LucidWild Estate

Today we share wines from one of the most impressive new wineries that I have tasted from anywhere in the past year. Located in the Dundee Hills, the story of LucidWild began in January 2021 with Blair and L.J. Nicholas who helped transform the former Bella Vida vineyard into an immersive, design-forward estate featuring 28-year-old dry-farmed vines, a 15,000-square-foot facility with WineCaves, and a focus on small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

This is my first chance to professionally review these wines and I was honesty blown away with the overall quality. The incredible 2024 LucidWild ‘Hidden’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) is a total stunner and filled with texture with rocky/salty nuance. The best wine I tasted was the total masterclass 2024 LucidWild ‘Chosen’ Pinot Noir (OB, 97). This is now cheap treat at over 300 bucks — but you are going to be amazed with its precision, its poise, richness and flavor density. It is a head-turner that will appeal to anyone who loves top class Oregon wine. Learn more at https://lucidwildestate.com/ and here are my reviews of the new LucidWild releases from the 2024 vintage.

2024 LucidWild ‘Hidden’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Dundee Hills, the 2024 ‘Hidden’ Chardonnay is a stunning new bottling from their estate vineyard set on rocky soils. Rich melon and mango notes combine with clove dusted shortbread on the nose. The palate is rich and refined with a silky mouthfeel and loads of salty minerality. Light on its feet, this is drinking marvelously in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 LucidWild ‘Fusion’ PInot Noir- The 2024 ‘Fusion’ comes from several different blocks at their estate vineyard in the Dundee Hills. It is rich, viscous stuff with loads of salty and rocky soil character. Pomegranate seed flavors meld well with bergamot, orange peel and hints of peat moss on the palate. Beautifully-textured, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 LucidWild ‘Beast’ Pinot Noir- The beautiful 2024 LucidWild ‘Beast’ Pinot Noir is a barrel selection wine from the LucidWild Estate in the Dundee Hills. It is big and bold as the name suggests, loaded with dense loganberry and black cherry fruits that combine with stony soils. Very refined texturally, with plenty of weight and length, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 LucidWild ‘Renegade’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Renegade’ by LucidWild was partially whole-cluster fermented. It comes off very savory with dried herbs and black olive tapenade notes that combine with a generous melange of red and dark fruits. Full-bodied, rich and viscous, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 LucidWild ‘Chosen’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Chosen’ is a world-class wine that rivals some of the greats in Oregon. It is silky, opulent and stunning stuff that brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Very filled with tension and texture, this finishes exceedingly long with rich strawberry, black currants and stony minerals alongside Satsuma orange zest. Lush, round and irresistible, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2044- 97

Virtue Cellars

Today we share the wines of Virtue Cellars— a Seattle-area winery that was founded in 2013 by Kevin and Kathryn Mueller.  Virtue are pulling from some of the most acclaimed locations in Eastern Washington and produce roughly 1,000 cases of Bordeaux and Rhone style wines each year. The wines are well-priced from some awesome vineyards. They did an excellent job navigating 2022. The wines from 2023 are even better.

Check out the 2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Unity’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which has really outstanding flavor complexity.  Learn more about these wines at https://www.virtuecellars.com Here are the great new releases by Virtue Cellars.

2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Enthusiasm’ Grenache- The 2023 ‘Enthusiasm’ was sourced from the acclaimed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. Ripe red fruits collide with shades of orange peel, wet rocks and loads of salty minerals with red rose water accents. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Unity’ Red Wine- The 2023 Unity’ is a GSM-style inspired wine that opens with aromatics of fresh sage, tart red fruits, and beef drippings accents. The palate is complex and delicious with a refined mouthfeel and loads of texture alongside salty and smoky accents. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Wisdom’ Mourvedre- The 2023 ‘Wisdom’ is all Mourvèdre that was sourced from Red Mountain. Meaty and smoky accents combine with a smooth mouthfeel and black olive tapenade accents on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Sincerity’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Sincerity’ Syrah comes from the acclaimed Wallula Vineyard that neighbors the Columbia River. Medium-bodied dark fruits collide with smoky and stony accents, with tobacco leaf tones. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Charisma’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Charisma’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the acclaimed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. Sagebrush and milk chocolate combine with Arabica bean notes on the nose. This is lush stuff, loaded with tension and salty minerals. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Temperance’ Cabernet Franc- The 2023 ‘Temperance’ is sourced from the famed Weinbau Vineyard. It offers nice herbal and earthy accents on the nose, taking on a smooth mouthfeel. Medium-bodied dark fruits mingle with sweet pipe tobacco and chocolate notes on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Vitality’ Malbec- The 2023 ‘Vitality’ comes from the Weinbau Vineyard. It is dark and inky in the glass, reveling in Asian spices, iron, creme de cassis and wafts of white pepper aromatics. The palate is dense and delicious with a soft mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Virtue Cellars ‘Fortitude’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Fortitude’ is a Bordeaux-inspired blend sourced from several locations in the Columbia Valley. Once on the nose this takes on exotic spice and tar notes alongside rich dark fruits and chocolate accents. The palate is medium-bodied and soft with a smooth mouthfeel and good sense of tension, with salty nuances. Drink 2026-2033- 91

Knudsen Vineyards

Today we share the wines of Oregon wine pioneers Cal and Julia Lee Knudsen who began their wine journey in 1971. Located centrally in the Dundee Hills AVA, the Knudsen family has grown grapes at this location for 45 years. For years I have loved the Argyle wines sourced from this great vineyard as these grapes have helped produce some of the top sparkling wines made in North America. After the passing of Cal Knudsen in 2009, his children, each of whom had followed individual pursuits in business and finance, were compelled to return to the vineyard and then start Knudsen Vineyards winery in 2014 with the help of Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann, and with the assistance of Rollin Soles.

The new wines are world-class. Check out the amazing 2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which offers fabulous QPR. Learn more about these fantastic wines at http://knudsenvineyards.com Here are the fantastic new Pinot Noir release by Knudsen Vineyards. 

2023 Knudsen ‘Dundee Hills’ Chardonnay- A really nice cooler vintage bottling, the 2023 ‘Dundee Hills’ opens with bright pear and baked apple with wet gravel on the nose. The palate is viscous and soft with a lovely mouthfeel and bright acidity. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-22032- 92

2023 Knudsen ‘Founder’s Series Julia Lee Knudsen’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2023 Knudsen ‘Founder’s Series Julia Lee Knudsen’ Chardonnay stands golden in the glass, delivering ripe brioche and mango tones on the nose alongside hints of marzipan. The palate Is intense ad heady with a terrific viscosity despite the coolness of the vintage. The combination of weight, length and bright freshness with salty/stony terroir here is outstanding. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir stands translucent in the glass. Bright Bing cherry and cloves hit the nose alongside gorgeous red florals. The palate is silky and smooth with medium-bodied red fruits alongside salty and rocky soils. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Backstory’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Backstory’ was sourced from Pommard Clone Pinot Noir coming from Block 6 in the Knudsen Vineyard. This location was planted back in 2007. This comes off wonderfullly earthy with a refined mouthfeel. Fresh sage and wild mushroom notes collide with rocky soils on the plate. Bright, with plenty of freshness and mid-palate depth, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Snapshot’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Snapshot’ was sourced from the Knudsen Vineyard blocks 12 and 13. It shows off aromatics of baking spice laced pie crust, and cherry compote alongside shades of red licorice and orange peel. The palate is laden with minerality, showing Mandarin orange zest, coriander and loads of salty minerals. This is a joy to consume in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Founders Series Carl Knudsen’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant ‘Founders Series Carl Knudsen’ is named after patriarch of the Knudsen Vineyard. This is a barrel selection wine that like the ’22 edition is plush, round and generous wine that is delicious to consume now. Layers of rich red fruits parade with forest floor, peat moss, Shiitake mushroom and shades of black licorice on the palate. Showing marvelous weight, and length, with light rocky soil character, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Laurent-Perrier

Today it is my pleasure to share renowned champagne producer, Laurent-Perrier which was established in 1812. Located in the heart of Champagne, in Tours-sur-Marne, vines are set on limestone soil, highly chalky and showing the distinctiveness of the region. The chalk subsoil holds sufficient water, during dry spells and due its porous nature also provides good drainage when it is wet to prevent roots of becoming water logged, acting a bit like a sponge.

Laurent-Perrier produces a beautiful range of champagnes including one of the world’s most popular Rose champagnes. I adored the new NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose Champagne (OB, 93) which is so delicious to enjoy now. One with good aging potential is the 2015 Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne (OB, 94) which is dense and delicious stuff with serious weight from this slightly warmer vintage. Chef du cave Michel Fauconnet Laurent-Perrier in August 1973 doing work experience in the cellars after getting a certificate in agricultural engineering at the Agricultural College of Rethel (in the Ardennes region).He has served as Production Director and 'Chef de Cave', Laurent-Perrier’s Cellar Master, a position held since February 2004. A truly inspired story, he first began working for the company as a manual worker from 1974-76 before being promoted to the technical staff in 1980. A year later, he received the accolade of 'Chef de Cercle' and was responsible for Laurent-Perrier’s winery and the fermentation process of all of Laurent-Perrier’s wines. A total masterclass, the Laurent-Perrier ‘Grand Siecle Iteration No. 27’ Champagne (OB, 99) is the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted. It comes mainly from the warmer 2015 vintage and has a seamless quality that you see in the No. 26 iteration. Although this edition is even more dense and less tightly wound. You are going to be amazed by this wine! Learn more about this historic Champagne house at http://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/the-wines/

NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose Champagne- Loaded with tension, richnesss and salty minerality, the NV Brut Rose by Laurent-Perrier offers loads of texture and a soft mousse upon entry. Marionberry and bright cranberry flavors parade with Mandarin orange zest and loads of stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 93

NV Laurent-Perrier ‘Heritage’ Brut Champagne- The NV Laurent-Perrier ‘Heritage’ Brut Champagne comes from the 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2014 vintages and is slightly more Chardonnay (55%) with the remainder Pinot Noir. It is marvelously dense with salted macadamia nut flavors that combine with green papaya, wet rock and shades of cantalope. The soft mousse really arouses the mid-palate, as the older wines from ten year old vintages round out with plenty of depth and power. Drink 2026-2035- 93

2015 Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne- Sourced from this wonderfully warm vintage, the 2015 ‘Brut’ Champagne is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that sat on the lees for seven years prior to disgorgement. This is loaded with flavor density and texture with starfruit, cloves and shortbread flavors alongside hints of mango. The combination of weight and length, as well as refined mousse, really makes this check all the boxes. Drink 2026-2038- 94

Laurent-Perrier ‘Grand Siecle Iteration No. 27’ Champagne- For my palate the finest ‘Grand Siecle’ in the collection, the ‘Iteration No. 27’ edition comes primarily from the warm 2015 vintage (65%) as well as 25% from the cool 2013 vintage and the remainder from 2012. 8 grand cru sites were blended in to this blend of 60% Chardonnay and the remainder Pinot Noir, as this sat on the lees for 10 years prior to disgorgement. Plump and ripe on the nose, this has a gorgeous push/pull in terms of weight and tension. Dense green melon notes collide with papaya, white peach and shades of toasted brioche on the palate. The silky mousse and refined mouthfeel really entice, as does the near minute-long finish. This really evolves beautifully after 30 minutes of air so try to be patient after opening. And be sure to not serve this unforgettable wine too cold! Drink 2026-2043- 99

Robert Biale

It is my pleasure to bring you one of California Zinfandel producers. The story of Robert Biale is an inspired history that utilizes some of the oldest Zinfandel sites in the area, producing wines with good ripeness but overall a focus on poise, flavor and aromatic range. These are wines that are well-structured and bring a great sense of place.

At the helm is David Natali. A New York native, David graduated from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and developed a passion for winemaking after bottling at a friend’s small winery. He formerly served as cellar hand at Clos Pegase Winery and later studied at the University of Montpellier in France, where he received his master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology. After two and a half years of living and studying abroad in Montpellier, France, and Udine, Italy, David returned to California. He became the Assistant Winemaker for La Rochelle Winery, later taking the Assistant Winemaker position at Robert Biale Vineyards.

David did an amazing job with the 2022 wines — one that was particularly difficult for Zin. His 2024s shone across the board.

Heck out the incredible 2024 ‘Morisoli Vineyard’ Zinfandel (OB, 96) which is elegant, sleep and loaded with flavor range. Learn more about this storied Napa property at http://biale.com Here are the great new wines by Robert Biale. 

2024 Robert Biale ‘Black Chicken’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Black Chicken’ is a killer entry level by Biale. On the nose this takes on black rose and smoky accents alongside orange rind and shades of cardamom. The palate is lush and mineral-driven with loads of stony and salty soil character, that mingle well with the black and red fruit melange. Drink 2026-2033- 93

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2024 Robert Biale ‘R.W. Moore Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The storied R.W. Moore Vineyard is a historic site that dates back to 1905 when Zinfandel was first planted at this Coombsville location. This comes off powerful, concentrated and loaded with chocolate character alongside sea salt dusted black fruits with black rose water. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Robert Biale ‘Morisoli Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The outstanding ‘Morisoli Vineyard’ comes from the Rutherford appellation with vines dating back to 1985. Translucent in the glass, this offers loamy soils with dark florals, coffee grounds and shades of black licorice. The palate is lush and refined with serious texture and underlying tension. This is dense, decadent and refined Zinfandel that is a stunning wine to enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2024 Robert Biale ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The famed ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ is one of the acclaimed locations for Zinfandel in Sonoma County. This is a stunning edition of this wine, loaded with red and dark fruits with a great acid backbone. Cloves, tar and salty minerals complete this beautiful wine that is both powerful and highly poised. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 96

2023 Robert Biale ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ comes from this scenic, high elevation site set on volcanic soils. This is wonderfully rocky on the tongue, with loads of red fruits, tobacco leaf and fresh sage. Elegant and silky throughout the drinking experience, watch this evolve now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Robert Biale ‘Palisades Vineyard’ Petite Sirah- The 2024 ‘Palisades Vineyard’ Petite Sirah comes from a rocky hillside location above Calistoga. Inky in the glass, this offers gorgeous aromatics of espresso grounds, blueberry compote, graphite and herbal accents. The palate is dense and decadent with a refined texture and wonderful sense of weight and length. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2037- 95

2024 Robert Biale ‘Grande Vineyard’ Zinfandel- A historic site for Zinfandel, the 2024 ‘Grande Vineyard’ was founded by a Venetian immigrant back in 1920. This is jam-packed with coffee ground flavors alongside wet rock, loamy soils, wintergreen and chocolate tones on the palate. Elegant and soft on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Varozza Vineyard’ was sourced from this tiny vineyard in St. Helena, farmed Jack Varozza. Once on the nose this shows off coffee grounds and cocoa powder alongside heady red and dark fruits with sagebrush accents. This is once again very seamless throughout the drinking process, showing a heady combination of red and dark fruits, with Arabica bean and wintergreen notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2040- 96

2024 Robert Biale ‘Aldo’s Vineyard’ Zinfandel- One of the great sites in Napa that I have visited, the ‘Aldo’s Vineyard’ now sits inside a Napa neighborhood and has Zinfandel vines that date back to 1937. Heady red fruits mark the palate with dill, wet rock and shades of milk chocolate. Medium-bodied and fresh, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Robert Biale ‘Heminway Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Heminway Vineyard’ was sourced from this eastern location of the Napa Valley. This comes off lush and soft on the mouth, with great rocky soil character. Dark chocolate shavings, dried herbs and orange peel combine with bright freshness on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Robert Biale ‘Beatty Ranch’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Beatty Ranch’ Zinfandel was sourced from this location high up on Howell Mountain. Loganberry compote, chocolate, Mandarin orange rind and tobacco leaf flavors all parade on the palate, with excellent viscosity and verve. Medium to full-bodied, and loaded with stony minerals, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Robert Biale ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah- The delicious and powerful 2024 ‘Royal Punishers’ is dark in the glass, offering aromatics of Asian spice and black tea on the nose alongside dense dark and blue fruits. The palate mirrors the nose, with concentrated blue fruits alongside stony accents and a graphite edge. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 Robert Blale ‘Pagani Ranch’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Pagani Ranch’ was sourced from this ancient Sonoma County location that was planted all the way back in the 1920s. Once on the nose this shows cloves, tomato leaf and rich dark fruits alongside shades of black licorice. The palate is lush and concentrated with excellent power and a glorious core of dark chocolate and black fruits that combine with herbal and stony accents. This has both the power and verve to cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2024 Robert Biale ‘Old Kraft Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Old Kraft’ comes from this site in St. Healena that dates back to the 1860s. The palate is filled with tension and flavor density.

Located in St. Helena, the Old Kraft Vineyard dates all the way back to the 1860s. This is soft and plush on the mouth, loaded with rich red and dark fruits alongside pipe tobacco and chocolate. Seamless throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2024 Robert Biale ‘Party Line’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Party Line’ comes from a range of locations spanning the state of California. It is dense and delicious stuff with a firm acid backbone and good concentration. White pepper, chocolate covered espresso bean, baking spices, orange zest and shades of salty minerals on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Robert Biale ‘Monte Rosso Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Coming from the Moon Mountain District, the Monte Rosso Vineyard is a high elevation site in Sonoma Valley and is planted to old vine Zinfandel and other varietals. This shows green herbal tones on the palate alongside black peppercorns, medium bodied red fruits and fresh sage. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 92

King Estate

Today we share the outstanding wins of King Estate. For years this winery has been making some of the best Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley. King Estate director of winemaking Brent Stone has a longstanding history in the industry and makes a really terrific range of wines.

It was many years ago that Oregon wine legend Ed King realized that the southern portion of the Willamette Valley was a perfect spot to grow Pinot Gris. They now make several hundred thousand cases of their ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris that you can find in wine shops and supermarkets across America. Brent Stone has now been at the helm since 2011. He has been doing a fantastic job with the wines that range in SKUs from Sauvignon Blanc and Rose to Sparkling Wines and inky Syrah. King Estate is arguably Oregon’s most beautiful winery with sweeping views of the valley and its vineyards.

I love the new 2021 King Estate ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine  (OB, 93) which is another killer bottle by them and has some really nice autolytic character and aging potential.  Learn more about this famed Oregon estate at https://www.kingestate.com and here are my tasting notes from the new King Estate wines.

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

2024 King Estate ‘Oregon’ Sauvignon Blanc- Really good, the 2024 King Estate ‘Oregon’ Sauvignon Blanc offers good freshness alongside sweet gooseberry, cantalope and green apple flavors. Nicely textured, enjoy now.. Drink 2026-2030- 90

2025 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Rose- The 2025 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Rose comes from Pinot Noir grapes and shows off pear and kiwi flavors that combine with bright strawberry. Soft on the mouth, with bright acidity, enjoy on a warm summer day. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris- A sensational wine from this warm vintage, the 2024 ‘Domaine’ was sourced from the King Estate Vineyard. It is round, powerful and rich — so don’t serve too cold. This comes off fat and generous on the mouth, loaded with tension. Rich cashew nut flavors combine with green papaya, fresh sage and shades of Japanese pear. Loaded with tension and salty minerality, this is a bold, rich edition of this wine that is already beautifully defined. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 King Estate ‘Inscription’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Inscription’ offers light to medium bodied red fruits that mingle well with smoked meats and shades of orange zest on the palate. Drink 2026-2030- 89

2024 King Estate ‘Artisan Series’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Artisan Series’ Pinot Noir comes from biodynamically farmed grapes. This is juicy stuff with a soft mouthfeel, brimming with bright Bing cherry and strawberry fruit flavors alongside salty minerals. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2024 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir is a delicious edition of this wine. It is soft and approachable on the mouth, loaded with bright red fruits alongside shades of kumquat zest, bergamot and stony minerals. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Noir- The heady and delicious 2024 ‘Domaine’ Pinot Noir shows opulence from this warm vintage. Alongside sterling tension, this comes up rich on the mouth.  Loads of black and red fruits combine with citrus zest and a dusting of white pepper alongside salted rocks on the palate. Delicious to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

Ken Wright Cellars

It is my pleasure to share the wines from one of Oregon’s historic wineries. The wine dream began in the 1980s as Ken Wright worked as a waiter in Kentucky. At the restaurant Ken was exposed to the great wines of the world. After spending eight years winemaking in California for Ventana Vineyards and Talbott Vineyards, Ken was finally convinced to move to the Willamette Valley in 1986. He then started Panther Creek cellars and then founded his namesake winery in 1994. In 2001 he added Tyrus Evan, a Syrah based winery, to his portfolio.

The wines have been consistently great over the past ten years. Check out the outstanding 2024 Wright Cellars ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is a gorgeous bottling for the price.  Even better is the 2024 Ken Wright ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which shows off this incredible site with loads of tension and salty nuances.. Learn more about these fantastic wines at http://www.kenwrightcellars.com Here are the awesome new wines by Ken Wright. 

2024 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay opens with a bouquet of peaches, starfruit and shades of wet rock. The palate is rich and beautifully-textured, with outstanding length. This is a joy to consume now, showing light orange marmalade notes. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- A wonderful new AVA bottling, the 2024 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir is soft and round upon entry. Ripe strawberry and Bing cherry flavors parade with watermelon and suggestions of Mandarin orange peel on the palate. This is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Ken Wright ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir- The seriously good 2024 Ken Wright ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir leads with crushed wet rock and red florals on the nose with shades of pomegranate seed. The palate is loaded with crunchy red fruits alongside great stony and salty nuances. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- The delicious 2024 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir shows loads with juicy red fruit flavors that combine with Satsuma oranges, and salty minerals on the palate. Refined and sleek throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Savoya Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Savoya Vineyard is located 3.5 miles north of the town of Carlton, Oregon, set on marine sedimentary soils. This is heady and viscous stuff with a terrific core of pomegranate seed, cranberry and wild blackberry tones that combine with great salty soil character and diatom. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2024 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The finest wine of this new lineup comes from the Shea Vineyard, planted by Dick Shea in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. This is one of the premier sites for Pinot Noir in all of Oregon. On the nose this takes on wild blackberry and dark rose petals alongside rocky soils and tobacco leaf. The palate is rich and powerful with terrific structure, tension, minerality and mouthfeel. A delicious wine that has a long life in front of it, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Davis Estates

It was back in 2011 that the Davis family purchased the century-old estate winery and began their ambitious restoration project to create a distinguished winery. Mike Davis has a long and fond association with the Napa Valley. Growing up in San Mateo County just south of San Francisco, his family spent summer vacations at the Napa Valley Ranch Club. Davis Estates is the culmination of a life long dream. Davis Estates is a family owned and operated estate located in Calistoga. Winemaker Walter Leiva is a Napa native with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Napa Valley College, Walter took a non-traditional path into winemaking, driven more by curiosity and a love of science than a lifelong dream. He has formerly worked at Gloria Ferrer, Andretti Winery, Odette, and Laird Family Estate, gaining experience with everything from sparkling wine to Italian varietals to cult Cabernets. His new wines were beautiful across the board. I love the new 2024 Davie Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which is irresistible with its texture and plump mouthfeel. Learn more at https://www.davisestates.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Davis Estates.

2024 Davis Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 Davis Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc is a rich and unctuous bottling loaded with texture and melon fruit flavors. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, with excellent viscosity, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2022 Davis Estates ‘Zephyr’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Zephyr’ combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (53%) with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cocoa powder and Arabica bean notes combine with black florals on the nose. The palate is smooth and viscous with terrific texture and loamy soil character. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2023 Davis Estates Cabernet Franc- The 2023 Davis Estates Cabernet Franc comes off rich and dense on the tongue with a terrific mouthfeel. Green herbs collide with pencil lead, mocha and tar notes on the palate. Really good, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2040- 93

2022 Davis Estates ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A dense, well-structured bottling, the 2022 Davis Estates ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers dark chocolate shavings and espresso bean flavors with faint loamy soil nuances and sweet blackberry tones. Drink 2026-2033- 92

Sullivan Rutherford Estate

Today we share the wines of Sullivan Rutherford Estate which began back in 1972. Jim Sullivan’s interest in wine was formed in the 1950s with a simple grape arbor given to him and his new bride as a wedding gift and he began to make wine at home before moving his family to Rutherford and establishing Sullivan in 1972. New owners took over in 2018 which involved investing in vineyard programs and plans are underway to build a state-of-the-art winery and hospitality facilities which was all led by entrepreneur Juan Pablo Torres-Padilla.

I love the new wines from the 2023 vintage. Check out the stunning 2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) is a world-class Napa Cab with some serious potential. Learn more at https://sullivanwine.com and here are my reviews of the new 2023 wines by Sullivan Rutherford Estate.

2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estates ‘Coeur de Vigne’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘Coeur de Vigne’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a dense and polished bottling that is already drinking beautifully. Anise, creme de cassis and loamy soils all combine on the nose. The palate is well-structured and has terrific body and tension. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a total masterclass in this slightly cooler vintage. It stands inky in the glass, offering alluring black florals that combine with anise, cassis, pencil lead and shades of Turkish coffee that all take shape in the glass. The palate is seamless, heady and beautifully-structured with loads of salty and stony minerals. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 97

2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Merlot- The stunning 2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan’ Merlot is a world-class offering that is already drinking beautifully. Sandalwood tones combine with black rose petals, cigar ash and shades of creme de violette on the nose. The palate is heady and delicious as this seamlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Showing serious power and poise with a graphite edge, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2044- 96

R|A Family Wines

The R/A Family Wines is all about a family partnership between the Reynvaan and Andrews families. Sourced from a newer planted site in the Rocks District, the wine is 100% Syrah from this cobblestone-laden location outside the town of Milton-Freewater. The J. David Vineyard is the source of R|A Family Wines and was named after J. David, the founder’s father. After identifying the site, they removed the original vines and replanted from the ground up, focusing on a Syrah program.

The new wine was a total stunner. The 2023 R/A Family Wines Syrah (OB, 97) is a total masterclass of texture, richness and stony essence. Matt Reynvaan did an incredible job with his Reyyvaan ‘23s and this wine shows the attention to detail that he afforded in this warm vintage. Learn more at https://rafamilywines.com/ and here is my review of the inaugural release by R|A Family Wines.

2023 R|A Family Wines Syrah- Sourced from this estate vineyard in the Rocks District, the 2023 R|A Family Wines Syrah is the inaugural release of this wine made by Matt Reynvaan. It comes up inky in the glass, offering iodine and beef dripping notes on the nose alongside umami, soy sauce and shades of black licorice. The intoxicating nose brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is luxurious and refined with a silky mouthfeel as this glides throughout the drinking experience. While not overtly rocky, the stony soil essence captivates, as does the litany of non-fruit savory flavors. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next ten years — but no need to sleep on this beauty. Give it twenty minutes in the decanter if savoring in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2036- 97

Interview with CJ and Dr. Elise McCollum of McCollum Heritage 91 Wines

We have an electric interview with you today. One of the most exciting newer wine brands out of Oregon, McCollum Heritage 91is the brainchild of CJ and Dr. Elise McCollum. CJ is a former Portland Blazer legend and Dr. Elise is a dentist who have started this brand together. It is an exciting development that they have purchased a a 318-acre vineyard property in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. All wines are made by Gina Hennen, the talented winemaker at Adelsheim. I think you will really enjoy hearing CJ and Dr. Elise’s story in wine. Here is my exclusive interview with CJ and Dr. Elise McCollum of McCollum Heritage 91

OB: Can you talk about how you both met and how wine has impacted both of your lives?

CJ and E: Elise and I met in college through a mutual friend and have been together for almost half of our lives. We’ve been fortunate enough to explore the food and beverage industry all across the United States – from restaurants to wineries, this industry has given us some really unique experiences and opportunities to learn and grow in this space.
Wine has impacted our lives in so many ways. We’re very intentional about spending time in Oregon as a family and exploring different restaurants and wine shops all around the state. This alone is a more casual way how wine has influenced us – offering us different places, occasions, and people to experience it with. The impact clearly goes deeper than just enjoying wine together, as we’ve been able to immerse ourselves fully into the industry through our ownership and operation of McCollum Heritage 91. We enjoy working harvest together, watching our kids run around the vineyard playing in between the rows, eating grapes, and just being so present with nature – this has impacted our relationship as a couple, the experiences our kids are exposed to, and how we have a natural opportunity to slow down and reconnect in the midst of chaos.
Wine has obviously impacted us from a business standpoint as well. In addition to producing our portfolio of wines, we grow and sell fruit and also have the Ruby Nursery on property where we specialize in selling Japanese Maple Liners. This wouldn’t be possible without wine as the initial connector and passion builder.
Building our family legacy together, while operating our brand as a true team is what makes this all so special. We will always enjoy opening a bottle of wine together – I’ve always said we’ve never had a bad time together drinking wine and exploring. Even when we knew nothing about wine as college students, and well before our taste buds evolved, the time spent was always intentional. Love, family, land, and legacy are at the center of every decision we make. We’re proud of our journey and are so happy we’re able to intertwine our core pillars as we grow our family business together.

OB: Dr. Elise, can you talk about how you both found the large property in the Willamette Valley and what the planting project has been like? When can we expect an estate wine from the seven acres you both have planted?

CJ and E: The McCollum Heritage 91 property actually started out as a Christmas tree farm. When we purchased the land, there were zero vines planted, so we had to start from scratch. This was such a pivotal moment in our journey as it showed a true vision of what we could do, with an absolutely blank slate. When we visited the property, we immediately felt that sense of tranquility and calmness that initially drew us to the Willamette Valley. Despite it not previously being a vineyard site, we knew in our hearts that it would be a place that can bring just as much peace to others and bring to life our shared dream of our physical winery.
The next step for us was to ensure that the soil was ideal for our winegrowing plans - that meant extensive soil analyses across the entire property with our consulting winemaker Gina Hennen, so we could determine which areas were best suited for each of our clones. We made sure that there was a detailed plan of action, and the planting project has been a huge undertaking, but we wanted to be hands-on the entire way. Everything from row spacing, irrigation, to finding ways to protect the vines from wildlife, we made sure to play a big role in every aspect of building out the property and ensuring longevity along the way. This includes our commitment to being LIVE Certified across our estate vineyards and being true stewards of the land.
As of 2026, we have 56 acres planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting a harmony of innovation and respect for tradition. The 2024 vintage is our first vintage to include estate grown grapes, thoughtfully blended with fruit sourced from Adelsheim through our longstanding partnership. As we continue to look to the future of McCollum Heritage 91, we are inching towards our goal of an all-estate model. As the vines’ yields grow more consistent and mature, we are excited to reach this next milestone.

OB: CJ, you are a Portland Blazer legend and can you talk about your influences in wine? How did you fall in love with Oregon wine?

CJ and E: I wouldn’t be sitting here with a winery if it wasn’t for the influence of my first taste of Oregon wine, which happened to be a Walter Scott Pinot Noir from Bryan Creek. From there, there have been many influential forces in Elise and I’s wine journey – from wine appreciators to winery owners, each influence has been integral in our growth. Gina Hennen and the Adelsheim team have made an immense impact on our progression and helped make our dream a reality. Gina is someone who has been instrumental in our wine development and David Adelsheim has allowed us to learn, grow and explore consistently over the years alongside his team.
We’re huge fans of Kate Payne Brown’s winemaking style, along with Melissa Burr just to name a few. Wineries like Adelsheim, Granville Wine Co., Soter Vineyards, Sequitur and Stoller Family Estate have given us inspiration in different ways. More generally, we are also heavily inspired by Burgundy, which is mirrored a lot in the ecology of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, where McCollum Heritage 91 is located.
As I alluded to earlier, Walter Scott was my first introduction to Oregon wine and made an incredible impact on me, and later Elise when I shared a bottle with her. The depth and complexity shown through its volcanic soils ignited a deeper interest in wine, and Oregon wine specifically, that I didn’t know was there.
We fell in love with Oregon wine because of the land, the fruit, and the people. Living in Oregon for almost 10 years exposed us to the diversity, quality, and culture that we have come to fall in love with – a place that we consider home. The community in itself has been a big driver in our passion and growth in the industry – not just as a winery, but as individuals. The Oregon community has taught us, challenged us, and anchored us into a new chapter of life.
Oregon is our safe place and we love everything about it. There's an indescribable peace we have when we’re there and it’s immensely special to us.

OB: When you both are together, can you talk about some of your favorite wines of the world? What is your cellar like? Do you have any favorite food and wine pairings in particular?

CJ and E: If it isn’t already obvious, Pinot Noir will always be one of our favorite varietals to explore together. Whether those bottles are from Oregon or Burgundy or lesser-explored regions, we are always eager to see how other producers and regions are crafting our favorite grape. Together we often enjoy old world wines including Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Tuscany. We also drink a lot of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. My wife is a huge fan of Super Tuscans. However, lately, she has truly enjoyed Blanc De Blanc – we enjoy a glass of bubbles to start most meals when we are out. Our cellar itself has a little bit of everything – the diversity is something that is important to us as every occasion requires a different region, dictated by the mood and where we are. We have an Oregon-focused cellar which contains our favorite Oregon wines. We have a cellar we use to store some of our library wines. Then we have our personal cellar which stores the wines we’re currently drinking in rotation. Some specific producers include Beaux Frères, Blizzard Wines, Domaine Serene, Alexana Winery, Sequitur, Walter Scott, Patricia Green Cellars, Antica Terra, Domaine Drouhin, Chateau Latour, Chateau Prieure-Lichine, Chateau Margaux, and Louis Jadot, to name a few.
We often pair popcorn and Pinot as a late night snack once the kids are in bed and the day is winding down. In the summer time we drink a lot of sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Rosè. Shrimp and Rosé was a staple during our time in New Orleans, and we often had a variety of fruit salad with Chardonnay with the hot weather.

HALL and WALT White Wines and Rose

You might know HALL for their Cabernets. But they make a killer range of wines outside of their world-class Cabernets. For years they have been producing one of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines for the price in the valley. HALL was founded in 1992 by visionaries Katheryn and Craig Hall, and over time they built one of Napa’s most beautiful, state of the art, wineries that is quite simply a must visit for any serious Napa enophile. This is one of the most fun, electric and beautiful spots to taste in the Napa Valley.

HALL also have two outstanding separate lines, WALT (focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and BACA (focusing on Zinfandel) that are seriously good in their own right. These brands have performed remarkably well since their inception. I adore the new 2025 WALT Rose (OB, 92) which is fresh, viscous and shows a glorious range of red fruits. One of the most consistent wines in the HALL lineup has been the HALL 2025 ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which offers amazing typicity and mouthfeel. Learn more about these great wines at hallwines.com Here are the fantastic new release wines by HALL.

2025 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The delicious and very juicy 2025 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc was stored in all stainless steel before bottling. Kiwi, starfruit and juicy sweet gooseberry notes collide with green melon and copious minerals on the palate. A gorgeous wine that is also a killer value, enjoy this beauty in the sun. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2025 WALT Rose- The 2025 WALT Rose was sourced from several locations for Pinot Noir throughout California. This is rich, beautifully-textured stuff with loads of cranberry, pomegranate seed and guava fruits alongside Mandarin orange zest. It is impossible to resist in its mineral-laden youth. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 WALT ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- Soft, inviting and very delicious, the very saline-driven 2024 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay offers bright pear and brioche notes on the palate, with suggestions of cloves and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 WALT ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The stunning 2024 ‘Sangiacomo’ utilizes Old Wente Clonal Selection Chardonnay. This is dense and unctuous stuff on the mouth, with terrific viscosity. It is loaded with citrus, melon and tropical fruits alongside shortbread notes on the palate. Showing glorious length, this has both the richness and finesse to enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

Approachment

It is my pleasure to share the wines of Approachment, founded byJessica and Paden West who have been in the industry for many years. Jessica started her wine path working in wine shops and tasting rooms. After learning the sales portion of the business, Jessica acquired an internship in 2013 at Bethel Heights Vineyard working directly with Winemaker Ben Casteel and viticulture master Mimi Casteel. Jessica then entered the NW Wine Studies program to earn her degree in Winemaking. Paden is originally from the Willamette Valley and began his path in wine just as Jessica did -by working in wine shops and tasting rooms. In 2010, Paden was offered an internship at Penner-Ash, managed by Winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash and Assistant Winemaker Brian Irvine. Paden serves as Benza head winemaker while Jessica makes the Approachment wines that show great poise and texture.

I love the new 2024 Approachment ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is soft and approachable stuff that offers some excellent value. Learn more at https://www.approachmentwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the great Approachment wines.

2023 Approachment ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay shows off good flavor density with rich pear and melon flavors that combine with hints of beeswax on the palate. Delightful and lively with good freshness, enjoy now and over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Approachment ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir shows some nice warmth of the vintage on the palate. Loaded with ripe strawberry, fig and Bing cherry flavors this is medium-bodied and juicy stuff that is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Aproachment ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Grenache- The really good 2023 Aproachment ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Grenache comes off wonderfully fruity, wit ha generous core of red fruits. With more air iron and tar notes evolve alongside white pepper and green olives on the palate. A gorgeous wine that is very complex and seamless, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Approachment ‘Wicked Garden’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Wicked Garden comes from Block 50 in the Les Collines Vineyard. This has outstanding stony undercurrents with soy sauce, beef drippings and bright dark fruits that combine with its refined mouthfeel. Enjoy Nowa and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

Corollary

It is my pleasure to share one of the hottest Oregon Sparkling Wine brands on the scene. Corollary began with the 2017 vintage and has been an immediate success. They have new land in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA where they have now Oregon’s first privately-owned property dedicated exclusively to sparkling wines.  This is a spectacular, dramatic and very windswept location to visit and taste wine.

The wines are geeky and made with intension. I think that this is the first lineup yet. The 2021 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) shows off the beautiful richness of the vintage and has immense power, flavor range, finesse and sterling tension. It is one of the great Oregon sparkling wines that I have tasted in the past year. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://corollarywines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Corollary.

2021 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- A stunning wine from this warmer vintage, the 2021 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine spent more than three years on the lees before disgorgement. Only 93 cases made, this is composed from a whopping 17 clones of Chardonnay at this famed site. This comes off dense on the tongue, with a refined mousse and glorious sense of tension. It is loaded with green melon and citrus fruits that combine with suggestions of chalky soils, making this bottling very Mesnil meets Oregon. A unique wine that finishes exceedingly long on the tongue, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2040- 96

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

Review: The Somm Hotel: Fresh New 4.5 Star Hotel in Woodinville

It was a fabulous stay at the brand new Somm Hotel, located in the heart of Woodinville. This hotel has been now open for several months but this was my first chance to do a thorough review. Let’s just say that my visit did not disappoint. The stay left little doubt that this is the best hotel in Woodinville.
We checked in and then made our way to our room, located on the 3rd floor.

The room faced north and had a little view. I love the motif of the check-in area with bottle punts everywhere as an ingenious light feature. This is exactly the kind of thing that you would like to see in Woodinville Wine Country.

The room itself was a spacious corner suite with a pull-out bed that was perfect for our 3 year old. This room would be a great option of you are traveling with one or two kids. The main living room space leads into the bathroom and then the bedroom.

I loved the comfort of the bed. I slept like a baby and my wife did as well.

The room design makes sense for maximizing space. The bathroom was relatively smaller but had a large shower and really nice minimalist design. I decided to open up some fancy wine from my cellar, an older bottle of Cayuse ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Viognier. It did not disappoint!

Cayuse shows here why they are making some of the best wines in North America. We decided to go downstairs and explore the bar area and eventually dine on the early side. There is a rather grand entrance to the bar with a long hallway leading to an exceptionally modern and well-appointed space. This place can get really busy and it was a Friday so it was already getting busy.

We sat down and ordered some chicken wings, This was now the second time that we had tried these and I can assure you that they were every bit as good as the photo depicts. They have homemade ranch that they serve it with as well that is lights out. The wings themselves are very large.

It was now time to head into the restaurant. I had brought a special wine from my collection, a 2017 Bordeaux from Chateau Phelan Segur. This wine had been opened for a day and was really singing by the time we had a chance to taste it.

Phelan Segur is consistently making some of the best wines from its area for the price and this one was in a great spot. It was also a terrific food wine as I didn’t want to order anything that wouldn’t match the food well.

These were very lightly coated with breading and were delicious. One of the best things I had was their Cesar salad which came a delicious homemade dressing. This was a lights out edition with a lot of textures.

We had ordered more foods and had a hard time deciding for our mains. Now would be a good time to mention the service at their restaurant, Bin 47.

They did such a good job managing everything and our kid as well. They were just delightful and things came out with clockwork cadence. I decided to try a great new wine from Rujaya. They have some impressive new wines that are featured at Bin 47.

The restaurant has an expensive wine list, so you are best staying away from champagne and sparkling wines. Washington wines are extensively featured but are also very expensive — in some cases like Dunham ‘Trutina’ having a 4X markup. They could improve this area.

Food quality was consistently great. We even had a visit from their chef, Chef Max, and it was great to see him. He has certainly done an amazing job curating the food program. Temperatures and portion sizes were great as well. The steak was extremely well-cooked and tender. This was one of the stars of the show for me and also a marvelous pairing with my 2017 Bordeaux.

BOTTOM LINE:

The Somm Hotel is an exceptional new hotel in Woodinville. There were very few quirks or things that I think they should have done better. The only one gripe would be the wine mark-up in the restaurant is exceedingly high. The restaurant easily makes up for that with food quality and you can easily bring your own wine.

The room was well-appointed and also a fun environment to stay. They were super accommodating to our 3 year old. We all had an amazing time and it was a stay to remember.

Iterum

Today we share the wines ofJoe Dobbes who has a longstanding history in the Oregon wine industry. Dobbes has a new brand that focuses on wines from his at his Orchard House estate the Eola-Amity Hills AVA as well as several other vineyards.

The Orchard House estate was purchased in 2018 and the site has Sauvignon Blanc which was first planted in 2021. The wines were seriously good across the board. I adored the new 2022 ‘Eola Bench’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is dense and fleshy stuff that is drinking marvelously right now. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://iterumwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Iterum wines.

2022 Iterum ‘Orchard House Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Rich and layered, the 2022 ‘Orchard House Vineyard’ Chardonnay offers pie crust, baking spices and peaches on the palate alongside a refined mouthfeel. Full-boided with terrific flavor density, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2022 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard’ Pinot Noir does from a location that is set on well-drained Nekia soils, as the wine combines equal parts Wadenswil and Pommard clonal selections. Red florals and shades of fresh sage and black truffles all mark the nose. The palate is round and generous, loaded with finesse and stony minerals, with outstanding flinty character and a deep core of loganberry and Bing cherry fruits. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2022 Iterum ‘Eola Bench’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Eola Bench’ comes from both the Orchard House and Symonette as well as the Eola Springs Vineyards. Soils at these sites vary greatly from Nekia to marine sedimentary. This is rich, powerful and complex Pinot Noir, offering loads of red and dark fruits on the palate, with cloves, peat moss and suggestions of wintergreen. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2022 Iterum ‘Old Friend Eola Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Iterum ‘Old Friend Eola Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this location planted back in 2011 and set on a range of soil types in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This is powerful and seamless stuff throughout the drinking experience. A glorious core of red fruits greets you alongside exotic spice and salty soil nuances on the palate. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2022 Iterum ‘Old Friend Arlyn Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Iterum ‘Old Friend Arlyn Vineyard’ Pinot Noir had a small about of whole cluster fermentation and comes fro this site planted in 2014 in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. It is dense but also nervy on the tongue with racy acidity. Wild blackberry, black tea and Middle Eastern spice notes combine on the palate with salty soils and great nerve. Heady and delicious, with a great push/pull of stony/salty nuances, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2022 Iterum ‘Orchard House Estate Clone 114’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2022 Iterum ‘Orchard House Estate Clone 114’ Pinot Noir is a single clonal selection that had a small amount of whole cluster fermentation. Vines from this location in the vineyard are set on primarily volcanic soils. The terroir here is evident with wet rock nuances that combine with vibrant red fruits, cardamom and shades of milk chocolate and sandalwood on the palate. A glorious wine from this slightly cooler vintage, this has the weight and nerve to cellar for two decades. Drink 2026-2043- 95

2022 Iterum ‘Orchard House Estate Clone 115’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Iterum ‘Orchard House Estate Clone 115’ Pinot Noir comes from this vineyard location set on Jory and Nekia soils. This is heady stuff with potpourri on the nose alongside cloves, peat moss and shades of red raspberry. The palate is lush and ripe with a refined texture and good sense of weight. A gorgeous wine that has a long way to go in the cellar, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2022 Iterum ‘Old Friend Quailhurst Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Iterum ‘Old Friend Quailhurst Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is loaded with earthy character. Ripe and round on the mouth, this shows off damp earth and white truffle flavors that combine with rocky and salty nuances alongside a core of tart black fruits. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 94

De Lancellotti

For years I have admired the wines by De Lancellotti. This is an outstanding, remarkably consistent house that is producing pretty, beautifully textured Pinot Noir. Paul and Kendall de Lancellotti founded their own winery nearly two decades ago. They chose to plant their own vineyard in 2001 which was 16 acre Chehalem Mountain parcel focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It was 2005 when this house started, utilizing the winemaking talents of Robert Brittan who serves as consulting winemaker and works with Paul to craft the wines together.

The new wines come from the warmer 2024 vintage. They are round, generous and remarkably consistent. I love the 2024 De Lancellotti ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which has tons of cellaring potential and comes of pretty, round and generous. Learn more about these great wines at  http://www.delancellottifamilyvineyards.com/ Here are the great new wines by de Lancellotti.

2024 De Lancellotti ‘Famiglia’  Pinot Noir- Sourced from their estate vineyard on Calkins Lane, the 2024 ‘Famiglia’ was stored for 24 months in only 20% new French oak before bottling. It opens with red rose petals and potpourri notes alongside orange peel and shades of bergamot. The palate is lush and rich with a terrific mouthfeel and good sense of length, with bright underlying acidity. Fresh and viscous, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 De Lancellotti ‘Onelia’ Pinot Noir  The 2024 ‘Ornelia’ was named after Paul DeLancellotti’s Italian grandmother as this comes from the upper block at their estate vineyard. Also aged for 24 months in roughly 20% new French oak, this shows off kumquat rind and cigar box notes on the nose alongside bright red fruits and hints of dark florals. The palate is lush and shows plenty of freshness alongside excellent length and salinity. The push-pull between red and dark fruits grips you, as this viscous gem is already drinking beautifully in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2024 De Lancellotti ‘La Corsia’ Pinot Noir- Named after Calkins Lane, the 2024 ‘La Corsia’ utilizes clone 667 from their estate vineyard. This saw a touch more new French oak (30%) and is rich and layered on the mouth, with a good acid backbone. Red rose water combines with orange peel and salty minerals on the palate. The combination of red fruit core and salinity really drives this outstanding wine. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2024 De Lancellotti ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Estate’ is all clone 777 Pinot Noir from this location in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. It combines a glorious melange of red and dark fruits alongside flavors of peat moss, stony minerals and cedar. Medium to full-bodied with terrific weight and length, enjoy this texturally elegant Pinot Noir now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2024 De Lancellotti ‘Elisabetta Reserve’ Chardonnay- A gorgeeous limited production bottling, the 2024 ‘Elisabetta Reserve’ comes from two clonal selections in the De Lancellotti Estate Vineyard. Stored in 40% new FRneech oak this opens with a beautiful bouquet of cloves, pastry crust and shades of lemon zest with nutty nuances. The palate is lush and mineral-laden with terrific freshness. Enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 94  

2025 De Lancellotti ‘Pinot Nero Bianco’ White Pinot Noir- A really good new wine, the 2025 ‘Pinot Nero Blanco’ comes from their estate vineyard and is all 777 Pinot Noir clone. This was stored in a small amount of new French oak (10%) and offers walnut and shades of damp earth on the palate alongside copious minerals and citrus as well as melon fruits. Quite complex and delicious, with a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years to come. Drink 2026-2032- 92

Lynmar Estate

Today we share an outstanding producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir out of Sonoma. Lynn Fritz was a youth swimming champion, and founder of an international logistics company, as well as the 40-year proprietor of Lynmar Estate. His wife Anisya Fritz is equally as impressive, moving to the United States from India to attend college at age seventeen. She earned her BA, MA and PhD in business strategy and was a business school professor at twenty five. Her academic research led to her work with Lynn on delivering international humanitarian aid, and then to her life at Lynmar.

The new wines are made by Pete Soergel, who is both winemaker and general manager. Soergel is a third-generation farmer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who grew up tending to apple orchards and working in all aspects of his family’s farm business. The wines he made were seriously good and I love the 2021 ‘Quail Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is opulent and rich with serious texture. Learn more at https://lynmarestate.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Lynmar wines.

2022 Lynmar Estate ‘Susanna’s Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Golden in the glass, the 2022 Lynmar Estate ‘Susanna’s Vineyard’ Chardonnay this location in the Green Valley, as this was stored in 42% new French oak for 16 months before bottling. It is layered and concentrated with butterscotch and lemon zest flavors alongside shades of mango on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2021 Lynmar Estate  ‘Quail Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The energetic and rich 2021 Lynmar Estate  ‘Quail Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this location at their estate that encompasses 16 separate blocks. Deeply perfumed this starts off with loganberry preserves, black florals and shades of cran-cola on the nose. The palate is lush and rich with loads of salty soil character. A gorgeous wine that is powerful and concentrated, and loaded with black and red fruits. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

Rujaya

It isn’t everyday that I stumble upon world-class inaugural wines. Such is the case with the latest from Rujaya that are a seriously impressive new lineup — and the most impressive new winery from Washington that I have tasted in the past year.

At the helm is Benedict Almquist who has a longstanding history in the industry. For nearly a decade he worked alongside his cousin at Almquist Family Vintners in Seattle, and then in 2018 became their resident winemaker. Since spring of 2023, Benedict worked as assistant winemaker at Darby Winery in Woodinville, WA. He found his inspiration in a bottle of FX Pichler Riesling from the Wachau Valley, Austria and became infatuated with world-class Riesling. He has crafted a beauty, his 2023 ‘Dry’ Riesling (OB, 93) which comes from three storied sites in Washington. This is dense and layered stuff with serious texture. Learn more about this electric new winery at https://rujayawinery.com/ and here are my reviews of the inaugural wines from Rujaya.

2023 Rujaya ‘Dry’ Riesling- The 2023 Rujaya ‘Dry’ Riesling comes from the Red Willow, Olsen and Evergreen Vineyards. It was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels for 28 months prior to bottling, offering green tea and white rose aromatics that combine with shades of kumquat rind and green melon. The palate is dense and lush with a silky mouthfeel and great sense of weight and length. Stunning and delicious, make sure to not serve too warm. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Rujaya Rose- Made from Grenache grapes, the 2025 Rujaya Rose shows off a soft mouthfeel on the tongue. This is both ripe and mineral-laden with delicate cranberry and pomegranate fruits that combine with Mandarin orange zest and copious stony minerals on the palate. A great Rose bottling, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2024 Rujaya ‘Chillable Red’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Chillable Red’ is made from equal parts Grenache and Riesling grapes. It comes off round and generous on the mouth and should not be served too cold to take in the beautiful textural elements. Layers of juicy red raspberry and Yakima cherry fruits combine with hints of star jasmine water on the palate. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2022 Rujaya ‘Apinya Royal Slope’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Apinya Royal Slope’ comes from the northwest corner of the Stillwater Creek in Block 2, set at 1500 feet elevation. Fresh sage, pulled pork shoulder and shades of orange peel and red licorice all collide on the nose. The palate is juicy and delicious with a refined mouthfeel and loads of red and black fruits with peppered bacon and green herbal accents. This is refined, elegant Syrah that has both the weight and structure to age well over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Rujaya ‘Apinya Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The fabulous 2022 Rujaya ‘Apinya Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah was sourced from the Borderlands Vineyard which is set on cobbly loam soils. This is loaded with stony minerals and river rock on the palate alongside seaweed, soy sauce, tar and green herbs. Lush and medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Well-done to winemaker Benedict Almquist. Drink 2026-2034- 94

Holocene

Today we share an electric winery out of Oregon that was founded back in 2015. Holocene was started by Todd and Carrie Alexander to craft limited production and single vineyard bottlings out of Oregon. They work with some of the most enticing sites in the Willamette Valley. Todd Alexander has done a remarkable job with this program. The wines have beautiful texture and outstanding flavor range. They are rich and well-structured wines that are build to age for a decade or more. They have now added several new SKUs on their Pinot Noir program including a world-class wine from the Sonoma Coast AVA.

Check out the 2024 Holocene ‘Memoralis’ Pinot Noir (OB, 97) which is so pretty with its glorious core of red and dark fruits alongside salty nuances. Learn more about this awesome Oregon outpost at http://holocenewines.com Here are the beautiful new release wines by Holocene. 

2024 Holocene ‘Carson Phillips Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Holocene ‘Carson Phillips Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this site in the Dundee Hills AVA owned by Grant Phillips. A range of clonal selection Pinot Noir combine here, as this was all whole-cluster fermented and then aged in 15% new French oak prior to bottling. A beautiful wall of dark fruits greets you on the palate, alongside terrific stony character. Showing excellent verve, and wafts of black truffle compote, enjoy this beautiful, heady Dundee Hills Pinot now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2024 Holocene ‘Abigail’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Holocene ‘Abigail’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is the first Sonoma Coast AVA bottling in this collection of wines. This site was planted back in 1992 to Martini clone and set on Goldridge soils. It is deep, perfumed and concentrated stuff with great salty character. Forward cran-cola and salted blood orange zest flavors combine with excellent freshness and a dense mouthfeel. The mouth-watering acidity brings you back to the glass, as this is best enjoyed now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2024 Holocene ‘Memorialis’ Pinot Noir-A beautiful wine from a warm vintage, the 2024 Holocene ‘Memorialis’ Pinot Noir was entirely whole-cluster fermented, coming from this organically farmed, western-facing site in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Aged in a small amount of new French oak barrels, this has five different clones blended in. Right away this opens with bright tangerine zest and potpourri notes on the nose alongside a dusting of white pepper and sandalwood accents. The palate is lush and fresh with a silky mouthfeel and great flavor density. Neatly-weighted, with outstanding length and a terrific melange of red and dark fruits, alongside damp earthy accents, enjoy now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 97

2024 Holocene ‘Perigree’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Perigree’ is all 777 Pinot Noir clone from a single vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA planted back in 2000. Only 51 cases made, this location is set on Willakenzie soils and comes off wonderfully salty, loaded with texture and salty nuances. Bright pomegranate and Bing cherry fruits collide with salted orange peel and wintergreen accents on the palate. Round and generous with a terrific texture and loads of freshness, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 96