Part of its Grower Series, this methode Champenoise by Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann continues to set the standard for Northwest sparkling wine in terms of its style, scale and execution. It's a blend of Chardonnay (55%), Pinot Noir (30%) and Pinot Meunier from two sites — nearby Knudsen Vineyard in the Dundee Hills and Argyle's estate Spirit Hill Vineyard in the cooler … [Read more...] about Argyle Winery 2017 Vintage Brut Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley, $30
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Knudsen Vineyards 2019 Estate Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $45
The Knudsen siblings recently named this tier as their "Family Series," and this bottling by Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann exemplifies the style has elevated Oregon in the eyes of the Chardonnay. Three blocks of Dijon clones 76 and 96, planted between 1993 and 1995, spent 15 months in a barrel program of French oak that includes 25% new wood. That oak provides only a … [Read more...] about Knudsen Vineyards 2019 Estate Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $45
Minimus Wines 2017 Dijon-Free Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $35
UCLA-educated biochemist Meredith Bell grew up in the Willamette Valley and her fascination with Chardonnay explains why she shared in the launch of Chardonnay-only Statera Cellars in 2014. For this Craft Wine Co., project, she and Laura Cusick worked with five non-Dijon clones of Chardonnay — Calera, Wenté, Musqué, Mount Eden and Mendoza — and the lots spent 16 months in a … [Read more...] about Minimus Wines 2017 Dijon-Free Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $35
Dobbes Family Estate hires Derek Einberger as winemaker
A brand featuring one of the well-known names in the Oregon wine industry has hired Derek Einberger to take over the cellar at Dobbes Family Estate in Dundee. It's the latest in a series of changes surrounding the 20-year-old label, which included new leadership last year when Sarah Pearson replaced longtime employee Gretchen Boock as CEO. Boock, who was the first employee … [Read more...] about Dobbes Family Estate hires Derek Einberger as winemaker
Sokol Blosser Winery 2019 Bluebird Cuvée Brut Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley, $32
More than a dozen houses for Western bluebirds sit in residence at the Sokol Blosser organically farmed vineyard along the western slopes of Oregon's Dundee Hills, and the label of this lively sparkling wine project features the family's support of the Prescott Western Bluebird Recovery Project. Second-generation winemaker Alex Sokol Blosser builds these bubbles upon Chardonnay … [Read more...] about Sokol Blosser Winery 2019 Bluebird Cuvée Brut Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley, $32