Three of the Willamette Valley's top sustainably farmed vineyards — Clay Court, Illahe and Zenith — come together for a blend of Dijon and Pommard clones that's focused on darker fruit tones. The nose brings plum, blueberry and elderberry, backed by earthiness and oregano. Rich flavors of Chukar Cherry and more elderberry bring some nutmeg into the equation, which is finished … [Read more...] about WildAire Cellars 2011 Timothy Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $23
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Artisanal Wine Cellars 2010 Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34
Tom and Patricia Feller in Newberg, Ore., source some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the nearby Dundee Hills for a delicious, food-friendly release that indicates its sense of place. This appellation's high-toned red fruit comes across with the first whiff of pie cherry and cranberry, backed by President plum and chocolate-covered pomegranate seed. The drink shows a fair bit … [Read more...] about Artisanal Wine Cellars 2010 Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34
Ghost Hill Cellars 2012 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard The Spirit of Pinot Noir Rosé, Yamhill-Carlton, $20
Pinot Noir often is the grape of choice in the Willamette Valley when it comes to rosé, and this project blossomed when pressings for the Bayliss' Pinot Noir Blanc hinted at too much color and tannin. Complexity came when the wine was stirred on the lees for six months. The aromas are filled with strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, apricot and hazelnut skins. Bright flavors of … [Read more...] about Ghost Hill Cellars 2012 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard The Spirit of Pinot Noir Rosé, Yamhill-Carlton, $20
WildAire Cellars 2012 Ellis Vineyard Viognier, Rogue Valley, $19
Matt Driscoll makes his Pinot Noir in Gaston, Ore., by using some of the Willamette Valley's top vineyards, but he reaches into warmer Southern Oregon for one of the most delicious examples of Viognier released this year. The enjoyable aromas feature lemon cream, peach, apricot, Honeycrisp apple, honeysuckle and vanilla. The peachy and apricot flavors linger along with honeydew … [Read more...] about WildAire Cellars 2012 Ellis Vineyard Viognier, Rogue Valley, $19
Grantwood Winery 2011 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $16
Believe it or not, this is one of the more expensive wines at this ultra-boutique winery in Walla Walla near the KUJ radio tower west of town. The fruit comes from Les Collines, a large Salmon Safe vineyard south of town. It opens with a nice hit of char, bacon bits, blackberry, chocolate-covered blueberries, vanilla bean and black tea. There's a jammy concentration to the … [Read more...] about Grantwood Winery 2011 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $16