Matt Compton entered the Northwest wine industry through his research work at Oregon State University, and he’s become a decorated grower and winemaker with his own family-operated winery in nearby Philomath. His interpretation with Pinot Blanc is developed in an Alsatian style, using French oak and partial malolactic fermentation. Aromas of Crème Brûlée, coconut and Bosc pear … [Read more...] about Spindrift Cellars 2015 Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley, $18
Oregon
Vidon Vineyard 2014 Estate Mirabelle Clone 115 Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $50
This Salmon Safe and certified sustainable vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains near Newberg, Ore., is farmed by retired physicist Don Hagge, and he planted three clones of Pinot Noir more than a decade ago. He devotes this four-barrel bottling to clone 115, and he names it for granddaughter Mirabelle. There’s perfume to the nose of bergamot, orange oil, cherries and currants. … [Read more...] about Vidon Vineyard 2014 Estate Mirabelle Clone 115 Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $50
Winter’s Hill Winery 2014 Block 9-Corner Estate Single Block Series Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $49
Russell Gladhart and his family’s historic farm in the Dundee Hills were a featured attraction during the 2017 International Pinot Noir Conference, and this two-barrel production from Block 9 is a blend of Dijon 114, 115, Pommard and Wädenswil. The harvest of Sept. 14 yields the light and lively style of Pinot Noir one expects from the Dundee Hills, opening with aromas of … [Read more...] about Winter’s Hill Winery 2014 Block 9-Corner Estate Single Block Series Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $49
Spindrift Cellars 2014 Barrel Select Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30
Matt Compton marked the 10th anniversary of his boutique winery in Philomath, Ore., with the 2014 vintage, and the Garden State native maintains his focus of working with tiny lots from focused vineyards. In this case, he blends Pinot Noir clone 777 fruit from Thompson Vineyard with 667 berries off Bovine Vineyard for a drink of style and finesse that opens with aromas of … [Read more...] about Spindrift Cellars 2014 Barrel Select Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30
Vidon Vineyard 2014 Estate Hans Clone Pommard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $50
At the age of 69, UC-Berkeley grad Don Hagge - the “Don” behind Vidon Vineyard - established his estate winery in 2000 among Adelsheim Vineyard plantings near Bryan Creek, and the recent string of warm vintages in the Willamette Valley have propelled Hagge to new heights. He pays tribute to grandson Hans with this 100 percent presentation of Pommard clone Pinot Noir, which … [Read more...] about Vidon Vineyard 2014 Estate Hans Clone Pommard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $50