Royer Vineyard

Today we share the boutique wines of the Royer Vineyard and proprietors June and Mark Royer. Mark has worked recently as an importer of Champagne and Burgundy. June Royer also has worked in the importing business, importing teas from Taiwan and China.

I have enjoyed wineries that have crafted their wines from this site — particularly those made by Cristom. Meeting with Mark Royer, he explained some of the background on the vineyard. The vineyard land was planted to focus on white wine, primarily Chardonnay. He stated “Pinot wasn’t part of the game. We started meeting with the nurseries and vineyard management companies. Started planting in 2016 and continued the next three years. Now we have 13 acres of Chardonnay, two acres of Riesling and then we have one acre of Sauvignon Blanc. That will give us three varieties.”
Mark and June started working with Cristom in the 2020 vintage. He stated “Daniel was just getting started with his Chardonnay project there. ’21 was when they did the first single vineyard wine.” The Royer Vineyard is a relatively high elevation site that sits on the west side of a ridge. He stated “We are straight across from the Van Duzer Corridor and we have a major impact from the wind and we have small berries and thick skins which keeps the grapes more healthy and reduces mildew pressure and insect pressure. We are able to farm organically fairly easily and we don’t experience mildew where a lot of other places do.” The site is set on all volcanic soils but Royer feels that the site produces wine with “A great salinity.”

Regarding his Cru Chardonnay, his Witzel & Wind Block Chardonnay, “That is from the shallow, rocky soils and you are getting into bedrock really quick and that site is really unique. The cool thing about this block is it is a mix of a range of clones, we have nine clones now. Mixed on seven different rootstocks.” He will now have several different Chardonnay SKUs.

The Riesling is located right next to the Chardonnay plantings, set on rocky soils. He stated “There is a drew up the middle of the vineyard and that is where a lot of oak trees hang out. Riesling is on both sides of the draw. Super rocky site and you are picking up fragmented pieces of basalt and the clones that I chose to my knowledge there is only one person that has two of the four that I have. Fun playing with clones that are not typical. Oregon tends to use the 110 clone but for me it has a bit of Muscat flavor, very floral. Which is not what I want.” For his Riesling he keeps the residual sugar very low. Check out the 2022 Royer ‘Witzel & Wind’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is a dense and nervy wine with sensational character and oxidative notes. Learn more at royervineyard.com and here are my reviews from the new Royer Vineyard wines.

2022 Royer ‘Royer Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2022 ‘Royer Vineyard’ Riesling comes from vines set on Witzel, Ritner and Nekia soils. This is beautifully-textured stuff that is done in the Kabinett style. Juicy pear and cashew nut fill the palate alongside green papaya, mango and stony minerals. Refined and elegant, with good tension, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Royer ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from vines planted in volcanic basalt soils. The palate is dense and silky smooth throughout the drinking experience. Soft on the mouth, stony minerals combine with rich Japanese pear, lemon blossom water and salted macadamia nut flavors. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Royer ‘Royer Vineyard Witzel & Wind Block’ Chardonnay- The world-class 2022 Royer ‘Royer Vineyard Witzel & Wind Block’ Chardonnay come from this very windy side of the Royer Vineyard, set on Witzel soils. This is marvelously complex stuff, offering peach and rocky soil character on the palate, with a smooth texture and beautiful push-pull of concentration and underlying tension. Full-bodied and complex, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Cellar Selection: 2008 Dom Perignon Champagne

It isn’t everyday that you get to enjoy a bottle of 2008 Dom P. My wife and I had a perfect dinner occasion to do so and we were rewarded with a fabulous bottle. 2008 was an amazing vintage in Champagne but was one that required some patience. Some of the wines needed a lot of time to get going, as has been the case with the 2008 Rare, 2008 Krug as well as the ’08 Dom Perignon.

2008 has to be up there with some of the great vintages in Champagne, reminiscent of 1990, and 1996. It is certainly the best year of the 2000s. Dom Perignon needs little introduction and is one of the storied houses in champagne. Dom Pérignon was a 18th century French Benedictine monk who is credited with inventing Champagne. What many might not know is that the Champagne region was mostly known for still wine until the mid-19th century when most houses began producing sparkling wine. Launched in 1936 by leading champagne house Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon was the first cuvée de prestige created for consumers. While most of the world including France in the midst of the Great Depression, this was a strange time to start a prestigious brand of a Champagne. But as both Napoleon and Winston Churchill have previously noted, Champagne is not only for good times but it is used to console as well.

The 2008 Dom Perignon (OB, 97) has to be one of the great wines of the vintage. This wine even has wafts of white truffle. It is big, rich and bold — simply sumptuous stuff to enjoy right now and over the next ten plus years. Learn more at https://www.domperignon.com/ and here is my review of the incredible 2008 Dom Perignon Champagne.

2008 Dom Perignon - The 2008 Dom Perignon is a thrilling wine that has really come into its own in the past few years. Wafts of white truffle fill the nose alongside rich melon and citrus fruits and Japanese pear torte.The palate is plush and refined with a silky mousse and marvelous sense of power and finesse. This is silky, sumptuous stuff, that is now slowly evolving into the earthy, secondary notes. Drink 2025-2040- 97

Cellar Selection: 2021 Chateau Branaire-Ducru

2021 absolutely will not go into the books as one of Bordeaux’s top vintages. But therein lies some really good values to be found. This was more of a classic vintage, somewhat closer to the 2017 vintage but maybe less in overall quality. Good wines were made this vintage.

Chateau Branaire-Ducru has a very long history in Bordeaux. It all began back in 1680, when Jean-Baptiste Braneyre, saw the extraordinary potential of this stony terroir and bought a precious piece of the Beychevelle estate. His descendants, the Du Luc family, built the Château in 1824. With its neo-classical style, it has the appeal inherent in Palladian residences. The estate was then inherited by a relative, Gustave Ducru and remained in the family until 1919. For years Patrick Maroteaux was an ambassador of Bordeaux and Branaire-Ducru, presiding over the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux from 2000 to 2008, and the Saint-Julien appellation from 2004 to 2017. François-Xavier Maroteaux took over the management of the estate in 2017.

The 2021 Branaire-Ducru (OB, 94) really needs about four to five hours of air right now. It is a silky and refined effort that has marvelous gravel character and excellent weight considering the lvintage. Learn more about this great house at https://www.branaire.com and here is my review of the fantastic 2021 Chateau Branaire-Ducru

2021 Chateau Branaire-Ducru- A really beautiful wine from a tough vintage, the 2021 Branaire-Ducru needs four to five hours of air before enjoying. Comprised of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 22% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, and 5.5% Petit Verdot, with a lot of air it really opens up beautifully, offering black rose petals, wet stones, and smoky underpinnings on the nose alongside dense cassis fruits. The palate is plush and very soft and generous, as the fruit begins to really shine after those additional hours of air. Again, if opening now, don’t touch this beauty for many hours. . . and your patience will be rewarded. Drink 2025-2042- 94

Gramercy Cellars

It is my pleasure to share the Gramercy Cellars wines, founded by winemaker and master sommelier, Greg Harrington, MS. Harrington and Gramercy partner Brandon Moss produce some of the finest Rhone-inspired wines of the Northwest. These are wines that are picked early but show plenty of flavor density and flavor range.

Moss and Harrington focus on prime fruit and minimal intervention, showcasing the typicity of the individual varietal. These are wines that embody structure and poise, with good richness and varietal character. I think that these wines cellar really well as well.

The new 2024 Gramercy Cellars Rose (OB, 93) is a sensational, highly nuanced effort that is very Washington meets Tempier. Learn more about these amazing wines at gramercycellars.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Gramercy Cellars and the superstar winemaking team of Greg Harrington, MS and Brandon Moss.

2024 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose- One of the truly great examples of Washington Rose, the 2024 ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose combines Cinsault (48%) with near equal portions Syrah and Grenache. Wafts of nectarine skin and damp earth mingle well with Satsuma orange zest, guava puree and shades of Yakima cherry on the nose. Very nervy and complex, enjoy now and over the next several years to come. Drink 2025-2031- 93

This is highly complex stuff with shades of white truffle that combine with Mandarin orange zest, watermelon, and red cherry Starburst candy. Nicely textured and very pretty, this is delight to savor in its youth this will surely live on for another seven plus years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2024 Gramercy Cellars Picpoul- The very juicy 2023 Picpoul was sourced from the Los Oidos and Les Collines Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Loaded with tension, this offers juicy pear and kiwi flavors that combine with green papaya and sea salt dusted cashew nut on the palate. Quite vibrant, showing a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2020 Gramercy ‘The Bowery Lower East’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘The Bowery’ is a Rhone-inspired blend of mainly Syrah with 22% Carignan and 8% Mourvèdre, this shows a smooth mouthfeel with creosote and black currants that mingle well with orange rind and white pepper on the palate. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2021 Gramercy ‘Lower East’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A great value from this warm vintage, the 2021 ‘Lower East’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers a smooth mouthfeel with rich dark fruits that mingle well with chocolate fudge, sagebrush and shades of loamy soils on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 92

Foley-Johnson

Today we share the outstanding wines of Foley-Johnson. Bill Foley and his wife, Carol Johnson Foley, had dreamt of opening a winery bearing their name in Napa Valley. They both enjoyed the grandeur of Napa’s scenery and the rhythm of its lifestyle, and, more importantly, the couple loved the opulence and complexity of Napa’s wines. With the launch of Foley Johnson in 2012, the Foleys have created a world-class winery with premier vineyards and a historic tasting room right in the heart of America’s preeminent wine-growing region. I really enjoyed the 2022 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which has terrific viscosity and richness. Learn more about this great Napa house at foleyjohnsonwines.com and here are my reviews of the new Foley- Johnson wines.

2022 Foley-Johnson ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2022 Foley-Johnson ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers a plush texture with layers of loganberry and black cherry alongside duty soils, graphite and dark chocolate shavings. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy this delicious bottling now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Foley-Johnson ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers creme de violette and tar notes on the palate, with great viscosity and underlying verve. Full-bodied, with refined tannins and good richness, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Dusted Valley

It has been well over a decade that the Johnson and Braunel families founded Dusted Valley. They are both originally from Wisconsin and are big time Packers fans. Dusted Valley sources from some of the great vineyards in Washington, including the Olsen Vineyard and Stoney Vine Vineyard. The wines from their estate Southwind Vineyard continue to improve.

I really enjoy the sparkling wine they make and they have expanded tasting rooms to Edmonds, if you live on the north side of Seattle. Wine quality continues to be very good here. Tasting with them it is very evident how well their screw cap technology has worked for them.

I love the 2022 Dusted Valley ‘V.R. Special’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is very savory with good richness and complexity. Learn more about these beautiful new wines at https://www.dustedvalley.com Here are my reviews of the great new wines by Dusted Valley.

2022 Dusted Valley ‘BFM Southwind Vineyard Estate’ Merlot- A beautiful wine from this cooler vintage, the 2022 Dusted Valley ‘BFM Southwind Vineyard Estate’ Merlot offers fresh sage and mint on the nose alongside black currants and dusty soils. The palate is elegant, with a great herbal edge and medium-bodied black fruits, with shades of milk chocolate. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Dusted Valley ‘BFM Dionysus Vineyard’ Merlot- The really good 2022 Dusted Valley ‘BFM Dionysus Vineyard’ Merlot is nicely structured and round on the mouth, with a great acid backbone. Medium to full-bodied black fruits parade with dried herbs, graphite and dark chocolate shavings. Complex and showing good volume, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Dusted Valley ‘V.R. Special’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Dusted Valley ‘V.R. Special’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers scorched earth and sagebrush tones on the nose alongside shades of pencil lead and mocha. This is tannic, well-structured stuff that is sturdy and generous with a great core of black fruits. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 93

2022 Dusted Valley ‘Bachis’ Syrah- Coming from the Southwind Estate Vineyard, the 2022 ‘Bachis’ Syrah offers some really good flavor complexity with menthol and iodine notes that combine with blackberry compote and damp earth on the palate. Fresh and smooth with a silky texture, with good structure and refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Dusted Valley ‘Southwind Vineyard Estate’ Cabernet Franc- This cooler vintage Cabernet Franc shows off black tea, red currants and shades of orange bell pepper on the nose. The palate is smooth and refined with good elegance and richness. This really needs an hour of air before consuming now — but the potential is there. Drink 2025-2040- 93

2022 Dusted Valley ‘Southwind Vineyard Estate’ Malbec- Inky in the glass, the 2022 Dusted Valley ‘Southwind Vineyard Estate’ Malbec shows off exotic spices and blueberry compote on the nose with chocolate and graphite accents. The palate is loaded with black and blue fruits, offering refined tannins and great structure. This is going to age gracefully. Drink 2025-2040- 93

Review: British Airways Lounge Seattle, A Brilliant Refresh

I have been patiently awaiting the refresh that British Airways made in their Seattle lounge. For months they had been working on this huge remodel which was completed earlier in the year in February. The photos looked really impressive, so I decided to have a gander myself.

ACCESS: The Seattle lounge is mainly for premium British Airways patrons (first and business class customers, oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, etc.), and it is also available for BA One World partners such as Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, etc.

The British Airways lounge is located in the S gates, so you have to take the train there. There are stairs and also an elevator that leads to the lounge, located on the second floor.

The entrance is more spacious than before and as you enter the lounge, is it considerably less closed off than it was in the past. Their station manager, Andrew Tadros, explained that they really wanted to open up the space and take advantage of the wrap around windows that let you view planes landing and taking off.

I really enjoyed this quilted map of the Seattle area which is at the front entrance. There is also a cute little seating area next to it and the main room feels very open and spacious.

The main area is expansive and all of the seating and flooring is new. The bathrooms haven’t changed much and could use a refresh. The main area has a large bar which is self-serve as well as a buffet that served a pretty nice range of foods. I tried a few items from the buffet which were satisfactory in food quality and had a coffee at their large coffee station.

All of the snacks and cold drinks were self-serve and the coffee machine made a really nice espresso. It is worth noting that the buffet offers considerable more food options than prior to the remodel. There was plenty of room around the buffet so it never felt crowded grabbing some food.

The bar is in the center of the lounge and is clearly in the focal point. Due to silly Seattle regulations there is no seating at the bar. I snagged a glass of Piper-Heidseick Champagne which is available for all guests. That is a pretty nice perk for all Emerald and even Sapphire level guests to be able to have champagne at a lounge.

Compared to the laughable complimentary sparkling wine in the Alaska lounge, this was quite a treat. The lounge also has First Dining for those who are Emerald status or those who have a first class ticket. The First Dining makes NV Pol Roger Champagne available, which I was able to sample due to my Emerald status. I found very little difference in quality between the two champagnes, with the Pol Roger being slightly richer and mustier.

In terms of offering complimentary wine to guests, this wine list is very thoughtful. While the reds and whites are rather blasé, the fact that anyone can enjoy champagne just by being a Sapphire status flyer is pretty awesome. Pendulum Red Blend from 2021 is a perfectly palatable red from a good vintage in Washington

Even better than the wine list was the first dining which was really very good in terms of food quality. Food quality was better than the offerings at the buffet. We ordered the pasta and short rib and both were really well-done. The short-rib was soft and melted in my mouth.

As good as the food quality was, the service was really top notch. People were always coming over and refilling our water or asking us if we wanted more drinks or more food. The service has definitely improved with the remodel as there is clearly more care and attention to the customer. The place was also spotless with no debris around. Attendants were constantly cleaning the area.

BOTTOM LINE: We had a marvelous visit to the British Airways Seattle Lounge. I found it to be considerable better in terms of food options and food quality than the Alaska lounges and being able to enjoy unlimited pre-flight champagne is definitely not something you can get at the Alaska lounge. Service was attentive as they really made an effort to make guests feel welcome. I will very much look forward to my next visit.

Long Shadows 'Julia's Dazzle' Rose

It is my deepest pleasure to present one of the great Rose wines of the Pacific Northwest. The Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ is one of the consistently great Rose wines out of Washington and I have been so impressed with this wine since its inception. And I am the first critic to taste the 2024 edition.

Last winter I tasted with Long Shadows Director of Winemaking, Gilles Nicault, who talked about the potential of the warm 2024 vintage. He has once again made a spectacular Rose. The 2024 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose (OB, 93) is very polished and light on its feet with a beautiful purity of red fruit flavors. This is best tasted at a slightly warmer temperature. At under 20 bucks this is a killer value — the 2023 ‘Dazzle' is truly one of the best value Rose wines Pacific Northwest Rose market. Learn more about these incredible wines at longshadows.com and here is my review of the 2023 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose.

2024 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- With just the slightest kiss of sweetness, the astonishingly good 2024 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose was aged in stainless steel prior to bottling. Now released, the wine has incredible viscousity, tension and flavor density. Nearly all Pinot Gris, this delivers beautiful guava puree and bright cranberry tones on the palate that meld well with Satsuma orange zest, a dash of white pepper and loads of rich cantaloupe and honeydew melon. Fresh and vibrant, showing great nerve on the tongue, enjoy this delicious and satisfying Rose now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 93

TruthTeller

Today we share the wines of one of Walla Walla’s vibrant producers. TruthTeller is a fun, vibrant brand out of Walla Walla that was founded by Chris and Dawn Loeliger. They make a beautiful range of wines from crisp Rose and Albarino to ink Cabernet. The Loeligers have a tasting room in downtown Walla Walla that I have visited before, and they make roughly 1,800 cases of wine a year. Chris is a Northwest Wine Academy graduate.

Check out the beautiful 2024 ‘Frolic’ Viognier (OB, 91) which has great weight and verve. Even better is the sensational 2024 ‘Quip’ Rose (OB, 92) which is both fresh and viscous, with a beautiful core of red fruits. Learn more about this fantastic Walla Walla based winery at truthtellerwinery.com and here are my reviews of the new TruthTeller wines.

2024 The Miscreant Project ‘Affirmation #11’ Albarino- The 2024 ‘Affirmation #11’ offers pear and papaya on the nose with nutty accents. The palate is laden with minerality, offering a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 TruthTeller ‘Dry Humor’ Riesling- Coming from the Royal Slope AVA, this 2024 Riesling is done in the Trocken style with kerosene notes and banana alongside Japanese pear on the nose. This is loaded with great tension and good richness. A beautiful wine from a warm vintage, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 TruthTeller ‘Frolic’ Viognier- This 2024 Viognier shows off lychee and star jasmine notes alongside ripe peaches and nutty accents. The palate is fresh and delicious with a dense mouthfeel. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 TruthTeller ‘Quip’ Rose- Sourced from the Yakima Valley, this 2024 TruthTeller Rose is another sensational edition of this wine. Right away this is loaded with tension and offers a smooth texture on the mid-palate, offering citrus rind and bright guava fruit flavors with strawberry and damp earthy accents. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 The Miscreant Project ‘Affirmation #32’ Red Wine- A GSM-inspired blend, the 2022 ‘Affirmation #32’ delivers garrigue and white pepper dusted beef alongside shades of wild blackberry on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant, offering medium-bodied red fruits that mingle well with dried herbs. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 The Miscreant Project ‘Affirmation #25’ Red Wine- Primarily Malbec (88%), the delivers blueberry compote and dark currants alongside dark chocolate shavings on the nose. This is soft and delicious stuff that is great to enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 The Miscreant Project ‘Affirmation #09’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Affirmation #09’ is nearly all Merlot. This comes off juicy and delicious with straightforward black fruits and cocoa powder with herbal accents. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 TruthTeller ‘Droll’ Zinfandel- A really nice Zin from the Columbia Valley, the 2022 ‘Droll’ offers a smooth mouthfeel on the approach. Bright blackberry and black cherry flavors mingle well with herbal accents and shades of chocolate on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 TruthTeller ‘The Cynic’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘The Cynic’ is fresh and polished, delivering black cherry compote and boysenberry notes on the palate, with shades of tar and tobacco leaf on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2032- 91

2021 TruthTeller ‘The Madman’ Red Wine- A Syrah-based blend, the 2021 ‘The Madman’ offers creosote, tar and tobacco leaf alongside bay leaf and pencil lead. Very herbal and non-fruit driven, with lighter dark cherry and loganberry notes, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031-91

2021 TruthTeller ‘The Confidante’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 TruthTeller ‘The Confidante’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon shows off a smooth mouthfeel with cocoa powder covered dark currants, pencil lead, black cherry and pipe tobacco on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2022 TruthTeller ‘Retort’ Petit Verdot- The 2022 ‘Retort’ is inky in the glass, delivering huckleberry and mountain blackberry flavors that mingle well with dried herbs, dark chocolate shavings and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

In Memoriam: Bill Stoller, Founder of Stoller Wine Group

Friends,

With great sadness I share the passing of Oregon wine legend Bill Stoller. Stoller left an indelible mark on the Oregon wine industry and is one of the pioneers in Pacific Northwest wine. Bill was very gracious to me, allowing me to interview him last year.

Bill had a 200-year vision through innovation, sustainable viticulture, and community building, founding Stoller in 1993. Bill was a global leader in wine and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Oregon Wine Board and, most recently, received the prestigious Diploma of Honor from the Fédération Internationale des Confréries Bachiques. Beyond wine, he was a trailblazer in the staffing industry, co-founding Express Employment Professionals in 1983.

Bill Stoller was instrumental in helping Oregon wine be on the world stage and being in wine shops and supermarkets across the country — and in international markets abroad. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family.

Open Claim

It my pleasure to share the outstanding wines of Open Claim. Founded in 2014 by Marnie and Brett Wall, Open Claim creates a bigger style of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are complete wines with a beginning, middle and end. They use a limited amount of new oak, despite their fleshy character. There is little doubt that Tony Rynders is of the Pacific Northwest’s great winemakers Formerly with Hogue and Domaine Serene, Tony crafts some incredible wines for his own label, Tendril. He has been the winemaker at Open Claim and is doing an incredible job with this site.

The wines come from the cooler 2022 vintage. I love the 2022 Open Claim ‘Flora’s Veil’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is amongst the finest I have tasted from this house. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.openclaimvineyards.com/ Here are the brilliant 2021 and older releases by Open Claim. 

2022 Open Claim Chardonnay- Rich, sultry and gorgeous from this slightly cooler vintage, the 2022 Open Claim Chardonnay is best served on the warmer side. Rich buttered French bread combines with Meyer lemon oil, mango, kumquat rind and suggestions of shortbread on the palate. Dense and also very nervy, with serious length and texture, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Open Claim ‘Flora’s Veil’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Flora’s Veil’ is a stunning Pinot Noir coming from the Mount Pisgah region of the Willamette Valley. Wafts of white truffle combine with salty minerals, wild blackberry compote and shades of menthol all mark the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated despite the coolness of the vintage. A total stunner, loaded with bright red and dark fruits, with a luxurious texture, this is drinking marvelously in its heady youth. Drink 2025-2045- 96

Champagne Lanson

My pleasure today as we share a historic Champagne house. Lanson was founded in 1760 by magistrate,  François Delamotte. He was succeeded by his son Nicholas-Louis in 1798 and formed a partnership with Jean-Baptiste Lanson, who gave the company the name of Lanson et Cie in 1837. The company focused, as it still does today, on exporting champagne to foreign markets. By the late 19th century, Lanson was supplying champagne by royal appointment to the courts of the UK, Sweden and Spain.

The new wines were glorious across the board. I love the new 2012 Lanson ‘Le Vintage’ Champagne (OB, 94) which is rich and dense stuff from this amazing vintage. Learn more at lanson.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Lanson

NV Lanson ‘Le Black-Creation 258’ Champagne- The really good NV Lanson ‘Le Black-Creation 258’ Champagne was given 8G/L dosage. They have utilized 32% reserve wines in this blend. A whiff of white truffle marks the nose alongside nectarine and pear tones with salted mixed nuts. The palate shows a soft mousse with good richness. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 91

NV Lanson ‘Le Rose Creation 67’ Rose Champagne- The NV Lanson ‘Le Rose Creation 67’ Rose Champagne utilizes a base from the 2019 vintage, as this was disgorged in November 2023. Delicate guava and cranberry aromatics combine with shades of salted melon. The palate is delicate and refined with a silky mousse and good sense of length. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

NV Lanson ‘Green Extra Brut’ Champagne-  The NV Lanson ‘Green Extra Brut’ Champagne is a Bio-Organic bottling that comes from the Lanson 16 hectare estate. Composed of 46% Pinot Noir and 36% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Meunier with the base coming from the 2018 vintage. Saline drenched peach and Macadamia nut aromatics fill the nose alongside suggestions of damp soils. The palate is rich and concentrated with a refined texture. Delightful now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2012 Lanson ‘Le Vintage’ Brut Champagne- The 2012 Lanson ‘Le Vintage’ Brut Champagne is composed of 52% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay coming from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Given a 7g/L dosage, this was disgorged in July 2022. Deep melon fruits combine with suggestions of white truffle shavings, brioche and shades of lemon curd on the nose. The palate is rich and concentrated with good underling finesse. This has both the depth and tension to cellar marvelously over the next decade or more. Drink 2025-2037- 94

Doubleback

It is my great pleasure to introduce the beautiful wines of Doubleback, one of the jewels of the Walla Walla Valley. Doubleback was founded by NFL legend, Drew Bledsoe and his wife, Maura. The story completes itself as Drew circled back following his brilliant NFL career. Originally from Walla Walla, he was a star at Walla Walla High School before his illustrious tenure at Washington State University. For many years Drew had visions of starting his own winery for many years and going back to Walla Walla was the perfect choice for him. During his years in the NFL he continued to expand his palate, trying various wines of the world. But there was something special about wines from his home state, as he grew to love the balance of the wines of this region that weren’t old world but also weren’t Napa. It was back in 2007 that Drew returned to Walla Walla to plant his estate vineyard, McQueen on the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley AVA.

It was back in 2008 that Bledsoe began focusing on using top estate fruit to make incredible Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. He needed a top class winemaker and connected with childhood friend and superstar winemaker, Chris Figgins, of Leonetti Cellar, who served as consulting winemaker until Josh McDaniels assumed the role in 2015. Josh is one of the great people you will meet in Washington wine. He also makes some scintillating wines.

Do not miss out on the gorgeous 2023 Doubleback Merlot (OB, 96) which is up there with the best that I have had this year.  is a simply marvelous effort that is already drinking beautifully now. Somehow just as good as the ’21, the 2022 Doubleback ‘Reserve’ Red Wine (OB, 99) is a hedonistic beast that really needs some bottle age — but the potential is there. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.doubleback.com/ and here are my reviews of the gorgeous new 2024 spring release wines by Doubleback.

2023 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘LFG’ Pinot Noir- A 2023 ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ bottling, the 2023 ‘LFG’ opens with a gorgeous bouquet of potpourri alongside white pepper dusted orange zest, red currants and shades of cardamom. The palate is plush and lithe with a gorgeous sense of texture and underlying verve. Very big and bold, coming up lush and fat on the tongue, enjoy this beauty over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Doubleback Merlot- The 2023 Doubleback Merlot mainly is sourced from the Schafer vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. 9% Cabernet Franc was blended in, as this was stored in 65% new French oak barrels before bottling. This is big, broad-shouldered and bold, with pencil lead notes that combine with Black Forest cake, espresso grounds and shades of black licorice on the palate. Terrific stuff to enjoy in its heady youth, savor this beauty now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2042- 96

2022 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon- The dazzling 2022 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from near equal parts McQueen and LeFore vineyards. It was stored in roughly 70% new French oak barrels prior to bottling and comes off bold on the nose with rocky soils, violets, tar and sweet pipe tobacco aromatics that all meld in the glass. The palate is sinfully good in terms of weight, viscosity and concentration, with great herbal, chocolate, Arabica bean and green herbal accents. A complete wine that is truly one of the best Doublebacks that I have tasted since this winery’s inception, enjoy this heavyhitter now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2045- 97

2023 Doubleback ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine combines fruit from the Schafer Vineyard (48%), in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, as well as a large portion from the McQueen Vineyard (45%), with the remainder coming from their estate in the Rocks District. Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Petite Verdot blended in, this delvers ultra-dark black rose petals on the nose with violets, black tea and Asian spices that mingle well with green bell pepper, dark chocolate shavings and shades of scorched earth on this intoxicating bouquet. The palate is dense, dark and brooding, with crazy good acidity and finesse, as well as a pillowy texture. A world-class made in a somewhat difficult, cooler vintage, enjoy this total stunner now and over the next twenty plus years. Give it another year in the bottle if you can. Drink 2026-2049- 99

Revana

It is my pleasure to share the wines of eminent cardiologist Dr. Madaiah Revana. Dr. Revana also owns a world-class Oregon winery named after his daughter,  Alexana, as well as Corazon del Sol in Argentina. A big purchase was made in 1997 as Dr. Revana immediately sensed the property’s potential, with its gravelly soils, sloped pitch, and excellent exposures seemed perfect for growing grapes. Soil studies also confirmed that the property would be perfect for growing Bordeaux varieties. Then in 1998, Dr. Revana hired acclaimed vineyard manager Jim Barbour to plant and maintain the 9-acre estate vineyard. The first vintage of Revana in 2001, initially utilizing the winemaking talents of Heidi Barrett.

I am amazed by the new wines. They are deep and concentrated from this hot vintage as they navigated the heat remarkably well. Do not miss out on the 2022 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is a perfect wine that is a must-buy for any serious collector of Napa Cabernet. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.revanawine.com Here are the last two world-class releases by Revana.

2022 Revana ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A gorgeous new edition of this wine that is coming from several sites throughout the Napa Valley, this 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon stands inky in the glass, offering rich dark currant and tobacco leaf flavors that collide with loamy soils and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. The pillowy texture really entices. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Revana ‘Shifflett Ranch’ Red Wine- A blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 ‘Shifflett Ranch comes from this site in the Oak Knoll region set on rock-laden loamy soils. Black tea and violet rose petals hit the nose alongside loamy soils and shades of baking spice laced cassis. This is very weightless throughout the drinking experience. The palate is plush and velvety as refined tannins frame a generous core of black fruits, and milk chocolate with outstanding loamy soil character. Really enjoyable now, enjoy this warm vintage beauty over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 97

2022 Revana ‘Stelzner Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2022 ‘Stelzner Vineyard’ comes from the Stag’s Leap District as vines are set on volcanic soils. Tar, mocha, allspice dusted pipe tobacco and shades of violet cream all come together on the palate. Rich and viscous with great salty and stony nuances and serious decadence, this is drinking marvelously in its heady youth. Enjoy now and over the next twelve to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 98

2022 Revana ‘Cold Springs Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The high-elevation Cold Springs vineyard is sourced from this site high atop Howell Mountain with vines set on volcanic soils. This is inky, concentrated and downright delicious wine to savor now. Creme de violette, creosote, graphite and cuban cigar flavors meld well with loganberry cordial and suggestions of fresh thyme on the palate. Complex, novel and showing good tension despite the heat of the vintage, enjoy this beauty over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 99

2022 Revana ‘Weitz Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Located in the Oakville AVA, the Weitz Vineyard sits on a slight slope on loamy soils. This is gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon from 2022, offering creme de cassis and pipe tobacco flavors with shades of loamy soils and Black Forest Cake on the palate. Deep, seductive and rich, with a good sense of minerality, this is nearly impossible to put down right now. Flirting with perfection, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 99

2022 Revana ‘Round Pond Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A famous site for both Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, the Round Pond Estate is located in the Rutherford district as vines are set on sand and gravely loam soils. Anise and creme de violette all mark the nose with tar and sweet pipe tobacco notes making up this memorable nose. The palate is heady and intense, as refined tannins frame a gorgeous core of black and blue fruits, alongside pencil lead and black licorice notes. Big, burly and not for the weary, enjoy now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 97

2022 Revana ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Revana ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from their Saint Helena Estate that was first planted back in 1998 and set on Perkins gravelly loam soils. Stored in nearly all new French oak this offers dark chocolate shavings and freshly tilled soils on the nose alongside shades of sandalwood, tobacco leaf and violets. The palate is seamless and refined, showing the heat of the vintage, yet offering beautiful underlining finesse. Pillowy and soft, a silky smooth throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 98

2022 Revana ‘Estate Block 6’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning, limited production 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, this comes from Block 6 in the Estate Vineyard in the Saint Helena appellation. Freshly tilled soils and lavender mark the nose alongside dense blueberry compote, espresso grounds and shades of dark chocolate shavings. The palate is rich and viscous with serious verve and a silky mouthfeel. Deep and generous, with serious viscosity and good verve considering the heat of the vintage, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 99

2022 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from this famed Oakville property, this wine is sourced from the To Kalon Vineyard which was first planted in the 1860s. This is dense, hedonistic and seamless with silky tannins that frame a gorgeous array of black and blue fruits. Elegant considering the heat of the vintage and obviously quite broad-shouldered and muscular, this has a marvelous push-pull in terms of weight, flavor density and freshness. Everyone remembers their first To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet and this brings everything right back for me in terms of loamy soil character, depth, richness and cassis character. What a wine! Drink 2025-2040- 100

2022 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Block C1’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A total masterclass in this hot vintage, the 2022 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Block C1’ Cabernet Sauvignon is otherworldly and complex stuff that is already beautifully-defined at the three year mark. A perfect wine in terms of weight, poise, flavor density and flavor complexity, this offers a gorgeous amalgamation of dark currants and huckleberry fruits that combine with tar, pencil lead, sweet pipe tobacco and shades of creme de violette. While obviously big and broad-shouldered, the decadence is tapered by a beautiful freshness and light dusting of salinity that runs through the core of the wine. Both complex and hedonistic, enjoy this total heavyhitter of a wine now and over the next twelve to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 100

Bodega Hnos. Perez Pascuas

Today we share a rustic part of the world in Spain. The Ribera del Duero is a mountainous site that is not far from Madrid. You will probably be the only people tasting at these wineries. There are also beautiful lodging options in this region known for earthy and rich Tempranillo wines. Many of the wines from this region are either 100% Tempranillo or have 10% or less of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in.

Bodega Hnos. Perez Pascuas is a historic site in the Ribera, crafting earthy and layered Tempranillo wines that will stand the test of time. I recently had the chance to visit this beautiful lineup and was completely blown away across the board. Look to the 2020 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa La Navilla Reserva’ Ribera del Duero (OB, 93) which is powerful and beautifully structured stuff. Learn more about these great Ribera del Duero wines at Here are the outstanding new release wines by Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas.

2018 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘El Pedrosal Reserva’ Ribera del Duero-The outstanding 2018 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘El Pedrosal Reserva’ Ribera del Duero delivers burn orange and salty soils alongside black currents, Arabica bean and roasted figs on the palate. This is drinking really well right now. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2020 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa Reserva’ Ribera del Duero- The 2020 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa Reserva’ Ribera del Duero’ s a generous, broad-shouldered bottling that is drinking marvelously now at the five year mark. Cuban cigar and anise combine with dark currants and shades of pencil lead on the palate. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2018 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa Gran Reserva’ Ribera del Duero- A downright stunning wine, the 2018 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa Gran Reserva’ Ribera del Duero offers serious power and poise from this warm vintage. Dense fig and cassis notes combine with espresso grounds, underbrush, blood orange zest and shades of roasted dates on the palate. Wonderfully stony and salty, with a seamless texture, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Soter

Today we share the famed wines of Tony and Michelle Soter. The Soter Vineyard is certified biodynamic and was planted to 15 acres of Pinot Noir in 2002 and 2003, and an additional 15 acres in 2006. Two acres of Chardonnay were included in the 2006 plantings which are used for their sparkling wine production. Small extension blocks have been added over the years to grow their total production to 40 acres.

I have loved the bubbles produced from this house that have been some of the consistently great wines of their kind in Oregon. Eminent winemaker Chris Fladwood has a fantastic career in wine. After serving our country in the US Army, Fladwood worked harvests in New Zealand as well as Bordeaux. He became Soter cellar master in 2009 and has worked his way to the winemaker position. I think that the wines he is making are incredibly balanced in terms of having a beginning, middle and an end. Don’t miss out on the stunning 2022 Soter ‘Estates’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is seamless throughout the drinking experience. Learn more about this famed Oregon producer at http://sotervineyards.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Soter Vineyards.

2022 Soter ‘Estates’ Chardonnay- Another outstanding release, the 2022 Soter ‘Estates’ Chardonnay was sourced from their Eola-Amity Hills estate as well as the Mineral Springs Vineyard. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels and 6 months in stainless steel, this is a seamless bottling that is drinking marvelously now at the three year mark. Poached pear and baking spice lace pastry crust flavors combine with lemon rind and shades of salty minerals on the palate. Fat and round on the mouth, with glorious length, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2023 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir- The delicious 2023 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir is loaded with citrus rind and guava puree flavors alongside salty minerals on the palate. Medium-bodied and very fresh, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2023 Soter ‘Estates’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Soter ‘Estates’ Pinot Noir is beautiful new wine that was aged in roughly 30% new French oak barrels before bottling. This is big, lush and generous on the mouth, yet beautifully poised stuff. Concentrated red and dark fruits parade with refined tannins and great marine sedimentary soil character. Lithe and polished, enjoy this beautiful new wine now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2022 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ Pinot Noir- A brilliant new release, the 2022 ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ was stored for 12 months in 45% new French oak barrels before bottling. This is lush and rich on the tongue, with copious minerals that combine with concentrated wild blackberry, raspberry and mulberry notes alongside a seamless texture. Showing great weight and length, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Raptor Ridge

I fondly recall the great Raptor Ridge wines of the 2000s. This is a historic brand in Oregon wine that I came to enamor for its consistency. Founded back in 1995, Raptor Ridge almost immediately gained national acclaim for their Pinot Noirs. Founder and co-winemaker, Scott Shull, first started making terroir driven wines in 1995. Originally from Missouri, Scott is a self-taught winemaker, having learned by doing, reading, and attending extension service courses on viticulture and enology offered by U.C. Davis and Oregon State University.

I loved the new wines that were consistently great. Check out the outstanding 2020 Raptor Ridge ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which is fresh and shows loaded of tension alongside pretty red fruits Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.raptorridgewinery.com Here are the great new releases by Raptor Ridge. 

2020 Raptor Ridge ‘Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2020 Raptor Ridge ‘Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine is entirely sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA. It is lifted, showing green apple and strawberry tones on the palate alongside its refined mousse on the palate. Juicy and delicious, with loads of tension, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2024 Raptor Ridge Rose- The 2024 Raptor Ridge Rose was sourced from several sites across the Willamette Valley and was stored in neutral oak before bottling. A pretty salmon hue, this offers tart red fruits that mingle well with green apple and shades of salty soils on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 Raptor Ridge Gruner Veltliner- The outstanding 2024 Gruner Veltliner comes from the Tuscowallame Estate. Kiwi and honeydew melon mingle well with bright pear flavors on the palate. Showing a smooth texture and great sense of salty minerality, enjoy now and over the next several years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Raptor Ridge ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The really nice 2023 Raptor Ridge ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir is packed full of juicy red fruits that mingle well with orange peel and salty minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2023 Raptor Ridge ‘Barrel Select’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Barrel Select’ Pinot Noir spans five of the Willamette Valley AVAs. Dusty soils mingle well with cranberry and red cherry compote on the nose. The palate is packed with guava and tart red fruits that collide with salty and stony soils. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Raptor Ridge ‘Tuscowallame Estate Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir- Juicy and vibrant the 2022 Raptor Ridge ‘Tuscowallame Estate Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir is packed full of crunchy red fruits on the palate, with forest floor, pine needles and blood orange zest notes. Fresh and refined, enjoy this elegant beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Trisaetum

One of the great producers in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, Trisaetum utilizes the talents of fellow Arsenal supporter James Frey. Frey marks his Trisaetum that speak to the region and terroir. His winemaking style focuses towards a brightness and freshness in the wines, regardless of vintage. I have been highly impressed with these wines over the past several years. His talents spread far as James also makes some outstanding sparkling wines under his Pashey label and I reviewed his wines sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, his 1841 label. He makes some absolutely killer bubbles for the Pashey label. Frey also produces some of the finest Riesling you will taste in the Willamette Valley.

The new Trisaetum lineup was brilliant across the board. Look for their 2022 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated with serious tension. Even better is the incredible  2022 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is one of the outstanding Oregon Pinot Noirs that I have tasted this year. This is a total slumbering giant with tons of aging potential. Learn more about this fantastic Willamette Valley winery at http://www.trisaetum.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Trisaetum. 

2022 Trisaetum ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- This absolutely killer 2022 ‘Willamette Valley’ bottling was sourced from all three of the Trisaetum estate vineyards. This is juicy and lively Pinot Noir, offering cracked black pepper alongside crunchy red fruits, tobacco leaf and salty soils on the palate. Nicely textured, with outstanding finesse, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Trisaetum ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ Pinot Noir- A stunning wine from this vintage that ended very late in the season, the 2022 ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ Pinot Noir is sourced from Pinot Noir vines first planted back in 2007. This is wonderfully nervy stuff with serious tension and finesse. Pretty red currant and guava fruits collide with salty minerals and red rose water notes on the palate. Very classic from this region, this is a silky, refined Pinot Noir that reminds me a bit of the 2019 — yet is more approachable than that bottling in its youth. For now give this beauty about an hour in the decanter and watch it unwind. Drink 2024-2038- 94

2022 Trisaetum ‘Coast Range Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Coast Range Estate’ is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and is set at 700 feet, with a combination of volcanic and marine sedimentary soils. This comes off very tart and salty — but in a really good way. Rich loganberry and cranberry tones combine with salty kirsch and menthol notes on the palate. Refined and elegant, with pretty high red flower notes aromatically, this is showing really beautifully now even at two years of age. The terroir is evident in the glass and for my palate, this is the best ‘Coast Range’ bottling that winemaker James Frey has crafted yet. Drink 2024-2037- 94

2022 Trisaetum ‘Wichmann Dundee’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 ‘Wichmann Dundee’ bottling comes from a site that James Frey planted back in 1999 at 700 feet elevation. Coming from vines set on Jory soils, this offers a smooth texture with good weight and brightness. Citrus rind, black raspberry and shades of cardamom dusted blackberry all combine with the volcanic soil underpinnings. Refined, elegant and showing good weight and underlying verve, this is a stunning rendition of Dundee Hills Pinot Noir that is already drinking beautifully at the two year mark. Drink 2024-2040- 95

2022 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot Noir-A barrel selection wine sourced from the Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge, Dundee Hills AVAs, the 2022 ‘Estates Reserve’ really needs about an hour to fully unwind. I think this is the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted in the past decade. After an hour of air this reveals pretty high-toned arromatics with citrus blossom and potpourri alongside a polished texture. Utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience this revels in its full-bodied red and dark fruit flavors, offering alluring pine needle, salty and stony soils and copious mineral accents. Finishing exceedingly long, this dense and decadent Oregon Pinot Noir is a marvelous effort that will easily age for another twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 95

2022 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The wine made from the winemaker’s choicest lots, the 2022 ‘Family Reserve’ is a wine that has so much cellaring potential and is a bit reticent right out of the gate. Needing several hours in the decanter, this shows aromatics of black truffle shavings, salty soils, volcanic rock, red currants and Cuban cigar notes once on the nose. The palate is dense and decadent with tremendous length and underlying tension. A totally stunning wine that is still tightly wound, rich and light on its feet, try to resist this beauty for a few more years — and your patience will be rewarded. Drink 2026-2045- 96

Amos Rome

Amos Rome has been impressing over the past few years with wines from the Columbia Valley and their estate site in Chelan County. Their estate vineyard has a wide range of varietals including Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also utilize their High Blossom Vineyard located three miles from the tasting room and is set at 2000 feet. The location is planted to Riesling (planted in 2003), Grüner Veltliner (planted in 2019), and a block of Tempranillo & Albariño (planted in 2021). Wines show good body with texture and excellent acidity considering the heat of the region.

Owners Travis and Brianna Clark run the winery that has sweeping views of Lake Chelan. Travis serves as winemaker and has completed the WSU Viticulture Certificate program.  I love the new 2024 Bighorn Albarino (OB, 91) which is fresh and neatly textured stuff that is drinking beautifully now. Learn more at https://www.amosrome.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Amos Rome wines.

2024 Bighorn Albariño- The 2024 Bighorn Albarino offers a smooth mouthfeel with white grapefruit and orange rind flavors that mingle well with gooseberry and kiwi. This is mineral-laden stuff, with a smooth texture that is exceedingly well-done. Enjoy in its vibrant youth. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2024 Bighorn ‘Concrete’ Sauvignon Blanc- Sourced from the Yakima Valley, the 2024 Bighorn ‘Concrete’ Sauvignon Blanc offers juicy pear and peach flavors with a smooth mouthfeel and a brisk sense of minerality on the palate. Refined and fresh, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2024 Amos Rome ‘Estate’ Rose- The outstanding Amos Rome 2024 Rose is made from Cabernet Franc grapes grown in the Lake Chelan AVA. Copious minerals greet you on the palate, alongside a soft mouthfeel with juicy guava and starfruit flavors. Really well-done, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2023 Amos Rome ‘Estate’ White Pinot Noir- Now the second time I have tasted this great bottling, the 2023 Amos Rome ‘Estate’ White Pinot Noir is a juicy, beautifully-textured wine that is drinking great right now. Pear and peach flavors mingle well with passion fruit and strawberry undertones on the palate. Soft and round, showing a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

Stoller and Chehalem

It is my pleasure to share the wines of Stoller and Chehalem, founded by Oregon wine icon Bill Stoller. Stoller dates back to 1993 when Bill Stoller acquired a family property from his cousin. Immediately Stoller saw potential to grow world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Two years after the acquisition he planted 10 acres each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and fast forward to today the vineyard is now the largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon's Dundee Hills. The property spans 400 acres, with 225 acres focused on growing vines at elevations ranging from 220 to 640 feet. Ten varietals are planted in this vineyard, including Viognier, Pinot Meunier and even Aligote. 

I really enjoyed these new wines and check out the 2023 Stoller ‘Family Estate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which has great salty/rocky soil character. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at https://www.stollerfamilyestate.com and chehalemwines.com and here are my reviews of the the beautiful new wines by Stoller and Chehalem.

2024 Chehalem Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2024 Chehalem Rose offers bright red fruits that combine with red rose water, orange rind and shades of damp earth on the palate. Smooth and refined, this is really well-done stuff that has better texture than previous vintages. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2023 Stoller ‘Family Estate’ Chardonnay- Sourced from their Dundee Hills Estate, this 2023 Chardonnay offers starfruit and melon tones alongside a smooth texture and good sense of tension on the palate. Ripe and generous on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2023 Stoller ‘Family Estate’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2023 Stoller ‘Family Estate’ Pinot Noir offers Christmas spice on the nose alongside tart red fruits and orange peel notes on the nose. The palate is generous and rich with a serious sense of verve and texture. Showing great salty and rocky soil character, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93