Nate Klostermann has taken over from trend-setting Texan winemaker Rollin Soles at this historic bubble house that's well worth pulling off Highway 99 in Dundee for. Their high-density plantings in their estate Lone Star Vineyard in Hopewell lead to aromas of fresh-cut apple, sweet Bartlett pear, cantaloupe and clove. The apple profile continues with a focus on the Honeycrisp … [Read more...] about Argyle Winery 2011 Riesling, Eola-Amity Hills, $18
Oregon
Stoller Family Estate 2012 Riesling, Dundee Hills, $25
It's rather fascinating that a producer of some of the Northwest's top Pinot Noir and Chardonnay would devote even 1 acre such expensive real estate in this sub-app of Oregon's Willamette Valley, but winemaker Melissa Burr obviously knows this noble German grape. She created aromas of Gala apple, baked pineapple, pumpkin pie spice, lemon, butterscotch and sliced celery. The … [Read more...] about Stoller Family Estate 2012 Riesling, Dundee Hills, $25
Anam Cara Cellars 2010 Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $32
Nick and Sheila Nicholas arrived in Oregon from California to make Pinot Noir, and their flagship wine is a blend of their five blocks, which they began planting in 2001. This lighter-styled wine, made from mostly Dijon clones, hits on many of the qualities expected from in the Willamette Valley, opening with delicate aromas of plum, white strawberry, moist earth and saddle … [Read more...] about Anam Cara Cellars 2010 Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $32
Grande Ronde Cellars 2007 Seven Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $30
This vintage marked the 10th anniversary of this downtown Spokane, Wash., partnership that began and remains focused on two of Walla Walla's top vineyards, and here's a great example of foresight and patience with an Old World touch. Aromas feature Chukar Cherry, black currant, plums and dark chocolate with stylish herbal notes that include bell pepper. That dark fruit profile … [Read more...] about Grande Ronde Cellars 2007 Seven Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $30
Artisanal Wine Cellars 2010 Jubilee Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30
For several years, Newberg, Ore., winemaker Tom Feller has worked with this vineyard in Amity to provide him Pinot Noir planted to several French clones, including Pommard, 115 and Wadensvil. He's turned that material into a drink that could be mistaken for one from the Dundee Hills with its high-toned red fruit profile. Scents akin to pie cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and … [Read more...] about Artisanal Wine Cellars 2010 Jubilee Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30