Darow is a reference to a hillslope soil type identified in Southern Oregon's Jackson County, and this collection of clone 115 and 777 Pinot Noir reflects one of the earliest picks of the Burgundy variety in the Pacific Northwest, a harvest of Sept. 2. It also represents the first harvest from the Allen family's large vineyard expansion in 2014, as well as its first … [Read more...] about 2Hawk Vineyard & Winery 2016 Darow Series Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, $42
Oregon
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2015 Riesling, Willamette Valley, $18
One of the final wines that Yamhill Valley Vineyards head winemaker Ariel Eberle worked on alongside her mentor — the late Stephen Cary — is this remarkable example of Riesling from this 30-year-old estate near McMinnville, Ore. Harvest arrived Oct. 21 at 25 Brix, the product of vines groomed to just 2 tons per acre. It's low in alcohol, abundant in residual sugar (8.5%) yet … [Read more...] about Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2015 Riesling, Willamette Valley, $18
Youngberg Hill 2015 Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $35
Wayne Bailey continues to release wines as beautiful as his iconic wine-country inn atop Youngberg Hill near McMinnville. Aromas of rose petals, strawberry and cranberry are joined by hints of espresso and mocha. The palate follows through with lovely balance flavors of strawberry, cherry and cranberry that includes a hint of smokiness in the background of this light-bodied and … [Read more...] about Youngberg Hill 2015 Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $35
Gran Moraine Winery 2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $28
This vintage marked the second at Gran Moraine for worldly winemaker Shane Moore, an Idaho native who graduated from Washington State University's winemaking program. His résumé-building experience in Australia and Israel, and his time in Sonoma working with Pinot Noir for Jackson Family Wines, made him an ideal pick to work with former Russian River Valley vintner Eugenia … [Read more...] about Gran Moraine Winery 2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $28
Alexana Winery 2015 Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $65
While the climate influences at highly regarded Zena Crown Vineyard are different than at Alexana in the Dundee Hills, namely the cooling afternoon breeze through the Van Duzer Corridor, volcanic soil types are found at both sites. It's no coincidence that Zena Crown fruit shows similarity to some of the Alexana estate Pinot Noirs that Byran Weil excels with. His work off this … [Read more...] about Alexana Winery 2015 Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $65