Our 2018 Oregon Winery of the Year earns a third career Platinum for its Petite Sirah program, and Pat Spangler has been working with the red Rhône grape long enough that early on he had to label it as “Durif” for a time. Its brooding nose of dark cocoa, black cherry, black tea and saddle leather leads to varietally correct intense sensations of Bing cherry, Baker’s chocolate … [Read more...] about Spangler Vineyards 2019 The Terraces Petite Sirah, Southern Oregon $39
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Brandborg Vineyard and Winery 2022 Pinot Gris, Elkton Oregon $20
Best Buy! It was more than 20 years ago when Bay Area native Terry Brandborg was encouraged by Abacela founder Earl Jones to explore the potential surrounding the Umpqua River community of Elkton. More than a dozen Platinums for work with cool-climate varieties have followed under the Brandborg brand, and he’s produced other Platinums for his clients. Here’s a classic example … [Read more...] about Brandborg Vineyard and Winery 2022 Pinot Gris, Elkton Oregon $20
Coventina Vineyards 2016 Tempranillo, Rogue Valley $35
This Southern Oregon boutique vineyard and winery remains a passion project of Chris Amen, whose late father, Lou, led the Certified Grocers of California. She wisely placed her wine production in the hands of renowned grower/winemaker Herb Quady and his Barrel 42 team in Medford, and that relationship has now led to a trio of Platinums. Two of those have been for Tempranillo … [Read more...] about Coventina Vineyards 2016 Tempranillo, Rogue Valley $35
Stage Pass Estate 2019 Boitano Reserva Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley $42
The historic Old West town of Jacksonville, Ore., now includes an upscale, wine-themed housing development — Stage Pass — that features several home lots with young vineyards. Homesite No. 2 comes with the single-acre vineyard named Boitano, and it’s now home to a Platinum-winning Pinot Noir. Chris Jiron of nearby DANCIN Vineyards sorted through the five clones for a … [Read more...] about Stage Pass Estate 2019 Boitano Reserva Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley $42
Oregon stands out throughout Pinot Gris tasting
It's no surprise that Oregon stood out in this comparative tasting of Pinot Gris, which not coincidentally showcased a number of the Northwest's top talents. And this winter will mark the 50th anniversary of the federal government approving the label for the first Pinot Gris produced in the country — The Eyrie Vineyards 1970 Oregon Pinot Gris by the late David Lett in the … [Read more...] about Oregon stands out throughout Pinot Gris tasting