The Aspen Block at Wayne Bailey’s estate near McMinnville, Ore., dates to 2006, but the 2015 vintage marks the first time that the family has bottled a Chardonnay from its collection of Dijon clones 75 and 95 with another French clone 548. It could be the 548 that presents the enchanting faint whiff of bubblegum behind the citrusy aromas of lime and lemon with white pepper and … [Read more...] about Youngberg Hill Vineyards 2015 Aspen Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $40
Oregon
Ghost Hill Cellars 2014 Prospector’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $55
The Bayliss and Bower families work together on this century farm just east of Carlton, Ore., but Pinot Noir is a relatively recent addition - 1999. It is now the esteemed Eric Hamacher who handles the winemaking for them, and the Prospector’s Reserve represents a six-barrel blend of the four primary clones of Pinot Noir within the oldest section of this 16-acre planting … [Read more...] about Ghost Hill Cellars 2014 Prospector’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $55
Joleté 2015 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $29
One of Oregon’s most unheralded producers is Michael Etzel protégé Jim Sanders, and his work in the Willamette Valley extends beyond Aubichon Cellars and Le Cadeau Vineyard to this young Joleté brand. The experience of 18 vintages and with Chehalem Mountains fruit shows in this blend from Hall (50%) and Olenik (38%) vineyards with Riverside - a site near the warmer McMinnville … [Read more...] about Joleté 2015 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $29
Lenné Estate 2014 Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $45
Steve Lutz pays tribute to his late father-in-law, Lenny, an English farmer who served as inspiration to plant this steep, 21-acre property near the town of Yamhill, Ore. (Lenny's profile also appears on the label.) The flagship Pinot Noir for Lenné Estate is a product of the most fruitful vintage in the vineyard’s 15-year history. While five clones are planted, this bottling … [Read more...] about Lenné Estate 2014 Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $45
Seven Bridges Winery 2013 Prima Nata Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $36
A reference to an Italian reference to “first born,” Portland vintner Bob Switzer continues to slowly grow his flagship wine - the Prima Nata, a Left Bank Bordeaux-styled blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Merlot (19%), Malbec (10%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petit Verdot. He works with a half dozen of Columbia Valley growers, many of them elite, and creates a balanced nose of … [Read more...] about Seven Bridges Winery 2013 Prima Nata Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $36