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
Latest wine reviews
Gamache Vintners 2009 Estate Malbec, Columbia Valley, $30
Last year, Charlie Hoppes' 2008 expression of this rising Bordeaux variety in Washington state earned gold medals at several major competitions throughout the U.S. for his longtime friends Bob & Roger Gamache, and the 2009 stacks up alongside that. Its nose conjures up thoughts of smoked chocolate, blackberry, boysenberry, bazaar spices and lilac. The drink is supple and … [Read more...] about Gamache Vintners 2009 Estate Malbec, Columbia Valley, $30
Elk Cove Vineyards 2011 Estate Riesling, Willamette Valley, $19
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
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
L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $31
Here's yet another vintage of one of the Northwest's most remarkable and widely available Cabs, and the winning equation begins with the all-star lineup of vineyards sourced by Mike Sharon — Alder Ridge, Bacchus & Dionysus, Candy Mountain, Cold Creek, Klipsun, StoneTree, Weinbau and the Estate Ferguson Ridge in the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley. Aromas gather up … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $31