Revana

Today we share the wines of famed 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.

Revana did an incredible job managing the heat of 2022. The wines from 2023 are more poised and show excellent flavor density and underlying tension. I love the 2023 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is nothing short of a perfect wine. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.revanawine.com Here are the last two world-class releases by Revana.

2023 Revana ‘Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Delightful and dense in the glass, the 2023 ‘Estate Vineyard’ comes from this small site in Saint Helena. Set on gravelly loam soils. Cassis and loamy soils fill the nose alongside sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is decadent and dense with a terrific tension, flavor density and smooth mouthfeel. Already beautifully evolved, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Revana ‘RX’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Revana ‘RX’ Cabernet Sauvignon is silky and refined on the mouth. Dense black fruits, chocolate, damp soils and graphite combine on the palate. Showing excellent viscosity and length, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Revana ‘Shifflett Ranch’ Red Wine- Sourced from the Oak Knoll District, the 2023 ‘Shifflett Ranch combines Cabernet Franc with Merlot. Arabica bean flavors combine with dark currant cordial, milk chocolate and rocky soil nuances on the palate. Pillowy and soft throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 98

2023 Revana ‘Stelzner Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2023 ‘Stelzner Vineyard’ was sourced from the Stag’s Leap District. Mocha, tar and anise all fill the nose with rocky soils. The palate is seamless and plush with dense black mountain fruits alongside creme de cassis flavors. Decadent and delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 99

2023 Revana ‘Stone River’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Rutherford appellation, the 2023 Revana ‘Stone River’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows violets, tar and black currants on the nose. This is silky, elegant and seamless throughout the drinking experience. Decadent black and blue fruits combine with copious stony minerals and loamy soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2043- 99

2023 Revana ‘Cold Springs Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Cold Springs vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon vines from this location are set on volcanic soils. The palate has amazing soil character as this jet-black beauty offers dark chocolate shavings, sandalwood and creme de violette on the palate. Stunning now, this flirts with perfection and is best enjoyed over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 99

2023 Revana ‘Tip Top’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from the Edcora Vineyard, the 2023 ‘Tip Top’ shows beautiful dark florals on the nose with chocolate and fresh sage. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth mouthfeel and gorgeous texture. Showing great length and rocky soil character, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 98

2023 Revana ‘Estate Block 6’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning 2023 ‘Estate Block 6’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from their estate vineyard in Saint Helena. Black licorice, fresh sage, blackberry compote and shades of dark chocolate all mark the palate. Dense and rich with a terrific underlying acidity and sensational flavor density, savor this beauty now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2026-2044- 100

2023 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this famed site, the To Kalon Vineyard was first planted in the 1860s. Jet black in the glass, this delivers a voluptuous mouthfeel with amazing concentration, power and poise. Offering amazing weight and flavor density with amazing loamy soil nuance, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2044- 100

2023 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Block C1’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An otherworldly bottling, the 2023 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Block C1’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers tar, sandalwood and mocha on the nose with damp earthy nuances. This leaves no doubt of perfection in a bottle. Decadent black and blue fruits combine with rocky and loamy soils on the palate. Unforgettable, with loads of weight and length, savor this Beaty over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2044- 100

Evidence

Founded by Jason Court, Evidence Wines has an outstanding range that spans the Napa Valley. At 39 years old Court worked his first harvest and became entrenched in wine culture. Prior to wine Court was an actor known for roles in Septerra Core and Silk Stalkings. He spent seven years training under eminent winemaker Chris Carpenter at La Jota and Lokoya. I have never tried these wines and they are completely new to my palate.

Court has a great winemaking style, one that focuses on purity, non-fruit character and poise. The wines are rich but not overripe. They are made with serious intention.

I love the 2023 Evidence ‘Mt. Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) and while I am not at all familiar with this vineyard site, the wine is lush, showing amazing stony character. Learn more at

2025 Evidence Grenache Blanc- Sourced from the Bennett Valley, this 2025 Grenache Blanc shows off kiwi, lychee and orange blossom notes on the nose. The palate is beautifully-textured, with a terrific push/pull between weight and bright underlying finesse. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Evidence ‘Spring Mountain Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Jet black in the glass, the 2023 ‘Spring Mountain Vineyard’ offers pencil lead and purple wildflower notes on the nose alongside shades of creme de cassis. The palate is lush and rich with terrific texture, alongside its weight and stony edge. Medium to full-bodied, with bright acidity, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Evidence ‘Mt. Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Mt. Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Bruadair Vineyard, as this was stored for 18 months in 70% new French oak before bottling. This is rich, decadent and well-structured stuff that wonderfully coats the mid-palate. Dark chocolate shavings collide with graphite, volcanic rock, sandalwood and creme de violette on the palate. Seriously good, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2023 Evidence ‘Coombsville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 Evidence ‘Coombsville’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 4% Cabernet Franc blended in. Stored in primarily new French oak, this delivers tar, mocha and purple rose petals on the nose. The palette is lush and rich with beautiful tension and poise alongside a gorgeous core of black fruits, with chocolate pie and stony minerals. Drink 2026-2042- 95

Shafer

One of Napa’s outstanding wineries, Shafer has a great history in the region. The site of the current winery had grape growing and commercial winemaking since 1880, during Napa Valley’s first boom as an American wine country. Napa’s pioneer vintners not only filled San Francisco’s wine cellars, but shipped wine across the country and earned gold medals at the 1889 Paris Exposition. John Shafer, a Chicago publishing executive, purchased our site in 1972 and spent the mid-1970s planting the hillside estate to Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1978 John transitioned to full-scale winemaking, making the winery’s first Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1983 John’s son, Doug Shafer, joined the winery as winemaker. The following year, Elias Fernandez joined the winery, initially as assistant winemaker. Fernandez has been winemaker since 1994.

I love the new 2024 ‘Red Shoulder Ranch’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is rich, viscous and has amazing flavor range. Learn more about this historic winery at https://shafervineyards.com

Here are my reviews of the new wines by Shafer.

2024 Shafer ‘Red Shoulder Ranch’ Chardonnay- Sourced from this slightly cooler site overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the 2024 ‘Red Shoulder Ranch’ delivers marzipan, Japanese pear and lemon curd notes on the nose with hints of pineapple cream. The palate is laden with tension and richness, as copious minerals greet you alongside a core of tropical and melon fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Shafer ‘TD-9’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘TD-9’ is inspired by John Shafer’s first tractor, the TD-9 International Harvester. This has 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot and was stored in 60% new French oak before bottling. It comes of juicy, rich and beautifully-textured, with a great acid backbone. Drink 2026-2042- 94

2026 Method Oregon Report

Today it is my pleasure to release the first comprehensive Method Oregon Report. A non-profit organization dedicated to establishing Oregon as a world-class sparkling wine region, Method Oregon champions Oregon’s fast-growing traditional method sparkling wine movement. Wines from Method Oregon must be made in Oregon, spend at least 24 months en tirage, and by 2029 they must be sustainably farmed and show the disgorgement date.

I’ve been enjoying Oregon Sparkling wines from my personal collection since roughly 2002 and fondly recall the amazing Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ bottlings from the late 1990s. These were some of the wines that put Oregon Sparkling Wine on the world stage. Legendary producer Rollin Soles started this movement and continues today to impress with his namesake ROCO label. Today Kate Payne Browne continues this movement for Argyle.

Wines for this report come from a range of vintages, generally spanning from 2018-2022. 2018 its one of he great vintages in Oregon for both Pinot and Chardonnay as this vintage boasted warm weather and few 100 degree days, with some sensational diurnal shifts. I won’t forget one August day that was 100 degrees during the day and then in the 40s at night! The diurnal shifts during August caused some seriously good tension in the wines that were already quite rich.

2019 on the other hand was more challenging for still wines and was cooler — one that was really mineral-laden and nervy for sparkling wines. Sparkling wines from this vintage might not have the flavor density of 2018 but show really well in terms of finesse and nuance. The soil character from this vintage is particularly good.

For many people in the wine industry 2020 was a vintage to forget with the smoke that rolled into Oregon in early September. I was out walking the vineyards in early September and some spots looked like you were walking on Mars. However, this is a vintage to not totally overlook. Dan Diephouse of Corollary described 2020 as “scary.” He noted “We called off all our picks at one point because of the smoke. We were afraid that when we could return to pick them, they would be overripe. But, the smoke cover essentially stopped development, so when we resumed picking, things were on point. While we were afraid of smoke taint, we had a number of advantages: earlier pick dates, higher elevations, and lighter pressing. This added up to clean, beautiful wines that we're really proud of.”

I was amazed what Corollary was able to produce in 2020. Some of the other Willamette Valley sparkling wines made from 2020 came up clean without smoke impact.

2021 brought another warm vintage which was somewhat akin to 2018, albeit slightly less major diurnal shifts during the hot growing season. While this was a generous, plush vintage and very consistent for still wines, there are some really outstanding bubbles made from this year. 2022 mirrored 2019 a but more and was quite divergent from ’21.

Kate Payne Browne, winemaker at Argyle, also sees 2021 and 2022 as really diverse vintages.  She explained “2021 and 2022 gave us two completely different paths to the same place. 2021 was shaped by a warmer growing season, we picked early and leaned on acid retention to keep those base wines bright for tirage. It was a vintage that rewarded decisiveness. 2022 was different and marked by a much colder and later harvest which led to bright acidity and energetically taut base wines. 2022 was the vintage of patience and hope.  Side by side, they're a good reminder that sparkling wine in the Willamette Valley isn't about chasing a house style every year, it's about reading the vintage and making sure the wine still tastes like where it's from.”

I see 2022 sparkling wines mirroring what was produced with 2019, both showing dazzling tension in some cases. Diephouse described 2022 as not an easy year and “bit of a roller coaster.” He explained “we had an early bud break, the freeze, not being sure if we were going to get any Chardonnay... Because of the late start, we had a really late harvest, with picking beginning in late September for sparkling. I think at first we were a little unsure about the wines, but the vintage really surprised us. The long growing season resulted in great flavor development. The wines are very balanced, with this beautiful savory, saline quality to them that we really enjoy.”

Overall, I think you are going to be really impressed with the quality of the wines made by Method Oregon producers. These are wines with serious intension and very high overall quality. Here are my reviews of my inaugural Method Oregon Report.

AMBAR

2022 Ambar ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- Only 70 cases were made of the delicious 2022 Ambar ‘Blanc de Blancs’ which was sourced from Carter's Block and Maple Block at their estate vineyard. Lemon rind dusted sourdough bread and gooseberry notes combine on the palate with serious weight and salty minerality. The length and soft mousse is outstanding here. Drink 2026-2036- 93

APPROACHMENT

2023 Approachment Pinot Meunier Sparkling Wine- Just recently disgorged in summer 2026, the 2023 Approachment Pinot Meunier Sparkling Wine offers pear and baking spices on the nose with shades of cloves and sourdough bread. The palate is rich, viscous and vibrant with serious tension and mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2026-2033- 92

ARABILIS

2020 Arabilis ‘Sequence’ Sparkling Wine- The 2020 ‘Sequence’ spent a whopping 60 months en tirage before disgorgement in March 2026. It is a blend of 70% Chardonnay with 30% Pinot Noir. This comes off clean despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Toasted hazelnut flavors combine with shades of papaya, lemon curd and cardamom dusted French bread on the palate. Drinking beautifully now, this is somehow a notch more complex than the ’21! Drink now. Drink 2026-2031- 94

2021 Arabilis ‘Sequence’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 ‘Sequence’ combines 64% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. This was stored on the lees for 48 months before disgorgement in March 2026. Walnut and lemon zest mark the nose alongside salty soils and shades of yellow plum. The palate is big, broad-shouldered and rich with a refined mouthfeel and terrific flavor density. Only 1.5G/L dosage, this is rich and viscous stuff, loaded with citrus oil, that would be an terrific match for sushi. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Arabilis Rose ‘Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2022 Arabilis Rose Sparkling Wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier that comes from a range of sites throughout the Willamette Valley. Once on the nose this takes on tart cranberry and Yakima cherry notes alongside shades of orange blossom that all dance in the glass. The palate is refined and mineral-laden, with terrific tension, texture and richness, with wafts of diatom. Drink 2026-2034- 93

ARGYLE

2021 Argyle ‘Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2021 Argyle ‘Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine shows lemon blossom and shades of green melon on the nose with rocky nuances. The palate is refined and viscous with terrific richness and texture as the silky mousse entices. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Argyle ‘Knudsen Vineyard’ Brut Sparkling Wine- The 2022 Argyle ‘Knudsen Vineyard’ Brut Sparkling Wine offers a smooth mouthfeel with loads of tension and salty nuance. Rich melon and mango fruits combine with shades of red raspberry on the palate. Deep and viscous with excellent length, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2014 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- The 2014 ‘Extended Tirage’ was disgorged in July 2023. Given 3 G/L dosage, this shows off baking spice dusted pastry crust, Pink Lady apple, and juicy peach notes with shades of diatomaceous earth on this luxurious nose. The mousse is super refined and elegant, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. 60% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. This is ethereal stuff that is only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2026-2038- 96

BALSALL CREEK

2022 Balsall Creek ‘Sparkling Brut’ Sparkling Wine- A blend of 42% Chardonnay with 31% Pinot Meunier and the remainder Pinot Noir, this is a rich, viscous and delicious effort. Soft on the mouth, this delivers copious minerals that combine with bright pear and starfruit flavors with flinty accents. Drink 2026-2034- 92

BENZA

2022 Benza ‘Brut Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- Sourced from the Benza Estate Vineyard, this 2022 ‘Brut Cuvee’ offers white peach and juicy Japanese pear notes alongside wet rocks and rich melon notes. The palate is refined and elegant with a silky mousse and marvelous sense of weight and length. Drink 2026-2034- 92

BROOKS

2019 Brooks ‘Extended Tirage’ Riesling- Another spectacular edition of this wine, the truly novel 2019 Brooks ‘Extended Tirage’ Riesling comes from this slightly cooler vintage in the Willamette Valley. Once on the nose this takes on dense honeydew melon and salted Macadamia nut notes alongside shades of lychee. The palate is fresh, viscous and refined with plenty of earthy elegance and a bright salinity that rips through the core of the wine. Seriously good to enjoy right now, savor this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 95

BRYN MAWR

2018 Bryn Mawr ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2018 Bryn Mawr ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine is delightful and mature now at the seven year mark. White peach and green apple tones combine with salty minerals and wet gravel nuances on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 93

CHEHALEM

2021 Chehalem ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- Disgorged in December 2025, the 2021 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ shows off its vibrant yellow hue. Green apple, white pepper and shades of kumquat zest all combine on the nose. The palate is vibrant with loads of lemon zest and salty minerals. Full-bodied, with serious weight, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2021 Chehalem ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 ‘Brut’ is mainly Pinot Noir (84%) and a small amount of dosage (4G/L). Walnut and sandalwood notes combine with toasty brioche and delicate red fruits on the palate. Nicely weighted, with a terrific texture and soft mousse, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

COROLLARY

2021 Corollary ‘Namaste Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 ‘Namaste Vineyard’ is all Chardonnay from this location in the Van Duzer Corridor. Lemon oil, ripe fig and suggestions of candied ginger all combine on the palate, with diatom nuances. The flinty undertones and loads of freshness really make this shine. Very tension-filled and showing great length, this is quite simply a stunning, very geeky bottling that will appeal to Michelin Star somms across the globe. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2022 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Brut’ Sparkling Wine was sourced from a range of locations in the Willamette Valley including the Lonesome Rock and X Omni Vineyards. The final blend was a novel combination of 42% Chardonnay, with 38% Pinot Noir and the remainder Pinot Meunier and Pinot Blanc. It is best served on the warmer side to take in the thrilling range of flavors and aromatics. Soft on the mouth, this has intriguing nutty tones from the Pinot Blanc as well as rich melon fruits, with salted kumquat and sourdough bread notes. This is gorgeous stuff that is a steal at 50 bucks SRP. Grab a case while you can. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2022 Corollary ‘Momtazi Vineyard Extra Brut’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2022 Corollary ‘Momtazi Vineyard Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine is shining brightly in its vibrant youth. A killer melange of red and citrus fruits greets you alongside shades of white peach on the palate. Rich and polished, don’t serve too warm! Drink 2026-2036- 94

2022 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Extra Brut’ Rose Sparkling Wine- An amazing, nervy new release, the 2022 ‘Cuvee One’ Rose comes from a range of sites throughout the valley, including 31.25% Twelve Oaks Pinot Meunier (Chehalem Mountains AVA) and 18.75% Lonesome Rock Pinot Noir. Wild mushroom, red raspberry, walnut and hints of cran-pomegranate all combine with salty and rocky soil nuances. Soft and elegant with a silky mousse, enjoy this gorgeous wine now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2033- 94

DOMAINE WILLAMETTE

2022 Domaine Willaette ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 Domaine Willaette ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine spent more than 30 months en tirage prior to disgorgement. It is finesse-laden stuff that is already neatly evolved. Cashew nut flavors collide with honeydew melon and shades of juicy peach on the palate. 100% Pinot Noir and very well-done. Drink 2026-2035- 92

2022 Domaine Willamette ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ is all estate Chardonnay that was aged on the lees for 30 months before disgorgement. This is loaded wth astringency and nerve, with rich lemon and Key lime fruits that combine with salted hazelnut and sourdough bread notes, with wafts of ginger. Gorgeous now, enjoy this saline-laden sparkling wine over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2017 Domaine Willamette ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2017 Domaine Willamette ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine is made from estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes that were aged on the lees for seven years. This is a mature, complex sparkling wine that is really peaking right now. Golden in the glass, this shows off heady green melon and kiwi flavors that collide with Japanese pear and cardamom laced pastry crust on the palate. Fabulous now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

ELK COVE

2019 Elk Cove ‘Goodrich Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The very mineral-laden 2019 Elk Cove ‘Goodrich Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine comes from the Goodrich Vineyard. All Chardonnay, this delivers bright citrus blossom water and freshly cut limes on the palate alongside sourdough bread notes. This would be a tasty foil for Kusshi oysters. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2019 Elk Cove ‘La Boheme Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 Elk Cove ‘La Boheme Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine is vibrant pink in the glass. It comes off loaded with intense red fruits with blood orange zest, cardamom dusted French bread and stony minerals on the palate. The soft mousse and wonderful sense of weight entices from this slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2019 Elk Cove ‘Mount Richmond’ Sparkling Wine- A blend of mainly Pinot Noir, the 2019 ‘Mount Richmond’ is dense and delicious on the mouth. Loaded with pear and baked apple flavors with wild strawberry and starfruit tones, this is rich and viscous stuff, with tons of salty nuance. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

ERATH

2022 Earth 'La Lumiere Magique’ Sparkling Wine- All Chardonnay, the 2022 Earth 'La Lumiere Magique’ Sparkling Wine is soft on the mouth with a refined mousse. Juicy starfruit and tangerine rind flavors combine with ginger and sea salt dusted brioche on the palate. Delicious and rich, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

GRAN MORAINE

2018 Gran Moraine ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- Citrus blossom and lychee mark the nose alongside sourdough bread. The palate is polished with a refined mouthfeel and a deep citrus oil core. Drink 2026-2038- 93

NV Gran Moraine ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Disgorged in March 2025, the NV Gran Moraine Brut Rose is mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a dash of Pinot Meunier. It is refined and sleek on the mouth with a smooth mousse. Delicate cranberry and salmonberry fruits collide with copious minerals and sourdough bread accents on the palate. Showing excellent length, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

ITERUM

2020 Iterum ‘Blanc de Blancs Orchard House Estate’ Sparkling Wine- Golden in the glass, the 2020 Iterum ‘Blanc de Blancs Orchard House Estate’ Sparkling Wine comes off clean on the palate. Shades of toasted hazelnut, papaya and Japanese pear nuances all collide with sea salt dusted citrus rind on the palate. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2021 Iterum ‘Orchard House Estate’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2021 Iterum ‘Orchard House Estate’ Rose Sparkling Wine spent over four years on the lees before being disgorged in June 2026. Damp earth and wild mushroom combine with guava and citrus zest tones on the nose. This is elegant and refined with a dense mouthful and silky mousse. Drink 2026-2036- 93

KING ESTATE

2021 King Estate ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 ‘Brut’ stands golden in the glass, offering marzipan and ginger aromatics that combine with shades of papaya and nutty nuances. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious melon, tropical and melon fruit flavors that mingle well with pine nuts and copious minerals. Drink 2026-2036- 93

LUNDEEN

2022 Lundeen ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- All Pinot Noir, the 2022 ‘Brut Rose’ is a really excellent wine that shows off its silky mousse and salty minerality. Delicate red fruits combine with Satsuma orange zest and bergamot accents on the palate. The earthy undertones entice, as this is best consumed now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2021 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- Coming from this warmer vintage the 2021 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine is big, round and generous on the mouth, with terrific texture and weight. Sea salt dusted citrus fruits combine with sourdough bread and yeasty accents on the palate.Tasted several times with consistent notes. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2018 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Noirs La Cantera Vineyard’ Sparkling Wine- All coming from this location in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, the 2018 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Noirs La Cantera Vineyard’ Sparkling Wine is a delicious, mature bottling that is great to consume now. Orange blossom and white peach alongside ginger notes and brioche all fill the nose. The palate is filled with weight and tension, alongside rocky nuances. Drink 2026-2033- 93

LYTLE-BARNETT

2019 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut Rose Saignee’ Sparkling Wine- Pale in the glass, the 2019 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut Rose Saignee’ Sparkling Wine is a beautiful effort from this cooler vintage. It is fresh, laden with minerality, and salty tension on the mouth. Delicate red fruits line the palate alongside kumquat zest and suggestions of diatom. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2020 Lytle-Barnett ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine- A really good wine from a tough vintage, the 2020 ‘Blanc de Noirs’ comes from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. It is round and generous on the tongue with mineral-driven melon, Yakima cherry and citrus fruits that parade with baking spice dusted French bread on the palate. Ripe and fleshy, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2030- 91

2020 Lytle-Barnett ‘Le Melangeur’ Pinot Meunier A unique 2020 Oregon sparkling wine made only from Pinot Meunier grapes, the Le Mélangeur was stored on the lees for three years before disgorgement. This comes off clean despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Cardamom laced peach and shortbread notes combine with salty minerals and juicy strawberry on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2030- 93

2014 Lytle-Barnett ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- A delicious, mature bottling, the 2014 ‘Extended Tirage’ opens with honey and baked apple notes on the nose alongside pie crust accents. The plate is rich, round and dense on the tongue with a refined mousse and good sense of length. This is drinking at peak right now. Drink 2026-2032- 94

NYSA

2019 Nysa Vineyard ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine- Sourced from Dundee Hills Pinot Noir grapes, this 2019 opens with red raspberry and Bing cherry notes on the nose with beautiful orange blossom notes. The palate is loaded with tension and freshness with oyster shell nuances alongside bright melon and delicate red fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 92

PASHEY

2022 Pashey ‘Estates Cuvee Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 ‘Estates Cuvee Extra Brut’ combines mainly Pinot Noir (72%) with the remainder equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Given 3.0G/L dosage, this shows off baked apple and pear notes alongside suggestions of marzipan on the palate. The smooth mousse really entices, as this is best savored now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Pashey ‘Ribbon Ridge Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- All Chardonnay from their Ribbon Ridge Estate, the 2022 Pashey ‘Ribbon Ridge Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine delivers citrus blossom and cloves on the nose with suggestions of sourdough bread. The palate is mineral-laden and lush with great volume and length. Finishing long, this is going to be a seamless match for fresh oysters. Only 1.0G/L dosage. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Pashey ‘Coast Range Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 Pashey ‘Coast Range Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine comes from this windswept Yamhill-Carlton AVA outpost. On the nose this takes on freshly cut limes, diatom and shades of yellow plum. The palate is refined and elegant, as this sleek wine is loaded with salty tension. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Pashey ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Made from 50% Pinot Noir with equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this highly nuanced and subtle 2022 Rose sparkling wine was given 3.0G/L dosage and then disgorged in Summer 2025. It has evolved nicely in the bottle, as this comes off beautifully-weighted and also very nervy on the palate, with delicate guava, cranberry and Mandarin orange flavors that combine with hazelnut and damp earthy notes. Juicy and delicious, with excellent length, enjoy this highly refined Rose bottling now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Pashey Pinot Meunier- An awesome edition of this varietal, the highly novel 2022 Pashey Pinot Meunier was disgorged in summer 2025, as only 65 cases were made. It comes off fat and refined on the tongue as this silky mousse really entices. Lemon curd, kumquat zest and shades of salted French bread all combine with hints of ginger on the palate. The volume and intensity of the wine really drives this, alongside faint diatom noes. Drink 2026-2036- 93

SOTER

MV Soter ‘Estates Brut Reserve 1st edition’ Sparkling Wine- The MV Soter ‘Estates Brut Reserve 1st edition’ Sparkling Wine has some reserve wines from 2011 as well as 2012 and 2013 blended in. This is a big and dense edition of this wine, showing loads of orchard fruits alongside lemon rind and suggestions of pastry crust on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 94

MV Soter ‘Estates Brut Reserve 4th edition’ Sparkling Wine- This has a 202i0 vintage base, as well as reserve wines. This has a silky mousse, offering Meyer lemon rind and suggestions of white peach alongside salty nuances on the palate. Refined and elegant, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2035- 94

2017 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Blanc de Blancs’ Sparking Wine- The 2017 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Blanc de Blancs’ Sparking Wine is rich and layered, showing great kumquat and lemon rind flavors with salty/nutty nuance alongside green apple flavors. Elegant and smooth throughout the drinking experience, this is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2026-2035- 95

2016 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Blanc de Noirs Micha’ Sparkling Wine- A totally dazzling wine that is amongst the finest you will taste in Oregon, the 2016 ‘Micha’ is a tribute wine to Oregon wine pioneer Michelle Soter. A mesmerizing wine, this sat on the less for eight years prior to disgorgement in February 2025. This is weightless and smooth throughout the drinking experience, with serious texture and yeasty character from the less exposure. Toasted walnut combines with orange zest and dense melon fruits. Drink 2026-2038- 97

2021 Soter ‘Mineral Springs’ Brut Rose- A crazy good new sparkling wine, the 2021 Soter ‘Mineral Springs’ Brut Rose is lush and rich on the mouth with a silky mousse. This is loaded with minerality, yet is silky on the mid-palate. Mandarin orange zest and shades of cranberry with Yakima cherry all combine on the palate. Very complex and delicious, with a bright sense of tension and salinity, this is a marvelous effort that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2038- 95

ST. INNOCENT

2021 St. Innocent ‘Crement’ Rose Sparkling Wine- Composed from mostly Pinot Blanc (89%) grapes, this was stored on the lees for 39 months prior to disgorgement in late 2025. This has a vibrant pink hue, offering nutty aromatics on the nose alongside suggestions of red raspberry and Bing cherry. The palate shows loads of mouth-watering acidity with a terrific melange of Satsuma orange zest, green melon and tart red fruits. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2021 St. Innocent ‘Cremant d’Innocent’ Sparkling Wine- Another sensational edition of this bottling, the 2021 St. Innocent ‘Cremant d’Innocent’ Sparkling Wine was made from all Pinot Blanc grapes grown at the Freedom Hill Vineyard. It is lush and mineral laden on the tongue, with a vibrant astringency. Salted walnut and Yakima cherry fruit flavors combine with dense melon notes on the palate. The soft mousse entices as this is best served slightly warmer. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2021 St. Innocent ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ comes from the famed Temperance Hill Vineyard and was stored on the lees for four years prior to disgorgement in December 2025. This is fresh, energetic and vibrant sparkling wine with sourdough bread flavors that meld well with cantalope and shades of beeswax with lemon oil notes. Fresh with a smooth mousse, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

STOLLER

2020 Stoller ‘Larue’s Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2020 Stoller ‘Larue’s Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine comes from the Dundee Hills and was given 5G/L dosage. Green melon and citrus blossom all mark the nose alongside shades of ginger. The palate is rich and viscous with terrific flavor density and tension. Really good now, with its refined mousse and length, watch this evolve over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2021 Stoller ‘Larue’s Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Also coming from the Dundee Hills, the 2021 Stoller ‘Larue’s Rose’ Sparkling Wine comes from high elevation sites at their estate. Mainly Pinot Noir (65%) this was given 4G/L dosage. Wild mushroom and peat moss tones combine with delicate red fruits on the nose. The palate is dense, viscous and silky on the mouth. A stunning wine that is one of the greats of its kind out of Oregon, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

WINTER’S HILL

2021 Winter’s Hill ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- This 2021 ‘Brut’ saw extended less aging. It is ripe and rich on the mouth with a great combination of citrus and melon fruit flavors alongside stony minerals. Drink 2026-2032- 92

WILLAKENZIE ESTATE

NV WillaKenzie Estate Éclatant Brut - Mostly Pinot Noir (57%) this offers loads of citrus oil and melon tones with raspberry alongside a silky mousse. Refined and elegant, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

Koehler Family Wines

It is my pleasure to share the great wines of Koehler.. Derek Koehler grew up on the estate and spent a semester in France studying international practices within the wine industry. Today he is in charge of the operations of the family winery. I have been really impressed with these wines.

Wines are made by Trace Brueske and were seriously good across the board. I love the new 2025 Koehler Rose (OB, 91) which is pretty and neatly textured.. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://www.koehlerwinery.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Koehler Family Wines.

2025 Koehler ‘Magia Bianca’ White Wine- A blend of 50% Chardonnay with the remainder Viognier and Grenahe Blanc, this offers nutty notes on the nose with salted peach and sourdough bread notes. The palate is wonderfully salty with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2025 Koehler ‘Kick On Ranch’ Riesling- The 2025 ‘Kick On Ranch’ Riesling is bone-dry and shows really smooth texture. Green apple and pear notes combine with starfruit and light petrol  accents on the palate. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2025 Koehler ‘Santa Barbara County’ Rose- The 2025 ‘Santa Barbara County’ Rose shows orange blossom and strawberry notes on the nose with shades of French bread. The palate is fresh and polished with a smooth mouthfeel, as delicate red fruits line its core. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2025 Koehler ‘Alisos Canyon’ Gamay Noir- The 2025 Koehler ‘Alisos Canyon’ Gamay Noir is soft on the approach. Bright pomegranate seed and wild strawberry flavors combine with Mandarin orange zest on the palate. Really well-done, enjoy now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Koehler ‘Drum Canyon’ Pinot Noir- Red raspberry and dried herbs mark the nose alongside beautiful red florals in this 2024 Pinot Noir. The palate is fresh and nicely textured, with loads of bright red and dark fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Koehler ‘Santa Ynez Valley’ Merlot- The 2023 Koehler ‘Santa Ynez Valley’ Merlot offers plum and soy sauce on the nose with black currant accents. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture and medium-bodied core of dark fruits wth Arabica bean notes. Drink 2026-2034- 91

2025 Koehler ‘Rancho Rojo’ Red Wine- A blend of Cinsault and Mourvèdre from the Santa Ynez Valley, the 2025 ‘Ranch Rojo’ offers a soft mouthfeel with juicy red fruits and orange peel accents. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2023 Koehler ‘Alison Canyon’ Mourvedre- Coming from the Nolan Ranch, this 2025 Mourvèdre is smooth and rich on the mouth. Plump red and dark fruits collide with shades of black licorice and red licorice notes, with lighter dried herbal accents. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Koehler ‘Nolan Ranch Vineyard’ Petite Sirah- Inky in the glass, the 2023 Koehler ‘Nolan Ranch Vineyard’ Petite Sirah shows juicy blue fruits on the palate with refined tannins and rich dark chocolate notes. Showing stony minerals, with its graphite edge, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

L'Ecole No. 41

It is my pleasure to share the great wines of L’Ecole No. 41 which is one of Walla Walla’s oldest wineries. This was one of the first wineries I tasted at more than 25 years ago. While the perform exceedingly well at the entry level, their higher end wines continue to soar and have been particularly impressive over the past seven years. They are sourcing from one of the most electric sites in the entire Pacific Northwest, the ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ which is sent on fractured basalt soils. Wines from this site are unlike anything else in the Northwest.

I am so impressed with the latest set of new wines. I adored the 2023  L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine (OB, 98) which has insanely good terroir and shows sensational aging potential. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://lecole.com/ Here are the great new wines by L’Ecole No. 41.

2025 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Luminesce’ White Wine- The outstanding 2025 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Luminesce’ White Wine combines 60% Semilon with the remainder Sauvignon Blanc from the Seven Hills Vineyard. On the nose this takes on toasted brioche with banana notes alongside Macadamia nut and green papaya notes. The palate is wonderfully salty with a smooth mouthfeel and good sense of poise. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah is entirely sourced from the Seven Hills Vineyard, set on Loess soils. Inky in the glass, this offers bulls blood and iodine notes on the nose alongside wafts of black peppercorns and dense dark fruits. The palate is dense and decadent, with terrific structure and flavor density. Seriously good now, this will easily cellar for another decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Perigee’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Perigee’ mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) 21% Merlot and smaller amounts Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. This was sourced from older plantings at the Seven Hills Vineyard. On the nose this shows off gorgeous red florals that combine with fresh sage, creme de cassis and exotic spice notes. The palate is rich and viscous with terrific tension and salty nuances. While glorious in its heady youth, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2044- 96

2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Apogee’ Red Wine- The wow-factor 2023 ‘Apogee’ comes from the acclaimed Pepper Bridge Vineyard which is one of the oldest vineyards in Walla Walla. This edition is nearly identical to the ’22, made of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) with 25% Merlot and smaller parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc.   Like any release of the ‘Apogee’ its nervy edge really requires an hour in the decanter before enjoying. It is elegant and bright wine with a fabulous acid backbone. Despite the heat of the vintage, the tension offered here is really impressive. This is loaded with stony and salty minerals on the palate, with a lush core of red and dark fruits that parade with chocolate pie, dark currants and pipe tobacco. Seriously good, this beauty has each varietal singing in clockwork unison. While gorgeous in its youth, this will easily go for another fifteen years. Drink 2026-2044- 96

2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from several locations in the Walla Walla Valley, the  L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in mainly neutral oak for 22 months prior to bottling. Lush and round on the mouth, this shows well-defined tannins that frame a gorgeous core of blackberry and boysenberry fruits alongside milk chocolate and Arabica bean accents. Medium to full-bodied, with terrific depth and power, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot- The 2023 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot comes in equal parts from the Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards. Mocha, tar and black licorice all mark the nose with shades of black rose petals. The palate is concentrated and deep with refined tannins and a gorgeous core of black fruits, with a graphite edge. This is really just an infant so give it plenty of air if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A different blend than the 2023 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ as this wine was equal parts sourced from the Seven Hills and Ferguson Vineyards. It is a standout wine for its impeccable balance and rocky soil nuance. Smooth on the palate, with its refined mouthfeel, this is loaded with tension and stony soils that frame a core of deep dark fruits with espressos ground flavors. Full-bodied and rich, this beauty needs at least an hour of air if consuming now. Drink 2026-2043- 95

2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine- A glorious wine from this warm vintage, the 2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine has 21% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot blended in. Stored in roughly 40% new French oak for 22 months, this delivers great rocky soil character on the nose alongside purple rose petals, Chinese black tea and suggestions of black currant cordial. The palate is deep, rich and viscous with tremendous verve, weight and length. It is seamless throughout the drinking experience, as refined tannins frame a gorgeous array of black and blue fruits. A total stunner, with serious mouth-watering acidity and rocky soil character, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 98

Cayuse Vineyards 'Bionic Froggette' Grenache

The Bionic Frog has found its soulmate. The iconic Bionic Frog has now found his person — Bionic Froggette. This inaugural release of the ‘Bionic Frogette’ comes from Christophe Baron’s cobblestone-laden vineyards outside the town of Milton-Freewater. It is an extremely limited edition wine that is dense, dark and decadent Grenache. It is quite different than the famed God Only Knows.

The wine is extremely mineral-laden and concentrated. It is a flat out fabulous bottling that is unforgettable and totally different than anything you will taste in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more at https://cayusevineyards.com/static/ and here is my review of the inaugural vintage of the ‘Bionic Froggette’ Grenache.

2024 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Froggette’ Grenache- A brand new wine from Cayuse Vineyards, the inaugural 2024 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Froggette’ Grenache is a stunning bottling from the stony terroir of Milton-Freewater. Extremely dark in the glass, this comes off wonderfully stony on the nose offering soy sauce and Umami notes alongside Nori, Parma ham and suggestions of green peppercorns. The oak treatment here beautifully caresses the deep combination of red and dark fruits, as this exudes class with its kaleidoscope of non-fruit flavors. The palate is intense and nervy with a seamless texture and marvelous combination of weight and verve. There is quite simply nothing like this in the world. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 100

Abloom

One of the outstanding Rose wines made from Napa, Abloom is a 100% Grenache Rose project by three famed female winemakers:Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth and Sally Johnson Blum. The wine is inspired by the great Grenache based rose wines of Provence and comes from a high elevation site atop the Napa Valley.

The wine is made in a very textural style, offering a very Domaine Tempier v Napa feel. It is pretty and complex wine that is gonna be astoundingly good at the Thanksgiving table or any Tuesday night. The 2025 Abloom (OB, 93) is a standout wine that is drinking marvelously right now. Filled with verve and texture, this beauty shows off the pretty character of Grenache. Learn more at https://www.abloomwine.com/ and her is my review of the inaugural release of Abloom Rose.

2025 Abloom Rose- The 2025 Abloom Rose is composed of all Grenache from the Paras Vineyard, set on Mount Veeder. Made by three female winemakers, Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth and Sally Johnson Blum this comes off ripe and fat on the mouth. A gorgeous core of bright guava and cran-pomegrante fruits greet you on the [alate alongside shades of kumquat zest and wet stony accents. Dense and delicious, this is already drinking beautifully now. Enjoy this beauty over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

Gainey

Today we share the wines of Dan and Diane Gainey. Their family winery is located in the Santa Ynez Valley and the story began when Dan’s grandfather and father, Dan J. Gainey, acquired 1,800 acres of undeveloped land. Named the ‘Home Ranch’ they ran cattle and horses while growing 600 acres of fruit, vegetables, flowers and hay. In 1984, Dan’s father converted 50 acres to grapevines and Gainey Vineyard was born.

Now in its fourth generation, Gainey wines have been producing some outstanding new releases. I love the 2024 Evan’s Ranch ‘Caitlin’s’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is viscous and delicious with excellent salty tones.. Learn more about this great Santa Barbara County house at https://gaineyvineyard.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Gainey

2024 Gainey Sauvignon Blanc- Th 2024 Sauvignon Blanc delivers citrus blossom, peach and lychee on the nose. The palate is neatly-textured with excellent viscosity and underlying verve. The salty minerality of the wine is really great as this is best enjoyed on the slightly warmer side to take in the beautiful texture. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2025 Gainey ‘Limited Selection’ Sauvignon Gris- This 2025 Sauvignon Gris has 15% Sauvignon Blanc blended in. Sourced from the Gainey Home Ranch, this delivers dense melon and green papaya notes on the palate, with hints of fig and Pink Lady apple. Nicely-textured, enjoy now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Gainey Chardonnay- Mainly sourced from the Esperanza Vineyard, the 2024 Chardonnay is rich and dense on the tongue with a refined mouthfeel. Loads of melon and tropical fruits parade with sea salt dusted mixed nuts on the palate. Really good, enjoy now and over the next six years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Evan’s Ranch ‘Caitlin’s’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Caitlin’s’ Chardonnay comes form this site which was bought by Gainey in 1997. Golden in the glass, this is very smooth throughout the drinking experience. Wet rock, nectarine skin, papaya and shades of Meyer lemon zest all parade on the palate, with salty and sandy nuances. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Evan’s Ranch ‘Lone Oak’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Lone Oak’ Pinot Noir utilizes clone 114 and 2A from their estate vineyard. Red currants and red rose petals fill the nose alongside hints of wintergreen. The palate is well-balanced and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and loads of texture. This is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Gainey Syrah- Coming from the Santa Rita Hills AVA, the 2024 Gainey Syrah opens with a great bouquet of cardamom, black cherry compote and suggestions of rosemary. The palate is lush with good tension and richness. Drink 2026-2032- 91

2023 Evan’s Ranch ‘Lone Oak’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Lone Oak’ Syrah comes off salty and savory. Black plum and Hoisin sauce combine with creosote notes and fresh herbs on the palate. Concentrated and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Evan’s Ranch ‘Las Brisas’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Las Brias’ Syrah combines four clonal selections. This offers rich black and blue fruits on the palate, with a reined mouthfeel and great salt/stony accents. Medium to full-bodied, with a scorched earthy edge, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Gainey Merlot- The 2023 Gainey Merlot is soft and approachable on the mouth. Salty minerals combine with bright black fruits, tobacco leaf and stony accents on the palate. Showing a great combination of texture and freshness, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Gainey Cabernet Franc- This 2023 Cabernet Franc from the Santa Rita Hills is an outstanding bottling that is both viscous and mineral-laden. This shows serious balance between richness and tension, as salty minerals combine with bright red and dark fruits, with hints of chocolate cake and wafts of green herbs. This is a seriously good wine. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gainey ‘Ines’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Ines’ is a blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 23% Cabernet Franc all sourced from the Patrick’s Vineyard. This is a deep, concentrated and well-structured wine with stony minerals that combine with dense dark fruits, sweet pipe tobacco and salted molten chocolate. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Gainey ‘Patrick’s Vineyard Selection’ Red Wine- The 2023 Gainey ‘Patrick’s Vineyard Selection’ Red Wine is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) from their estate vineyard. Powerful and concentrated, this has a dusting of white pepper alongside heady boysenberry and black cherry fruits. With more air there are cigar box, anise and cassis nuances that combine with the rich mouthfeel on the palate. Sensational now, watch this evolve now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2039- 94

White Rose Estate

A winery with a great history in Oregon wine, White Rose Estate began all the way back in 2001. This winery is now celebrating 25 years in Oregon wine this year. Located in the Dundee Hills Ava, founder Greg Sanders began his winery journey by buying a 10-acre vineyard in 2000, with vines dating all the way back to the late 1970s.

In Jesus Guillén was appointed head winemaker and made some glorious wines which I enjoyed in my personal collection for years. He sadly passed away and left and indelible mark on the Oregon wine industry.

Winemaker Greg Urmini formerly worked for Paul Hobbs and their Argentinian winery Vina Cobos before coming to White Rose. The new wines that he made were exceptionally good. I love the 2023 White Rose ‘Collector’s Classic’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is very earthy with its truffle notes and soft mouthfeel. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://whiteroseestate.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by White Rose Estate.

2024 White Rose Estate ‘Convivialists’ Chardonnay- The 2024 White Rose Estate ‘Convivialists’ Chardonnay offers ripe peaches and shades of white pepper alongside lemon rind notes on the nose. The palate is nicely textured with great verve on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 White Rose Estate ‘Convivialists’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Rose Estate ‘Convivialists’ Pinot Noir offers dried herbs and loganberry on the nose with shades of orange blossom. The palate is rich and concentrated, loaded with bright red fruits with a soft mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 White Rose Estate ‘Convivialists’ Syrah- A truly unique wine, the 2024 White Rose Estate ‘Convivialists’ Syrah offers bright red fruits with tobacco leaf, blood orange and stony minerals on the palate. Soft and elegant, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 White Rose Estate ‘Confluence of Nature’ Pinot Noir- The delicious 2023 White Rose Estate ‘Confluence of Nature’ Pinot Noir shows a powerful core of bright red fruits, with plenty of earthy nuances, offering wafts of black truffle, and damp earthy notes. Delicious now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 White Rose Estate ‘Personification of Power’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 White Rose Estate ‘Personification of Power’ Pinot Noir shows black tea and dried herbs on the nose alongside bright red fruits. The palate is soft and inviting with great viscosity and length, offering plenty of earthy elegance. Drink 2026-2037- 94

2023 White Rose Estate ‘Object of Beauty’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Object of Beauty’ shows pretty orange blossom and red currants on the nose with shades of red rose petals. The palate is refined and shows great texture and tension, with plenty of damp earthy tones. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 White Rose Estate ‘Collectors Classic’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2023 White Rose Estate ‘Collectors Classic’ Pinot Noir offers white truffle shavings, wet rock and shades of dark rose petal on the nose with boysenberry compote. The palate is refined, streamlined and elegant, with its silky mouthfeel and outstanding weight and length. While translucent in the glass, this is a highly complex and powerful bottling that will be best enjoyed over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 White Rose Estate ‘Collectors Contemporary’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant 2023 White Rose Estate ‘Collectors Contemporary’ Pinot Noir is very tension-filled wine with a great texture and verve. Bright guava and citrus fruits combine on the palate alongside rocky and salty nuances. Gorgeous to enjoy now with its refinement, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Smith-Madrone

One of the unique wineries in Napa, Smith-Madrone produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling wines. The source from their dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. The soil is mostly deep-red Aiken Stoney Clay loam, and is primarily volcanic-based, well-drained and deep for mountain soils. The estate is a 200 acre ranch, partly planted as vineyard over a century ago. California black bears and other wildlife once thrived here as did 120-year-old Picholine olive trees which frame a path and view down to the floor of the Napa Valley. 

Check out the outstanding 2022 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is concentrated and highly complex. Learn more about these fantastic wines at https://www.smithmadrone.com Here are the great new releases from Smith-Madrone.

2022 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon— Coming from their estate in the Spring Mountain District, the 2022 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon is polished and round from this hot vintage. Tar, tobacco leaf and black currants all combine on the palate, with bright acidity. This is a great accomplishment from this tough vintage. Drink 2026-2036- 93

Gorman

One of the outstanding wineries of Washington, Gorman is founded by Chris Gorman who began his winery shortly after graduating from college in 1991. He has a world-palate as a former Italian importer and has travelled extensively in the wine areas of Italy, Spain and Germany. He finally started his winery in 2002. The winery has been a small operation, crafting consistently good wines from the Columbia Valley. Chris focuses on the terroir from Red Mountain and works with great vineyards such as Kiona, Shaw and many others. They make world-class Chardonnay called their ‘Big Sissy’ and also under his Ashan label. This label has Chardonnays that showcase some of the state’s top vineyards. He makes world-class Chardonnay under the Ashan label.

The best Chardonnay yet from him, the 2025 Gorman ‘Big Sissy’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) is heavily-weighted and is a massive uppercut of tropical fruits and melon in the glass. It is not for the weary but it is sinfully good right now. The best wine I tried was the  Gorman ‘The Albatross’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is a remarkable achievement from this slightly cooler vintage. Learn more about these outstanding wines at gormanwinery.com. Here are the great new wines by Chris Gorman and his Gorman Winery. 

2025 Leave The Gun Take The Cannoli Vermentino- All sourced from the Boushey Vineyard, this shows green melon and lemon rind on the nose alongside shades of walnut. The palate is fresh and lively with loads of mouth-watering acidity and a soft texture. Tank fermented, this was partially aged in neural oak. Delicious! Drink 2026-2031- 91

2025 Leave The Gun Take The Cannoli Rose- Made from Sangiovese grapes, the 2025 Rose is also sourced from the Boushey Vineyard. This offers damp earthy tones on the nose with pretty red florals and guava fruit. The palate is lithe and fresh with a terrific texture and finesse. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2025 Gorman ‘The Devil Wears Pink’ Rose- A blend of Syrah and Grenache, this wine has been made for roughly eight years. Pretty red rose petals combine with orange rind and shades of bergamot on the nose. The palate is neatly-textured with good freshness and a delightful core of red fruits. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2025 Ashan Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2025 Ashan Rose shows off wet stone, cranberry and shades of red licorice on the nose. The palate is seamless and elegant, with serious nuance. Highly delicate red fruits combine with salted rocks and shades of orange peel on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2025 Ashan ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Connor Lee Vineyrd as well as the Cold Creek Vineyards, the 2025 ‘Columbia Valley’ underwent partial malolactic fermentation and was stored in all natural oak. White peach, and white florals mark the nose alongside shades of juicy pear on the nose. The palate is plush and lively with bright acidity. This is seriously good stuff that drinks beautifully now. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2025 Gorman ‘Big Sissy’ Chardonnay- The 2025 Gorman ‘Big Sissy’ Chardonnay is from both the Cold Creek and Connor Lee Vineyards. Unabashedly big, this is not for the weary. It is a dense and delicious wine that comes up unctuous on the mouth. Roasted pineapple and papaya with salted macadamia nut all combine on the palate. The weight and length on the palate is astonishingly good. Drink 2026-2035- 95

2023 Gorman ‘A Bad Penny Always Turns Up’ Grenache- The 2023 Gorman ‘A Bad Penny Always Turns Up’ Grenache is named after Rory Gallagher’s song. Ripe red fruits combine with red licorice and shades of orange blossom on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with serious texture and weight. A lush core of red fruits greet you on the palate with orange zest and tobacco leaf. This is seriously good stuff that is already neatly-evolved. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Gorman Winery ‘Leave The Gun Take The Cannoli Part 1’ Red Wine- Made in homage to the Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ and is a Sangiovese-dominant blend (65%) with Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of Petit Verdot. This is dense and rich with terrific volume and texture. Showing loads of mouth-watering acidity, this has great flavor complexity with orange peel and bergamot alongside ripe blackberry and chocolate notes. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gorman Winery ‘Leave The Gun Take The Cannoli Part 2’ Red Wine- All Barbera from the Boushey Vineyard, the 2023 Gorman Winery ‘Leave The Gun Take The Cannoli Part 2’ Red Wine offers blue fruits on the nose alongside shades of grapefruit blossom and shades of molten chocolate. The palate is dense and delicious with a refined texture and great sense of weight. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Gorman Winery ‘Leave The Gun Take The Cannoli Part 3’ Nebbiolo- The 2024 Gorman Winery ‘Leave The Gun Take The Cannoli Part 3’ Nebbiolo comes from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard. Aged in DRC barrels, this shows pretty red florals that combine with kumquat zest and shades of red licorice. The palate is elegant and refined with loads of mouth-watering acidity and finesse. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gorman Winery ‘Sinner’s Punch’ Red Wine- Just bottled in 2026, the 2023 ‘Sinner’s Punch’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) with smaller parts Merlot, Malbec and the remainder Petit Verdot. Stored in roughly 25% new French oak, this delivers  cassis, mocha, tar and black licorice on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with serious texture and weight. Black currants combine with creme de violette, and a graphic edge on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2022 Gorman Winery ‘Zachary’s Ladder’ Red Wine- The 2022 Gorman Winery ‘Zachary’s Ladder’ Red Wine is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) with smaller parts Merlot and Petit Verdot. Dried herbs and chocolate combine with black currants on the nose. The palate is refined and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and generous core of dark fruits with a chocolate and graphite edge. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2022 Gorman Winery ‘Pixie’ Syrah- Sourced from the Red Haven and Stanton Vineyards, the 2022 ‘Pixie’ is inky in the glass. Black and red florals combine with shades of violets and anise seed. The palate shows loads of mouth-watering acidity with chocolate, espresso grounds and heady dark fruits. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2022 Gorman Winery ‘Evil Twin’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Evil Twin’ combines 75% Syrah with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. This has amazing volume and texture with terrific freshness. Black cherry compote, dark chocolate shavings and black licorice flavors combine with dried herbs on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2022 Gorman Winery ‘Bully’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Bully’ was sourced from Red Mountain. Fresh sage and black cherry mark the nose alongside shades of creme de cassis. The palate is deep and concentrated with terrific texture and weight. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2022 Gorman Winery ‘The Albatross’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Mainly sourced from the Oblesco Vineyard, the 2022 ‘The Albatross’ is a barrel selection wine was stored in all new French oak before bottling. This is refined, elegant and concentrated wine. Dark kirsch and black raspberry flavors combine with dark chocolate shavings, and graphite all combine on the palate. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2023 Gorman Winery ‘The F.O.G.’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Named ‘Friends of Gorman’ the 2023 ‘F.O.G.’ is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cold Creek Vineyard. This wine has been made since 2008. Black currant jelly, tar and shades of black licorice all combine with sagebrush accents on the nose. The palate is plush and refined with a silky mouthfeel and loads of freshness. Drink 2026-2043- 95

2009 Gorman Winery ‘Cry Baby’ Late Harvest Chenin Blanc- The 2009 Gorman Winery ‘Cry Baby’ Late Harvest Chenin Blanc stands golden in the glass. It is sinfully good on the palate. Roasted pineapple and papaya alongside passion fruits and shades of nutmeg drenched pear on the palate. This is magical to consume now. Drink 2026-2036- 96

Januik, Novelty Hill and Andrew Januik

A gorgeous winery in Woodinville, Januik and Novelty Hill is a must-visit or any lover of Washington wine. Winemaker Andrew Januik trained under his father, Washington wine icon Mike Januik, who was formerly head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle and Col Solare before starting his own winery. Mike is a master of crafting great wines from literally any varietal. For years I have admired his Chardonnay wines that show insanely good aging potential — even from hot sites like the Cold Creek Vineyard. These guys are also crafting some of the greatest values wines in the state.

My family loves visiting this gorgeous facility in Woodinville. The food quality at Januik just keeps on getting better. I had such a nice visit with Andrew and Mike, as we talked Washington wine and the state of the industry. They have been doing really well despite the economic downturn in wine.

I love the 2024 Januik ‘Sagemoor’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which is a killer value buy Even better is the 2023 Januik ‘Reserve’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from this house.  Learn more about these great wines at  https://www.noveltyhilljanuik.com/ and here are my reviews of the great new wines by Januik/Novelty Hill.

2025 Januik ‘Cerulean’ White Wine- A Rhone-inspired blend from the Les Collines Vineyard, the 2025 Januik ‘Cerulean’ White Wine is smooth and juicy on the mouth with vibrant acidity. Bright pear and starfruit combine with shades of sourdough bread on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Januik ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 Januik ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc offers white peach and lilac on the nose alongside pink grapefruit blossom. This shows a smooth mouthfeel with loads of mouth0watering acidity. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Novelty Hill ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 Novelty Hill ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc offers sweet gooseberry and kiwi on the nose with freshly cut grass. The palate shows vibrant minerality with a smooth mouthfeel. This is a seriously good value. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2025 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Viognier- The 2025 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Viognier shows honeysuckle and gardenia on the nos alongside roasted peaches. The palate is fresh and refined with a smooth texture and bright acidity. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Roussanne- Green melon and starfruit mark the nose alongside brioche tones. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows off its creamy texture with excellent weight from this warm vintage. The palate is rich and refined with a sterling tension with salty nuances. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Januik ‘Cold Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Januik ‘Cold Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from this historic site. Toasty brioche, juicy peach and ripe pineapple all mark the nose. The palate is plush and round with a terrific mouthfeel and comes off seamless throughout the drinking experience. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2025 Spring Run Rose- A superb GSM-style Rose, the 2025 Spring Run Rose offers juicy pear, strawberry and guava flavors. Showing excellent tension and salty nuances, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2022 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2022 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Grenache offers pure red fruits with a dusting of orange peel and bergamot notes on the palate. Soft and round, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Januik ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2023 Januik ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Grenache is juicy and delicious to enjoy right now. Intense red fruits combine with a silky mouthfeel and kumquat zest notes. Fat and round, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2022 Novelty Hill Sangiovese- The 2022 Novelty Hill Sangiovese offers cloves, tar and blood orange zest on the nose. The palate is refined and elegant with a silky texture and generous red fruits with garrigue and salty minerals. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2022 Andrew Januik ‘Los Molinos’ Red Wine- A GSM-inspired blend, the 2022 ‘Los Molinos’ offers tar, sandalwood and dried herbs on the nose with dense dark fruits. The palate is refined and juicy with vibrant red fruits alongside orange rind and bergamot notes. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Novelty Hill ‘Il Corvo’ Red Wine- The 2022 Novelty Hill ‘Il Corvo’ Red Wine is well-structured, juicy and delightful wine. Bright red and dark fruits parade with sandalwood and chocolate notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Andrew Januik ‘Doppelganger’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Doppelganger’ offers a great structure and weight, with lovely acidity. Dense dark fruits mingle well with copious minerals and fresh sage on the palate. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2023 Januik ‘Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2023 Januik ‘Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine that is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Discovery and Quintessence Vineyards. Inky in the glass, this delivers a seamless texture on the mouth. Heady dark fruits pared with dark chocolate shavings, sandalwood and shades of black currant jelly. The combination of flavor density, weight and freshness here is simply outstanding. Drink 2026-2046- 95

2023 Andrew Januik ‘Baba Jaga’ Cabernet Sauivgnon- An amazing wine sourced from the Southwind Vineyard, the 2023 ‘Baba Jaga’ stands inky in the glass, offers dried herbs and dark currants n the nose with tar and anise notes. The palate is seamless and refined as this glides through the mid-palate with terrific depth and concentration. Drink 2026-2039- 94

Brooks

Today we share one of the great producers of Riesling on the West Coast. Jimi Brooks, a Portland native who came to wine through his passion for history and philosophy. Jimi previously worked in Beaujolais, and eventually returned to Oregon to focus on crafting great Riesling and Pinot Noir. Brooks farms twenty acres in the Eola-Amity Hills, a sub-region of the Willamette Valley characterized by higher altitudes and the ocean winds that blow through the Van Duzer Corridor. Claire Jarreau serves as head winemaker. She has done an amazing job with the latest round of releases.

Do not miss out on the 2019 Brooks ‘Extended Tirage’ Riesling Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is a world-class wine with sensational flavor range. I adore the 2024 Brooks ‘Ara’ Riesling (OB, 94), which is very nervy and dense. Learn about this fantastic new lineup at https://www.brookswine.com/ Here are the outstanding new wines by Brooks. 

2019 Brooks ‘Extended Tirage’ Riesling- Another spectacular edition of this wine, the truly novel 2019 Brooks ‘Extended Tirage’ Riesling comes from this slightly cooler vintage in the Willamette Valley. Once on the nose this takes on dense honeydew melon and salted Macadamia nut notes alongside shades of lychee. The palate is fresh, viscous and refined with plenty of earthy elegance and a bright salinity that rips through the core of the wine. Seriously good to enjoy right now, savor this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Brooks ‘Willamette Valley’ Riesling- The 2024 ‘Willamette Valley’ Riesling is dense and tension-filled on the mouth, with loads of bright acidity. Juicy pear and green apple combine with green papaya notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2025 Brooks Pinot Blanc- The 2025 Brooks Pinot Blanc comes off fat and round on the mouth, wth juicy melon tones. Medium-weighted, with good underling finesse, and a smooth texture, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Brooks ‘Ara’ Riesling- A limited production bottling, the 2024 ‘Ara’ is made in the Trocken style. Bone dry, this exudes class with its silky texture and refined mouthfeel. Dense citrus and melon fruits combine with shades of salted French bread. The lingering finish is astonishingly good. This has both the freshness and flavor density to go for another decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Brooks ‘Bois Joli Vineyard’ Riesling- Coming from this location in the Eola-Amity Hills, the 2024 Brooks ‘Bois Joli Vineyard’ Riesling this offers petrol and honeysuckle’s on the nose with hints of cloves. The palate is lush and ripe with terrific tension and richness. This tension-filled beauty has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Brooks ‘Brooks Esate Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2024 ‘Brooks Estate Riesling’ stands golden in the glass. Cardamom drenched peaches, kerosene and shades of honeyed walnut all mark the nose. The palate is vibrant and tension-filled, with brisk acidity and excellent weight and length. Showing just the slightest kiss of sweetness, this is best consumed now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 Brooks ‘Sweet P’ Riesling- The 2024 ‘Sweet P’ is made in the Kabinett style that is pushing Spatlase sweetness. Ripe nectarine and juicy Japanese pear combines with ginger and hints of sweetened gooseberry on the palate. Really good now, watch this evolve over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2025 Brooks ‘Pinot Noir’ Rose- The 2025 Brooks ‘Pinot Noir’ Rose delivers a smooth texture, showing delicate red fruits and citrus rind accents. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 Brooks ‘Noble Select’ Riesling- Coming from the Hyland Vineyard, the 2024 ‘Noble Select’ offers candied ginger, honeysuckle and shades of sweet peach on the nose. The combination of weight and freshness is outstanding. Made in the Auslese style, this is concentrated, neatly-textured stuff that has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2024 Brooks ‘Janus’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Janus’ Pinot Noir comes from several locations across the Willamette Valley. It shows perfumed red florals that combine with thyme and wild strawberry notes on the nose. The palate is juicy and delicious with loads of freshness and a core of bright red fruits, with orange peel and bergamot accents. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Brooks ‘Old Vine Pommard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Old Vine Pommard’ Pinot Noir comes from this eastern-facing location in the Brooks Estate Vineyard. Once on the nose this takes on wafts of black truffle, alongside peat moss, black cherry and shades of red licorice. The palate is unmistakably earthy with bright acidity and a fleshy texture. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2024 Brooks ‘Rastaban’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Rastaban’ comes from the Brooks Estate Vineyard, first planted in 1973. This comes off mineral-laden and lush with a refined mouthfeel. Loads of red and dark fruits fill the palate, with damp earth and rocky soil nuances. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Brooks ‘Cashiers’ Pinot Noir- An outstanding Pinot Noir in the Brooks lineup, the 2024 Brooks ‘Cashiers’ Pinot Noir has depth, weight and great finesse.  A fabulous core of red and dark fruits gets you on the palate, while dried herbs and stony minerals mingle well with kumquat zest notes. Medium to full bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2039- 94

Upchurch Vineyard

It is my pleasure to share the incredible wines of Chris Upchurch and Upchurch Vineyard. This is one of the greats on Red Mountain and really one of the most gorgeous spots to taste in all of the Pacific Northwest. Chris Upchurch is a legendary winemaker, having crafted an incredible range of wines for DeLille Cellars before starting his first outpost more than a decade ago. He now has an outpost in Woodinvlle that is right in the town center, near the new Somm Hotel. I tasted there with him for several hours and we chatted wine and soccer. He is one of the icons of Washington wine.

I adore the new 2025 Upchurch Vineyard Rose (OB, 93) which is one of the best Rose wines from Washington that I have tasted this year. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://upchurchvineyard.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Upchurch Vineyard.

2025 Upchurch Vineyard Rose- The incredible 2025 Upchurch Rose comes from Candy Mountain and is all Grenache that was stored in concrete before bottling. Strawberry, guava and orange blossom all combine on the nose. This is heady and dense, yet is seamless throughout the drinking experience. This has amazing push/pull between tension and richness. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Southwest Facing’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 ‘Southwest Facing’ comes from the Boushey Vineyard. The nose is downright killer with green herbs that combine with peach, lychee and shades of green melon. The palate is refined and elegant with a seamless mouthfeel and great concentration with salty minerals. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Candy Mountain’ Merlot- The 2023 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Candy Mountain’ Merlot comes from this location that neighbors Red Mountain. Cocoa powder and scorched earth combine with blackberry compote on the nose. The palate is lush and ripe with terrific flavor density and loads of salty minerals. This is already neatly-defined stuff that will drink brilliantly over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Counterpart’ Merlot- All Merlot from the Upchurch Vineyard, the 2023 ‘Counterpart’ offers violets, rocky soils and shades of anise with black licorice on the nose. The palate is velvety and soft with amazing volume and flavor density. The weight and length is outstanding. Drink 2026-2044- 95

2023 Upchurch Vineyard ‘LTL’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘LTL’ is ai killer value by Chris Upchurch. Violets, tar and black currants mark the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth texture and excellent sense of weight. This is already beautifully-evolved stuff that is best enjoyed over the next six plus years. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Quintessence Block 51’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Quintessence Block 51’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers beautiful black florals on the nose with scorched earth and tar notes with dark chocolate shavings. The palate is lush and refined with a great sense of flavor density and underlying finesse. Drink 2026-2042- 94

2023 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Heart of the Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Heart of the Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon is refined and elegant on the palate. Concentrated boysenberry and black currant flavors combine with tar and anise seed on the palate. A delightful bottling that is drinking marvelously now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2023 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- What is possibly the finest release of this wine, and certainly 2018 and 2021, the 2023 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a decadent, delicious bottling that is already beautifully evolved. Blackberry compote and black fliraosl combine wth shades of Hoisin sauce and black licorice. The palate is seamless throughout the drinking experience with loads of salty minerality. An outstanding wine that has tons of cellaring potential, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2044- 97

Founding of Academie Wines

Founding of Academie Wines

We have some big news out of the Willamette Valley today with the founding of Academie Wines. This is a really enticing project founded by legends Thomas Savre of Lingua Franca fame, as well Dominique Lafon and Bertrand de Villaine.

The idea is not to make Oregon wines just like Burgundy wines. They will have two levels of wines -- one that is more for the collector (Academie) and the other for everyday consumption (Ostia Tempore). Their top wine will be named La Grande Comète which is in homage to the comet, Tsuchinshan‑ATLAS, that graced the Willamette Valley skies in October 2024.

Having followed Savre's career for more than a decade, I am thrilled to check out these wines and see what is produced by this new electric project.

Learn more at academiewine.us

Cheers,

Owen

Pinstripe

Sitting with Amy Andrews, we talked about her brand and emotional story about her inspiring uncle.  It was only fitting that I shared mine of my uncle, eye surgeon Dr. Brian Lueth, who is suffering from Parkinson’s. We both shared this incredible connection about our uncles who have suffered tragedy — yet we look back at their lives with peace and an adoration of their accomplishments. Pinstripe Wines is a story about persevering through tragedy. The story honors co-founder Amy Andrews’s uncle, an artist, who was diagnosed with AIDS in the beginning of the crisis and he used blood lines to make his art. His partner was a doctor and he had to give blood regularly. He would come home and over his art he put his bloodlines across each piece of his art. He did that to show how his life was affected by diseases and facing death — going through a hard time. It was obvious that this became a pinstriped type of art. This beautiful mark on each sparkling wine bottle is influenced by a piece of his art. Pinstripe is a 100% women-owned, LGBTQ-owned brand.

Some of the best, most kind-hearted people in Pacific Northwest wine, Amy and Jeri Andrews, donate 100% of the proceeds to the Seattle Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund. I have known Amy and Jeri for years now and they are highly passionate about sparkling wines having great knowledge of the great champagnes of the world.

Pinstripe has produced two new wines made by acclaimed winemaker Kate Payne Brown, who is also head winemaker at Argyle. I adore the 2015 Pinstripe ‘Bright Knight’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is a dizzying effort with incredible weight and flavor range from this warm vintage in Oregon. Learn more about the wines at https://www.pinstripewines.com/ and here are my reviews of the inaugural wines by Pinstripe Wines.

2022 Pinstripe ‘Lumiere’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The 2022 ‘Lumiere’ checks in at 6.5G/L dosage and was disgorged recently in April 2026 after spending more than three years on the lees. A brilliant salmon hue, this opens with teaberry and shades of red licorice on the nose with spicy pear and loganberry notes. The palate is very refined, showing a kiss of sweetness alongside brilliant melon and red fruits. Enticing and lively, with a soft mousse, enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2015 Pinstripe ‘Bright Knight’ Sparkling Wine- The totally dazzling 2015 ‘Bright Knight’ is a limited edition, fitting tribute the original Batman actor, Adam West. This is both a decadent and delicious bottling with a cause as all proceeds from this wine go to Seattle Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund. This is a fully-mature wine from a warm vintage in Oregon. Ripe and round on the tongue, this combines heady melon and citrus fruits with nutty and damp earthy notes on the palate. Given more and more air, this keeps getting better, showing even deeper flavor complexity, weight and refinement. Drinking marvelously now, enjoy over the next eight years to come. Drink 2026-2034- 95

Domaine Roy & Fils

An exciting Willamette Valley house, Domaine Roy & Fils was founded in 2012 by Marc-Andre Roy and Jared Etzel, sons of the pioneering winegrowers who established the renowned Beaux Frères. The estate spans 42 acres across two acclaimed sites in the Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton appellations. Thirty-two acres are planted to Pinot Noir and ten to Chardonnay, with each block cultivated and harvested with an exacting approach. In 2023 Domaine Roy & Fils was purchased by the Frescobaldi family—whose winemaking legacy dates back over seven centuries.

I love the new wines which were remarkably consistent. Check out the very salty and stony 2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Quartz Acorn’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is neatly texture and has a wonderful sense of tension. Learn more at https://domaineroy.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Domaine Roy & Fils wines.

2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Incline’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Incline’ comes from a range of locations throughout the Willamette Valley. On the nose this takes on poached pear and brioche notes alongside yellow plum. The palate is well-structured, with good freshness and a smooth texture. The mouth-watering acidity here is outstanding, as this is best enjoyed over the next eight years to come. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Quartz Acorn’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Quartz Acorn’ Chardonnay is an outstanding wine that checks in well over the 100 dollar mark. Stored for ten months in mainly neutral oak, this Yamhill-Carlton AVA site set on marine sedimentary  soils, with a novel presence of crystalline quartz. It is bright and very laden with story minerals. Rich citrus and melon fruits parade with wet gravel and shades of cardamom laced pastry crust. The Chabliesque-like rocky and almost chalky presence makes this particularly enticing. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir offers red rose petals with wild strawberry and shades of Yakima cherry on the nose. The palate is dense and soft with a refined mouthfeel and great melange of black and red fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Quartz Acorn’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Quartz Acorn’ Pinot Noir comes from this site in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA site set on ancient marine sedimentary soils. The palate is brimming with tension alongside rocky and salty nuances with Bing cherry, tobacco leaf and shades of blood orange zest. Complex and delicious, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2040- 94

Goldeneye Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting

I have loved the Pinot Noirs by Goldeneye for years. A Duckhorn venture located in Philo, California, Goldeneye is. led by winemaker Kristin McMcMahan. Originally from California's Central Valley, in 2012, Kristen moved to Sonoma County to dedicate herself to wine full time. In addition to joining the winemaking team at Korbel, where she spent six years honing her skills working with sparkling wine and Pinot Noir, she began studying at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree in enology. Kristen also gained invaluable experience with cool-climate Pinot Noir working for Joseph Phelps’s Freestone Winery on the Sonoma Coast.

I had a chance to taste vintages 2019-2023. The vintages are very different but I was most surprised with the 20202 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which was a wine that came off very clean and rich. No reason to cellar this beauty. The 2019 ‘Anderson Valley’ (OB, 93) was mineral laden and impressively finesse-driven, with a pretty core of red fruits. This one is really coming into its own right now. And the new wine, coming from a slightly cooler vintage, the 2023 ‘Anderson Valley’ (OB, 93) was just as good and alined most closely with the ’19 in the tasting. Overall the tasting showed the incredible consistency of Goldeneye wines. There is good reason why the wines are so popular — they taste delicious and are well-made, age worthy Pinots. Learn more about these outstanding Pinot Noirs at https://www.goldeneyewinery.com Here are the great new releases by Goldeneye.

2019 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir by Goldeneye is primarily estate fruit that was stored in 51% new French oak before bottling. Red currants combine with salty soils and Mandarin orange peel on the nose. The palate is lush and also mineral-laden with loads of bright red fruits and shades of loamy soils. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2020 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2020 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir is a resounding success from this tough vintage. This displays good power with salty tension on the palate, with a killer melange of red and dark fruits, with damp clay soil notes. Beautifully-textured, this is nicely evolved stuff that is drinking at peak right now. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2021 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- The dense and delicious 2021 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir is composed of roughly half estate fruit. This Pinot Noir was stored for 16 months in 100% French oak (42% new) before bottling. This is very seamless throughout the drinking experience as medium-bodied kirsch and red raspberry notes combine with provencal herbs and shades of tobacco leaf with sous bois. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2022 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir comes from this exceedingly hot vintage that saw heat spikes at harvest. This shows good mid-palate depth with Linzer torte and loganberry notes that combine with salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir comes off smooth and mineral-laden on the mouth, coming from several sites from this region. Forest floor, peat moss and damp earthy tones collide with bright red and dark fruits, with citrus zest accents on the palate. This is very well-done. Drink 2026-2034- 93

Gran Moraine

Today we share the wines from an outstanding Oregon house. Gran Moraine is named after the cataclysmic floods that descended on the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon during the last ice age. As the flood waters receded, they impacted the region, leaving small indentations or mini valleys (moraines), similar to those in the the Côte ’Or in Burgundy. Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Gran Moraine has 220 acres planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Shane Moore is an Idaho native who has been at the helm for years. In 2011 Shane began working for Jackson Family Wines winemaking team as an enologist, crafting cool climate California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Shane helped build the Gran Moraine winemaking team and was named winemaker in 2016.  A killer value is the 2023 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has loads of texture and flavor range. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://www.granmoraine.com Here are the great new releases by Gran Moraine. 

2023 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay- A delightful edition of this wine, the nicely poised and weighted ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay offers dense melon and citrus fruits that combine with loads of salty minerals. The combination of weight and mouth-watering acidity really shines. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gran Moraine ‘Dropstone’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Dropstone’ Chardonnay comes from blocks 109 and 330 in the state vineyard. Stored in a small amount of new French oak this shows off Key lime and cantaloupe favors that combine with shades of yellow plum and salted French bread on the palate. Deep and rich, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2022 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir was stored in mainly neutral oak before bottling. It is soft, juicy and delicious with delightful guava and red raspberry fruits alongside garrigue and salty soils. Great to enjoy now, savor this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- Fresh and neatly-textured, the 2023 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir offers bright strawberry and loganberry fruits that meld with Satsuma orange zest and shades of cardamom with rocky nuances. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gran Moraine ‘Cascade’ Pinot Noir-The 2023 ‘Cascade’ utilizes clone 115 and 667 Pinot Noir. The wine was aged for 10 months in 44% new French oak barrels and it is fat and deeply concentrated stuff. Loaded with black and red fruits, with thyme, bay leaf and fresh sage notes, alongside salty soils, this beauty has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2023 Gran Moraine ‘Telluric’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Gran Moraine ‘Telluric’ Pinot Noir utilizes clones 4, 667 and 777 Pinot Noir. Aged in mainly new French oak (66%) for 10 months, this delivers citrus blossom and bright guava fruits on the nose alongside rocky soils. The palate is lush and refined with terrific weight, mouthfeel and salty minerality. Drink 2026-2042- 95