Best Buy! Founding winemaker Ron Vuylsteke's grandfather made wine in Saint-Emilion but fled Bordeaux as tensions mounted prior to World War I, landing in Oregon. Jeff Herinckx now handles the winemaking at this historic Hillsboro property, well into its fourth decade, and he's made Pinot Gris a specialty. This no-oak offering from three vineyards — Dion (Cornelius), Sheppard … [Read more...] about Oak Knoll Winery 2011 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14
Oregon
Anne Amie 2011 Pinot Blanc, Chehalem Mountains, $20
The Pamplins' Twelve Oaks Estate, a hand-picked Salmon Safe vineyard, produced the crop that spent 18 months of surlie aging in 10% new French oak. The helps account for aromas of peach taffy, pear, Gala apple and clove. There's a nice balance to the broad flavors of baked pineapple, apricot, pear and more clove, which are packaged inside a dense midpalate. Suggested fare … [Read more...] about Anne Amie 2011 Pinot Blanc, Chehalem Mountains, $20
Stoller Family Estate 2012 Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $20
Melissa Burr creates a complex and delicious Chardonnay with broad appeal, using Dijon clones from a warm vintage. Fanciful aromas of ambrosia salad with pineapple, banana and Limeade also bring hints of butterscotch. The approach to the palate is clean, bright and elegant with notes of Asian pear, lemon and pineapple Life Saver. Its marvelous acidity will serve it well with … [Read more...] about Stoller Family Estate 2012 Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $20
Anam Cara Cellars 2012 Nicholas Estate Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $22
The Nicholas family began transforming an abandoned filbert and plum orchard into vineyards in 2001, and now three of its 33 acres are devoted to Riesling. They produce a dry version as well as and this off-dry style, which could also be perceived as dry despite the listing of 2.2% residual sugar. Aromas of Gala apple, lemon and lime peel also hint at sage and fresh-cut potato. … [Read more...] about Anam Cara Cellars 2012 Nicholas Estate Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $22
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars 2012 Riesling, Willamette Valley, $20
It took the über-talented Lynn Penner-Ash years to convince her husband, Ron, that folks in Oregon can now appreciate a dry Riesling, which explains why it’s been more than a decade since she’s crafted one in the serious style that suits her. The nose is both auster and fascinating with lemon chiffon, jasmine, peach blossom and a pinch of Thai basil. Its palate is focused on … [Read more...] about Penner-Ash Wine Cellars 2012 Riesling, Willamette Valley, $20