Best Buy! It was more than 20 years ago when Bay Area native Terry Brandborg was encouraged by Abacela founder Earl Jones to explore the potential surrounding the Umpqua River community of Elkton. More than a dozen Platinums for work with cool-climate varieties have followed under the Brandborg brand, and he’s produced other Platinums for his clients. Here’s a classic example … [Read more...] about Brandborg Vineyard and Winery 2022 Pinot Gris, Elkton Oregon $20
Oregon
Chris James Cellars 2020 Cuvée Rouge Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $49
Our 2022 Oregon Winery of the Year developed a remarkable blend of three Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot — with equal amounts of three Rhône grapes (Mourvèdre, Syrah and Petite Sirah) that resulted in the first proprietary red by grower/winemaker/ owner Christopher Barnes to merit a Platinum. Enticing aromas of strawberry, cassis and … [Read more...] about Chris James Cellars 2020 Cuvée Rouge Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $49
Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards 2021 La Crescent, Oregon $45
It’s becoming more common for hybrids developed in the U.S. to gather gold medals from knowledgeable international panels on the West Coast, yet there are few hybrids grown in the Northwest. Early in its history, fruit from Monkey Face Vineyards in the Central Oregon community of Terrebone was a factor. In the past decade, however, Cindy and Roger Grossman have grown the grapes … [Read more...] about Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards 2021 La Crescent, Oregon $45
Iris Vineyards 2020 House Call Red Blend, Oregon $19.99
Best Buy! For the second straight vintage, Aaron Lieberman picks up a Platinum for his House Call proprietary red that’s a tribute to co-owner Richard Boyles’ grandfather. It’s a remarkable value that leans Right Bank Bordeaux with Merlot (37%), Cabernet Franc (36%), Malbec (14%) and Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes from across the state — Folin and Pheasant Hill in the Rogue … [Read more...] about Iris Vineyards 2020 House Call Red Blend, Oregon $19.99
Amaterra Wines 2019 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $47
A decade ago, Matt Vuylsteke oversaw first the establishment of the Nistlers’ 12-acre Swede Hill Vineyard west of downtown Portland and then their winemaking team. Amaterra’s flagship Pinot Noir is an assemblage of four growing regions with three clones taking the lead — Dijon 115 (49%), Pommard (20%) and Wädensvil. Scents of cherry cola, brown sugar, mixed berries and anise … [Read more...] about Amaterra Wines 2019 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $47