One of the great lineups in Oregon, Alexana was founded many years back by Dr. Madaiah Revana, a famed cardiologist. Named after Dr. Revana’s daughter, Alexana is a gorgeous winery set in the Red Hills in the center of the Willamette Valley. The expansive winery utilizes both gravity flow and Gold LEED certification. Bryan Weil serves as head winemaker and has greatly impressed with his solid range of new wines. Bryan previously worked at Domaine Serene before heading back to Oregon State University, where in 2008 he graduated with a degree in Enology and Viticulture. Bryan then served as assistant winemaker at Hogue Cellars in Prosser, Washington, prior to being named Alexana winemaker in in 2012.
Bryan has crafted a killer new lineup of wines. Look to his 2016 Alexana ‘Revana Vineyard’ Riesling (WWB, 92) which is one of the top Riesling bottlings out of Oregon that I have sampled this year showing an impressive mouthfeel and ripe fruit flavors. His range of red wines were exceptional. The 2015 Alexana ‘East Blocks Volcanic Soils’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) is a downright stunner, with marvelous tension and mouth-watering acidity to go with the excellent range and earthy tones. Learn more about this exciting winery at http://www.alexanawinery.com Here are the outstanding new release wines by Alexana.
2016 Alexana ‘Revana Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2016 ‘Revana Vineyard’ Riesling by Alexana is sourced from a 3 acre parcel that is partially sheltered by trees. This starts off with bright starfruit and lemongrass aromatics with a touch of green papaya. With just a kiss of sweetness, the tart minerality of this wine shines through as this is beautifully astringent. Green apple and green papaya flavors connect with lemon oil tones. This goes to show that the white wines are just as good from this top Oregon producer. While the wine is probably best in its youth, this has the tension to cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2016 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Pinot Gris- The 2016 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Pinot Gris is the follow up to the absolutely outstanding 2015 bottling. Bright starfruit and cantaloupe aromatics hit you immediately. Wonderfully astringent, with less weight than the 2015 bottling, the wine showcases orange zest, honeydew melon and starfruit flavors with a touch of baking spices. Lithe and light on its feet, this outstanding Pinot Gris best enjoyed in its youth. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2015 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Chardonnay- Showing off a golden hue, this wine starts off with lovely lemon curd, brioche and kumquat aromatics. The mouthfeel is really nice, as is the astringency at play. Brioche, lemon zest and suggestions of roasted pineapple give this an exotic edge. This is another outstanding effort by Alexana. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2015 Alexana ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley, this wine starts off with cherry cola, bramble and damp earth aromatics, showing nice range. The palate is smooth and seductive, showcasing a nice combination of red and dark fruits with forest floor and peat moss elements. Rich and layered, this will cellar marvelously for another decade or more. This is exactly what you would want in a warm vintage Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2015 Alexana ‘Single Clone Pommard’ Pinot Noir- The Pommard Clone wine is sourced from Alexana’s estate vineyards. This begins with forest floor and black cherry aromatics. The palate is lush and has a wonderful combination of earthy, fruity and mineral tones. This also will age remarkably well. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2016 Alexana ‘East Blocks Volcanic Soils’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a site roughly 600 feet in elevation, the ‘East Blocks Volcanic Soils’ Pinot Noir begins with aromatics of dark cherry, roasted figs and a touch of forest floor. The mouthfeel is plush and lovely, as the wine reveals a good combination of red fruits and citrus components that sit alongside a wonderful tension. Lithe and wonderfully light on its feet, the acidity of this wine makes it particularly difficult to not enjoy right now. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2016 Alexana ‘West Blocks Sedimentary Soils’ Pinot Noir- This standout wine starts off with orange zest, cran-pomegranate and red cherry flavors with a touch of damp earth. The mouthfeel and feminine quality of the wine are gorgeous. Red cherry candy, red raspberry cordial, orange rind and forest floor flavors collide and entice the senses. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2016 Alexana ‘Revana Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Revana Vineyard boasts 18 soil types and 10 different clones of Pinot Noir. Earthy aromatics connect with dark fruits on the nose. The palate is rich as the wine shows off dark cherry, loganberry jam and suggestions of forest floor flavors that connect with the rich mouthfeel. This is another outstanding bottling by Revana that will cellar well for 10-15 years. Drink 2018-2030- 93