The Basalt Block Pinot Noir represents Robert Brittan's flagship wine, and in 2004 he began to retool this young vineyard soon after the Oregon State University grad returned home following a storied career in the Napa Valley. The 2006 Basalt Block Pinot Noir was used to launch his brand, and it's grown beyond Pommard to now include clones 115, 667, 777 and the fascinating … [Read more...] about Brittan Vineyards 2014 Basalt Block Pinot Noir, McMinnville, $48
Oregon
Björnson Vineyard 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $35
University of Minnesota products Mark and Pattie Björnson developed their appreciation for Pinot Noir soon after getting married, and they are well into the second decade of their second career — Björnson Vineyard, a 28-acre planting in the Eola-Amity Hills along Bethel Heights Road. Her winemaking mentors include Ben Casteel of Bethel Heights, and this pick of Pommard, Dijon … [Read more...] about Björnson Vineyard 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $35
Ponzi Vineyards 45th Anniversary 2015 Reserve Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $40
A 20-month barrel program of predominantly neutral French oak shows plenty of panache in the hands of second-generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi, who pays tribute to the 45th anniversary of her family's winery in the north Willamette Valley. Six sites come into play, include sustainably farmed Avellina, Aurora and Paloma estate vineyards, organically farmed Thistle in the Dundee … [Read more...] about Ponzi Vineyards 45th Anniversary 2015 Reserve Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $40
Joleté Wines 2016 Le Verre Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $21
While a second label for Le Cadeau Vineyard, the Joleté wines show a similar attention to detail from winemaker Jim Sanders as he does with many of his other wines. Fruit from the Chehalem Mountains, which serves as his home base, provides the foundation for Le Verre - French for the glass. Aromas of Bing cherry, sweet plum and white pepper include subtle earthiness and dried … [Read more...] about Joleté Wines 2016 Le Verre Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $21
Adega Northwest 2014 Weinbau Vineyard Block 10 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $36
One of Washington state's older vineyards, Weinbau, has become a central figure in the early bottlings by Portland sommelier Bradford Cowin, and the 26 months in 40 percent new French oak helps develops a charming profile. Black cherry and blueberry aromas include cinnamon toast and cedar with fresh mint. Cherry and cranberry-blueberry juice flavors make for a pleasing … [Read more...] about Adega Northwest 2014 Weinbau Vineyard Block 10 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $36