of the most charming Chardonnay bottlings released this year. His investment of 35% new French oak and 40% malolactic fermentation combines for engaging aromas of crushed … [Read more...] about Owen Roe 2015 DuBrul Vineyard Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $48
Sager Small set to take College Cellars education back to Woodward Canyon
LOWDEN, Wash. — Every so often parents get what they want from their kids without even having to ask. Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small of acclaimed Woodward Canyon Winery in the Walla Walla Valley are among those lucky few. Both of their children, Sager and Jordan, after being away from the family's famous business for about a decade, have come home to the nest. Sager … [Read more...] about Sager Small set to take College Cellars education back to Woodward Canyon
Seven of Hearts 2015 Tualatin Estates Riesling, Willamette Valley, $21
Grower/winemaker Byron Dooley shows a special passion and interest for Riesling in Oregon that's played out in his pursuit old vines of this noble grape. In 2014, he worked with 32-year-old vines at Vigna Giovannia Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Here, he dives deeper with 43-year-old plants at Tualatin Estate Vineyard — a Forest Grove site belonging to Willamette Valley … [Read more...] about Seven of Hearts 2015 Tualatin Estates Riesling, Willamette Valley, $21