While the Jones family’s storied site continues to earn international acclaim for its work with Iberian Peninsula varieties, Fault Line Vineyards and seasoned winemaker Andrew Wenzl add more proof that Southern Oregon deserves to be in the discussion of approachable Merlot. And while the historic establishment of Tempranillo continues to attract much of the attention, these 3.6 … [Read more...] about Abacela Winery 2018 Estate Merlot, Umpqua Valley $26.00
Oregon
Neher Family Wines 2019 Principal Red, Columbia Valley $32.00
Two of the Walla Walla Valley’s most respected winemakers — Roger Cockerline of Bunchgrass fame and Walla Walla Vintners co-founder Gordy Venneri — work in tandem on this ultra-boutique label for the Neher family. Labeled as a tribute to the late Richard Neher, a longtime high school principal, the proprietary name would indicate that this is a red blend. However, in this … [Read more...] about Neher Family Wines 2019 Principal Red, Columbia Valley $32.00
Remy Wines 2019 Kiona Vineyard Sangiovese, Washington, $48
In perhaps the most timeless image of McMinnville winemaker Remy Drabkin, she's behind a tasting bar wearing a white tank top and a black hoodie and posing alongside two bottles of her Sangiovese from Kiona Vineyards. That photo is from a few years ago, but her relationship with the Williams family for the famous Italian red grape goes back a decade as she's gradually shifted … [Read more...] about Remy Wines 2019 Kiona Vineyard Sangiovese, Washington, $48
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, McMinnville, $28
The Burger family, who founded in 1983 what's now the oldest winery in Oregon's McMinnville American Viticultural Area, and homegrown winemaker Ariel Eberle continue to release wines worthy of acclaim in the wake of being named 2019 Oregon Winery of the Year. Their flagship bottling is this estate Pinot Noir, a sweep of the 150-acre site that features Pommard, Wadensvil and a … [Read more...] about Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, McMinnville, $28
Argyle Winery 2017 Vintage Brut Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley, $30
Part of its Grower Series, this methode Champenoise by Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann continues to set the standard for Northwest sparkling wine in terms of its style, scale and execution. It's a blend of Chardonnay (55%), Pinot Noir (30%) and Pinot Meunier from two sites — nearby Knudsen Vineyard in the Dundee Hills and Argyle's estate Spirit Hill Vineyard in the cooler … [Read more...] about Argyle Winery 2017 Vintage Brut Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley, $30