Adam Campbell benefits from his wise parents, who planted Riesling on their Gaston, Ore., estate back in 1978, and he began taking these wines toward dry starting with the 2009 vintage. One wouldn't guess that from the nose, which is full of apricot marmalade, baked pineapple and poached apple with clove and cinnamon. The palate turns into Bosc pear and Gala apple flavors with … [Read more...] about Elk Cove Vineyards 2011 Estate Riesling, Willamette Valley, $19
Oregon
Melrose Vineyards 2008 Equinox, Umpqua Valley, $22
The Parkers planted some unusual varieties starting in 1996 once they arrived in the Umpqua Valley after a career as raisin producers in California's San Joaquin Valley. This proprietary blend is a fun snapshot of their approach — Dolcetto (50%), Baco Noir (40%), Tempranillo and Syrah. The nose is full of dusty cherries, fresh plum, pomegranate juice, cherry tomato and black … [Read more...] about Melrose Vineyards 2008 Equinox, Umpqua Valley, $22
Brooks Wines 2010 Ara Riesling, Willamette Valley, $25
Named after a Southern Hemisphere constellation, few Northwest wineries showcase the beauty and potential of aged dry Riesling as does Chris Williams for Brooks. There's a sense of baked pineapple, poached pear, apricot, cloves and oiliness in the aromas, yet the palate is dry and dramatic. Flavors feature Asian pear and the second-cut of fresh pineapple, backed by bold acidity … [Read more...] about Brooks Wines 2010 Ara Riesling, Willamette Valley, $25
Ponzi Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $35
Here's a shining example of how prevalent the certified sustainable movement is within the Oregon wine industry. Luisa Ponzi harvested four LIVE (low input viticulture and enology) estate sites — Abetina, Aurora, Avellana and Madrona — as well as 12 other vineyards, each certified. Her largest production wine carries aromas of raspberry, spiced plum, cherry pipe tobacco, violet … [Read more...] about Ponzi Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $35
Anne Amie Vineyards 2012 Estate Dry Riesling, Yamhill-Carlton, $20
The 12 Oaks Estate Vineyard during the 2012 vintage allowed Thomas Houseman to produce a style that's a bit drier than the previous year. A whiff brings up huge clove notes with lychee, peach, apricot, pear and pineapple. Its approach is crisp and dry with Granny Smith apple and Asian pear flavors, backed by a refreshing tiny dash of spritzy acidity than funnels into classic … [Read more...] about Anne Amie Vineyards 2012 Estate Dry Riesling, Yamhill-Carlton, $20