Oregonians are proud — rightly so — of the Marionberry, developed in 1956 by Oregon State University and tested in nearby Marion County. Hence the name. The folks at Oak Knoll Winery in Hillsboro have embraced "the Cabernet of blackberries," and do a delicious job creating dessert wine from it. It's difficult to discern the aromas from those of raspberry, and the wine also … [Read more...] about Oak Knoll Winery NV Marion bèrree Marionberry Wine, Oregon, $14
Latest wine reviews
Abacela NV Vintner’s Blend #13, Southern Oregon, $15
Best Buy! There's an Iberian profile to this robust red, and it will stand up nicely on any night with Mediterranean fare. An estate blend that's led by Tempranillo (44%), it's backed by eight other varieties, including Syrah (17%), Merlot (16%), Malbec, Dolcetto, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Tannat. The nose brings black cherry cola, plums, allspice and … [Read more...] about Abacela NV Vintner’s Blend #13, Southern Oregon, $15
Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2012 Pinot Blanc, Dundee Hills, $17
Under-appreciated and sometimes subdued, this Burgundy variety shines in the hands of French-born winemaker Delphine Gladhart, who married into this farming family. These estate berries were taken at 21.9 brix on Oct. 8, helping to make for inviting tropical aromas, honeydew melon, honeycomb, lime spritz and mint. The stainless-steel approach showcases the fresh and bright … [Read more...] about Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2012 Pinot Blanc, Dundee Hills, $17
Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2012 Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, $17
This multi-generation family farms 35 acres in Oregon's famed Dundee Hills, and their site has been Salmon Safe for nearly 15 years. Their Pinot Gris releases subtle aromas of cantaloupe, Gala apple and lemon, but there's much more inside. Flavors start with a bold entry of Bosc pear, followed by Granny Smith apple peel, minerality and pleasing lemony crispness. Rating: … [Read more...] about Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2012 Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, $17
Mercer Estate, 2011 Reserve Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills, $42
Much of the Mercer family's white wine program comes from its holdings in the Yakima Valley near Sunnyside, Wash., but this reserve lot hails from their Horse Heaven Hills neighbors at Zephyr Ridge Vineyard. They didn't cut corners on this California-style Chardonnay, dropping it in 100% new French oak and hand-stirring on the lees for nine months. It creates aromas of lemon … [Read more...] about Mercer Estate, 2011 Reserve Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills, $42