Wayne Bailey farms their spectacular 20 acres outside of McMinnville, Ore., for their acclaimed Pinot Noir program. Here, he works with winemaker Robert Brittan to pull from nearby Yamhill Valley Vineyards for a rather fascinating Pinot Blanc. His use of two months in 100% neutral oak barrels allows for aromas of dusty Asian pear, Lemonhead candy and coriander. And while many … [Read more...] about Youngberg Hill 2016 Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley, $25
Oregon
Welsh Family Wines 2015 Armstrong Vineyards Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $40
This young site along the southern end of the Chehalem Mountains is populated by Pinot Noir clones Pommard and Dijon 667, and these four barrels make for enjoyable aromas of cherry and rosemary backed by blackberry and spice. Its flavor profile of black currant and ripe strawberry make this rather quaffable, and the medium structure of tannin allows for a complex and pleasing … [Read more...] about Welsh Family Wines 2015 Armstrong Vineyards Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $40
Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars 2016 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14
Best Buy! The Fries family and winemaker Trevor Chlanda have the luxury of working with estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley as well as the warmer Umpqua Valley for their program. It is their St. Jory site north of Salem, cropped to a remarkably low 2 tons per acre for Pinot Gris, that forms the foundation for this charmer that’s starts remarkably tropical yet packs a nice … [Read more...] about Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars 2016 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14
Underwood 2015 Rosé, Oregon, $14
Best Buy! The entry level for Union Wine Company has varied each approach with its rosé, some years leading with Pinot Gris while opting for blends using Pinot Noir and Syrah in others. Regardless, JP Caldcleugh - among the North American invitees to the exclusive 2017 International Pinot Noir Celebration - knows how to develop balance. At this point, the 2015 is showing a … [Read more...] about Underwood 2015 Rosé, Oregon, $14
Timothy Malone Wines 2016 Medici Vineyard Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $20
This vintage marked the 10th anniversary of New York native Tim Malone’s move to Oregon, where he trained at the likes of J. Christopher and Cameron along his path to developing his eponymous brand. His work with Riesling, which was harvested Oct. 11, is a crowd-pleaser with aromas and flavors of fruit cocktail led by Pink Lady apple and Elberta peach. A nibble of peach skin … [Read more...] about Timothy Malone Wines 2016 Medici Vineyard Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $20