The flagship Pinot Noir for Argyle Winery includes a subtle reference to how the project began under founding winemaker Rollin Soles, that of "grower first." In 1987, the Texan joined forces with Australian vintner Brian Croser and Oregon viticulturist Allen Holstein to grow Burgundian varieties for the purpose of creating sparkling wine. Argyle soon set the standard in the … [Read more...] about Argyle Winery 2017 Grower Series Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $27
Wine of the Week
Mercer Estates 2018 Spice Cabinet Vineyard Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Best Buy! Jeremy Santo, who grew up in Prosser, Wash., just below the northern ledge of the Horse Heaven Hills, produced some stellar pink wines for the Milbrandt brothers during his time at Wahluke Wine Co. He's doing the same in his hometown for the Mercer brothers, using one of Washington's top sites - Spice Cabinet Vineyard, at the southern edge of the Horse Heaven Hills … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2018 Spice Cabinet Vineyard Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Elk Cove Vineyards 2018 Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $19
The Campbell family long has been a champion of Pinot Gris and established what now are some of the oldest vineyards in Oregon. Close your eyes and think of an apricot orchard along the banks of the Columbia River, inhale the sweet smell of apricot blooms, sweet grass and river bank. Now take a bite of fresh pear for a juicy burst of fruit. That is followed by apple pie filling … [Read more...] about Elk Cove Vineyards 2018 Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $19
Saviah Cellars 2017 The Jack Syrah, Columbia Valley, $18
Richard Funk could have labeled this Syrah under his bargain program known as "The Jack," as a GSM. It is made up of Syrah (81%), Grenache (10%) and Mourvèdre sourced from nearly a dozen vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley. The list includes stalwarts such as Elephant Mountain, Pepper Bridge and Stillwater Creek. Plums, blackberries and cured meat lace its aromas, then … [Read more...] about Saviah Cellars 2017 The Jack Syrah, Columbia Valley, $18
Seven Hills Winery 2018 Dry Rosé, Columbia Valley, $18
Casey McClellan, the first in the Walla Walla Valley with a college education in winemaking, continues to embrace Cabernet Franc for his dry rosé program. He farms his own McClellan Estate Vineyard and works with Gamache overlooking the Columbia River north of Pasco, Wash., and den Hoed in the Horse Heaven Hills to grow Cab Franc (82%), Malbec and Petit Verdot for the intended … [Read more...] about Seven Hills Winery 2018 Dry Rosé, Columbia Valley, $18