One of the awesome lineups for wine in the Willamette Valley, Alexana produce a range of beautiful wines — from mineral-driven Riesling to earthy Pinot Noirs. Over the years I have found that the consistency of these wines have been remarkable. Alexana was founded many years back by Dr. Madaiah Revana, a famed cardiologist. Named after Dr. Revana’s daughter, Alexana has a stunning setting in the Red Hills AVA. The 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 2017 Alexana ‘Revana Vineyard’ Riesling (WWB, 92) which shows a dazzling minerality. I absolutely loved the new 2016 Alexana ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) which is jam packed with range and has a silky mouthfeel. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.alexanawinery.com Here are the great new release wines by Alexana.
2017 Alexana ‘Revana Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2017 ‘Revana Vineyard’ Riesling is a stunning effort from this famed Willamette Valley estate. On the nose this takes on petrol with white flower and Gravenstein apple aromatics that impress in the glass. The palate is lithe and has the lightest kiss of sweetness with beabtuiful astringency. White flower, wet stone, green apple and kumquat flavors all impress. Bright and showing wonderful energy, this will continue to evolve over the next seven plus years. Drink 2019-2026- 92
2017 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Pinot Gris- The ‘Terroir Series’ Pinot Gris by Alexana is an outstanding effort. On the nose this has good range from brioche to green apple to green papaya aromas. Bright, showing a great sense of minerality, the wine shows off a wonderful ripe texture. Baked apple, green papaya and a touch of nutmeg mark the palate with lighter flinty character. Enjoy this beautiful wine with fresh Kumamoto oysters. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2016 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Chardonnay- The 2016 ‘Terroir Series’ Chardonnay starts off with a wonderful bouquet of honeysuckle with brioche, lemon curd and bright pear that all build in the glass. The palate has a good combination of richness and verve, showing bright pear, nectarine, wet stone and lemongrass flavors. With a rich cream and mineral-driven finish, this beautiful wine has the stuffing to cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2016 Alexana ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir by Alexana is a barrel selection wine from the Revana Vineyard in the Dundee Hills. It is a simply marvelous wine made by Bryan Weil. Showing a deep core, this begins with dark fruits with peat moss, Mandarin orange rind and black truffle crudo aromatics that show an exotic edge. The silky texture entices as the wine reveals copious dark and red fruits with black truffle undertones. Showing a good weight and minerality, this impressive bottling will cellar well for the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2035- 94
2016 Alexana ‘Pommard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Revana Vineyard, this single clone wine shows beautiful aromas of mulled cranberry cider, with cigar ash and blackberry cobbler aromas that build in the glass. The palate shows good freshness with red and dark fruits that connect with peat moss and earthy character. Showing a wonderfully soft texture and good weight, this excellent Pinot Noir has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2035- 93