One of the great lineups that you might not have recently tasted, Andrew Rich is crafting some seriously good under the radar wines from Oregon. Located in the Carlton Winemakers Studio, Andrew Rich started out as magazine editor in NYC. Wanting a more hand-on job in wine, he elected to attend winemaking school in Burgundy. Back in the states after his education Anderew landed at Bonny Doon Vineyard in Santa Cruz, working with California iconic winemaker, Randall Grahm for five years. Andrew then got the nerve to start his own winery in Oregon. He makes a huge range of wines from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon.
One of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines that I have sampled in the past year out of Oregon is the 2016 Andrew Rich ‘Croft Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 90) which has marvelous ‘richness’ and poise. This is one not to be missed. A downright delicious bottling, the 2014 Andrew Rich ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 91) which shows marvelous earthy tones and a wonderful mouthfeel. Learn more about these awesome wines at www.andrewrichwines.com Here are the great new wines by Andrew Rich.
2014 Andrew Rich Roussanne- This begins with a bouquet of lemongrass and honeydew melopn. Think and rich, this takes on almost an unctuous character with lychee, Meyer lemon and cantaloupe flavors that sit alongside some good minerality. Finishing with vanilla cream, enjoy this great Roussanne in the short-term. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2016 Andrew Rich ‘Croft Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- One of the few sites for Sauvignon Blanc in the Willamette Valley, this pale colored wine begins with aromas of lemon zest and kumquat with a touch of petrol. Round and rich, this has a wonderful mouthfeel, showing off lemon zest, green apple and kumquat flavors with good acidity. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2015 Andrew Rich ‘Prelude’ Pinot Noir- This earthy wine begins with aromas of black tea, forest floor and black cherry syrup. Rich and forward, with good acidity, the palate delights with red and dark fruit flavors. The mouthfeel here is outstanding. Drink 2018-2026- 91
2014 Andrew Rich ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir- The nose shows nice red and dark fruits with earthy undertones. There is a good sense of place and elegance to this medium bodied, red fruit driven, Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2025- 90
2014 Andrew Rich ‘Marine Sedimentary’ Pinot Noir- This earthy wine begins with aromatics of wild thyme, forest floor and peat moss with a touch of orange rind. Lithe and elegant, this has a wonderfully smooth mouthfeel, revealing cran-raspberry and forest floor flavors. Drink 2018-2025- 91
2016 Andrew Rich ‘Rich Table’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Inky colored, this starts off with mocha, crushed mint and black raspberry aromas. Dense and plush, dark fruits mingle with dark chocolate flavors. This is an outstanding wine that will cellar well over the next eight plus years. Drink 2018-2026- 90
2014 Andrew Rich ‘Glacial’ Red Wine- A blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache from the Columbia Valley, this begins with aromas of white pepper and smoked meats. Generous, with a rich mouthfeel, the wine shows blackberry jam, smoke and peppercorn flavors that connect with a good minerality. Drink 2018-2025- 91