One of the Willamette Valley’s most underrated winemakers, Jim Sanders, took over this program from the esteemed Robert Brittan, and this high-ranking Pinot Noir adds to our argument. Pommard clones dominate this former home to filbert groves and Christmas trees in what’s now Laurelwood District appellation near Newberg, Ore. That clonal selection begins to explain the … [Read more...] about Blakeslee Vineyard Estate 2018 Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains $52
Oregon
Chris James Cellars 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $59
For the second straight year, Christopher James Barnes — the winegrower/winemaker behind our reigning Oregon Winery of the Year — has produced the No. 1 Pinot Noir of the Platinum. For this bottling, he decided to give his blend of Dijon 777, 828 and Pommard clones an extra year in bottle than he normally does for this reserve program. While most of the fruit came off his … [Read more...] about Chris James Cellars 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $59
Reustle Prayer-Rock Vineyards 2021 Estate Selection Sauvignon Blanc, Umpqua Valley $26
Southern Oregon’s Stephen Reustle continues to burnish his reputation for producing wines that display appropriate varietal character, and this Sauvignon Blanc is so spot-on that it could stand up to cross-examination in court. The nose displays a hint of smoke, honeysuckle and lime, then it shows off flavors of lime, lime zest, minerality and a lick of oyster shell. Pair it … [Read more...] about Reustle Prayer-Rock Vineyards 2021 Estate Selection Sauvignon Blanc, Umpqua Valley $26
Iris Vineyards 2020 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $23.99
Pamela Frye and her longtime winemaker — Aaron Lieberman — continue their string of success, a run includes a pair of Double Platinums at Great Northwest Wine’s 2022 Platinum Awards and best of show at last year’s McMinnville Wine Classic. This nicely priced and widely available Pinot Noir is the flagship bottling by this Cottage Grove producer, and its vineyard sourcing … [Read more...] about Iris Vineyards 2020 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $23.99
Nicolas • Jay 2019 L’Ensemble Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $70
Back home in Burgundy, Jean-Nicolas Meo produces six grand crus as part of his family’s Domaine Méo-Camuzet, a storied winery that involves more than 20 vineyards. For his Nicolas • Jay project nestled in Oregon's Dundee Hills, Meo, co-owner Jay Boberg and associate winemaker Tracy Kendall work with eight plantings, and L'Ensemble represents the cuvée of their best lots from … [Read more...] about Nicolas • Jay 2019 L’Ensemble Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $70