Jim and Terry Delfino fled the Bay Area for Southern Oregon in 2001, arriving six years after nearby Abacela began its trailblazing with with Tempranillo. The 18 acres of vines that Jim manages are hitting their stride, as shown in this small lot than spent time in a barrel program of 25% new French oak. That imparts engaging aromas of toast, cardamom spice cookies and … [Read more...] about Delfino Vineyards 2013 Reserve Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $35
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Mercer Canyons 2014 Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Best Buy! The Mercer family, sparked by the winemaking talents of Washington State University grad Jessica Munnell, is growing this refreshed brand across the nation. Wines of this quality at such a price point bode well for the future. This six-variety blend is steered by Merlot (59%), but there are delectable contributions by Syrah (16%), Grenache (10%), Sangiovese (7%), … [Read more...] about Mercer Canyons 2014 Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Elk Cove Vineyards 2014 Clay Court Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $60
Second-generation winemaker Adam Campbell continues to enjoy watching the maturation of this 15-acre vineyard adjacent to his tennis-playing parents home on Parrett Mountain. This vintage marks the 13th vintage for Clay Court, and the abundantly superb 2014 growing season allowed the Campbells to more than double production from the prior vintage. There’s a ripe and dark … [Read more...] about Elk Cove Vineyards 2014 Clay Court Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $60
Domaine Trouvére 2013 Viognier, Rogue Valley, $25
The Lange family of the Dundee Hills launched this sister label not as a path to declassification but rather to explore small lots beyond their estate. This work with Viognier from the Rogue Valley ranks among Oregon’s best. Alluring aromas of orange blossom, Pink Lady apple, lemon curd and orange cream include just a hint of oak in a lingerie fashion. Flavors of fleshy orchard … [Read more...] about Domaine Trouvére 2013 Viognier, Rogue Valley, $25
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2014 The Expedition Pinot Gris, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Best Buy! Walla Walla winemaker Bill Murray maps out a float trip with this Washington style of Pinot Gris, using Gewürztraminer (5%) and Muscat Canelli (5%) as pontoons to boost the aromatics of Pinot Gris from scenic The Benches. Floral notes of dusty white peach and apricot are joined by tangerine, fresh lemon, melon and white pine pitch. The entry of honeydew melon creates … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2014 The Expedition Pinot Gris, Horse Heaven Hills, $15