Here is the younger brother of the wine that was voted Best White Wine of North America at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle. And the trajectory of its complexity would seem to have the 2022 Green Lizard set up for additional greatness. These grapes are allowed to gain more sugar than those used for the heady Hefeabzug program, and stainless-steel fermentation makes this … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2022 Estate Green Lizard Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $38
so oregon wine
Belle Fiore Winery 2020 Icon Barbera, Rogue Valley $43
Southern Oregon winemaker Rob Folin notches a Platinum for an Italian red variety for the third straight year from Ed Kerwin’s estate vineyard nestled near the Oregon/California border. Thoughts inspired by the aromas include sun-warmed stones at an Italian villa, licorice, blackberry and cherry. Those notes expand on the palate to include black pepper and a hint of dried … [Read more...] about Belle Fiore Winery 2020 Icon Barbera, Rogue Valley $43
Belle Fiore Winery 2020 Estate Icon Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley $35
Rob Folin served our country in the Marines for more than decade prior to spending a string of vintages at now-famous Domaine Serene in the Dundee Hills. That early experience with Pinot Noir and his talent continue to be showcased during the Platinum Awards, where he emerged with a top award for the second time in three years. Aromas of ripe red fruit, hibiscus and a pinch of … [Read more...] about Belle Fiore Winery 2020 Estate Icon Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley $35
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2021 Estate Selection Pinot Grigio, Umpqua Valley $26
Of the 48 career Platinums awarded to Southern Oregon’s Stephen Reustle, 19 have been for work with white wines, but not one for Pinot Gris. Perhaps this fall will produce his first. Some of the vines for this program are nearly 20 years old, and they are thriving in this valley north of Roseburg. The beautiful nose is filled with lemon verbena, peach blossom and dusty white … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2021 Estate Selection Pinot Grigio, Umpqua Valley $26
Trella Vineyards 2016 Pinot Gris, Umpqua Valley $16
Best Buy! Terry Brandborg in Elkton, Ore., has been quietly behind a number of Southern Oregon’s top wines — including those of Trella Vineyards, selected as the 2020 Oregon Winery to Watch by Great Northwest Wine’s editorial team. Owners/physicians Stephen and Susan Williams grow the 7 acres of grapes that they hire Brandborg to vinify. He turned three wines from the 2016 … [Read more...] about Trella Vineyards 2016 Pinot Gris, Umpqua Valley $16