One of the top producers of sparkling wine in North America, Argyle continues to deliver amazing values with their latest set of releases. I have been tasting at Argyle for 15 years and I always recommend to new visitors to Oregon Wine Country that they visit the gorgeous Argyle tasting room in Dundee. For years I admired the wines of former winemaker, Rollin Soles. The new releases are spearheaded by superstar Winemaker Nate Klostermann, has been at the helm since taking over for Rollin Soles, longtime winemaker. Nate is a super talented guy that started as a harvest intern at Argyle in 2005 and has served as winemaker since 2013. He utilizes fruit from some great Oregon vineyards including the Spirit Hill Vineyard and the Knudsen Vineyard. The new release wines have been taken from some exciting warm vintages, 2015 and 2016. The wines show wonderful fruit but also good tension.
Argyle has crafted some amazing new ‘Nuthouse’ wines, none more so then their stunning 2016 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) which is the best ‘Nuthouse’ that I’ve sampled in fifteen years. Nearly as good was their incredible new 2016 ‘Nuthouse’ Chardonnay’ (WWB, 93) which has amazing poise and a wonderful mouthfeel. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.argylewinery.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Argyle.
2015 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Riesling- This delicious and lithe Riesling by Argyle is sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The wine starts with a bouquet of starfruit, kiwi and bright gooseberry. With just a touch of sweetness and a ton of minerality, this outstanding wine displays lemon rind, kumquat and unripe Japanese apple flavors. The long finish lingers. Drink 2017-2024- 92
2014 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2014 'Brut' by Argyle is another excellent wine from this great Oregon winery. This wine shows lovely effervescence and a lively mouthfeel. Brioche, Meyer lemon zest and kumquat aromatics give way to Granny Smith apple, orange rind and wet stone flavors that sit alongside nice minerality. Drink 2018-2023- 90

2007 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- Aged on the lees for ten years prior to disgorgement, the 2007 'Extended Tirage' by Argyle is a stunning wine that does not seem a decade old. Aged in 80% neutral oak and 20% stainless, steel, the wine has beautifully amalgamated citrus fruits with a touch of white flowers on the nose. The mousse and weight to this wine is luxurious as the wine showcases baked pear, marzipan, wet stone and lemon oil flavors that combine with wonderful tension. The combination of power and poise here is hard to find in Oregon. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2016 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Chardonnay- The 2016 ‘Nuthouse’ Chardonnay shows a deep, golden color and begins with baking spice, vanilla creme brullee and ripe banana on the nose with pineapple undertones. The palate reveals a marvelous texture that borders on unctuous. Papaya, golden delicious apple, butterscotch and apricot flavors all marvelously mingle in the glass. A sensational effort by superstar winemaker, Nate Klostermans, this delicious Chardonnay is best served a touch warmer than most Oregon Chardonnays. Drink 2018-2030- 93
2016 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir follows up a line of exceedingly good ‘Nuthouse’ bottlings from this estate. This rendition is every bit as good as any ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir that I have sampled in the past fifteen years. Needing a one hour decant, this shows beautiful range on the nose, from cran-cherry to forest floor to cigar ash. Once in the mouth this wine reveals a gorgeous texture that glides through the mid-palate. Sour cherry, boysenberry cordial, peat moss and a touch of milk chocolate flavors all complete this beautiful, complex Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2033- 94