Matt Berson’s popular Antsy Pants tier affords him most exploration, and he capitalized on the classice and abundant 2012 vintage to expand his efforts — and production of his reserve Pinot Noir bottling. His previous release focused on clone 667 fruit from Saikkonen Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge and Pommard off Winter’s Hill in the Dundee Hills. He’s back with both, including two … [Read more...] about Love & Squalor 2012 Antsy Pants Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48
Oregon
Delfino Vineyards 2015 Müller-Thurgau, Umpqua Valley, $22
The Delfinos have earned a reputation of success growing early-ripening Tempranillo, and with Linda Donovan’s winemaking expertise, they also show skill with creating a marvelous Müller-Thurgau in a dry fashion from their Roseburg, Ore., estate. Enticing aromas of pumpkin pie spice and carrot cake include papaya and Fuji apple. They all come through on the palate with a … [Read more...] about Delfino Vineyards 2015 Müller-Thurgau, Umpqua Valley, $22
Armonéa Wines 2015 Wine Country Farm Late Harvest Riesling, Dundee Hills, $30
When the late Joan Davenport took over this showpiece property in 1990, the Riesling vines were two decades old. Last year marked the 45th anniversary of this planting, which is believed to be the third-oldest in the Dundee Hills. It’s an expensive neighborhood for vineyards, which makes this dessert Riesling from Breyman Orchard Road a novelty. Ken Wright cellarmaster Alberto … [Read more...] about Armonéa Wines 2015 Wine Country Farm Late Harvest Riesling, Dundee Hills, $30
Seven of Hearts 2014 Armstrong Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $35
Few winemakers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley explore as many growing regions, vineyards and varieties at Byron Dooley from his McMinnville facility. He’s focused on the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area for his own Luminous Hills Vineyard and label, but here he pulls from Armstrong Vineyard in the Northwest’s smallest AVA — Ribbon Ridge — for this bright Pinot Noir. … [Read more...] about Seven of Hearts 2014 Armstrong Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $35
Elk Cove Vineyards 2014 Goodrich Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $60
In the spring of 2014, the Campbell family grabbed Goodrich Vineyard near Yamhill, Ore. A few months later, Elk Cove winemaker Adam Campbell confirmed that the 69-acre, former Premier Pacific Vineyards holding was worthy of a single-vineyard bottling. There’s sweetness to the nose that’s akin to Hawaiian Fruit Punch as cherry juice, fresh red raspberry and orange include a hint … [Read more...] about Elk Cove Vineyards 2014 Goodrich Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $60