Aaron Lieberman helped Oregon State to a share of the Pacific-10 Conference wrestling title in 1992 while on his way to a degree in crop and soil science from the Corvallis school. The skills he’s honed as a winemaker since then has helped Iris Vineyards earn a reputation for continued excellence with Burgundy varieties. This latest version of Pinot Noir brings spice, earth, … [Read more...] about Iris Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24.99
Oregon
Arenness Cellars 2019 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $44
Each vintage, Portland vintner Robert Bailey selects one or two vineyards to focus on, and while 2019 was a problematic growing season for some, that doesn’t appear to have been the case for this site with historic ties to famed Walla Walla Valley grower Norm McKibben. No new oak was involved during the 25-month barrel program for this clone 8 Cab, which offers aromas of cherry … [Read more...] about Arenness Cellars 2019 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $44
Ashlyn Wines 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $20
Best Buy! Much of winemaking Bryan Croft’s acclaim came from his years with historic Firesteed in Rickreall, Ore., and he continues to make wine in that facility on behalf of Washington-based Pacific Rim and the Banfi group that bought the winery in 20107. Here, the partnership for the young Ashlyn brand includes L&S Vintners in Napa, and yet, this Pinot Gris is very much … [Read more...] about Ashlyn Wines 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $20
Montinore Estate 2021 Reserve Müller-Thurgau, Tualatin Hills, $35
The Marchesi family has been farming Müller-Thurgau for four decades, and their plantings rank among the largest in the U.S. It’s a cool-climate variety that’s not often done in a bone-dry style, and the Demeter-certified Biodynamic effort helps elevate the German variety to another realm. Stephen Webber, who grew up in a home in England where Germanic whites were appreciated, … [Read more...] about Montinore Estate 2021 Reserve Müller-Thurgau, Tualatin Hills, $35
Bells Up Winery 2020 Titan Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $46
The Specter family blends Pommard clone Pinot Noir from their estate above Newberg, Ore., with Dijon clone 115 and 777 from Plum Hill Vineyard — 20 miles to the northwest near Forest Grove — for a deliciously delicate interpretation of the Willamette Valley’s prized variety. Its pale ruby color carries along aromas of watermelon, strawberry taffy, cinnamon dust and a faint … [Read more...] about Bells Up Winery 2020 Titan Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $46