I randomly get sent a lot of wine and sometimes the marriage has a love story. In this case, I had never heard of Open Claim before trying their first vintage three years ago.. It is almost impossible to follow every single Pacific Northwest winery. One of the more exciting new wineries in Oregon, Open Claim Vineyards focuses on single expression Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded by Marnie and Brett Wall, Open Claim Vineyards create wines that are highly cellar-worthy with their brilliant textures and flavor and aromatic ranges imparted.
A man not needing any introduction, at the helm of Open Claim is one of the Pacific Northwest’s finest winemakers, Tony Rynders. Tony not only makes his wines under his Tendril label but consults for a plethora of great Oregon producers. I had the chance to speak to Tony a few weeks back about his Open Claim wines and he admitted that this is a project steeped in quality that will only get better. These wines, indeed, have an incredibly high ceiling.
The 2017 Open Claim ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) is dense and highly complex, showing an incredible soft mouthfeel and texture, with brilliant earthy tones. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.openclaimvineyards.com/ Here are the brilliant 2017 releases by Open Claim.
2017 Open Claim Vineyards Chardonnay- The 2017 Chardonnay by Open Claim is another intoxicatingly good wine by this exciting new property in the Willamette Valley. Once on the nose the wine leads with nutmeg and sourdough bread that mingle with shades of baked apple and kumquat that all sing in harmony in the glass. Bright and intense, with a wonderful sense of minerality, the wine shows off lemon zest and vanilla cream that combine with the damp stone and earthy undertones. This is really thrilling stuff that has not only a seamless quality but excellent aromatic and flavor range. Enjoy this great new Chardonnay over the next decade as this will be sure to pick up earthy tertiary tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Open Claim Vineyards Pinot Noir- The 2017 Open Claim Pinot Noir is another thrilling new bottling by the talented Tony Rynders. Sour kirsch and shades of orange rind combine with peat moss and black truffle tones that create an enthralling aromatic range. The palate is soft and generous, with a wonderfully plush mouthfeel. Black cherry compote, and guava combine with the damp earthy tones on the palate. Obviously high-toned, the white truffle and frost floor tones catch you off guard — in a good way. Bright, with good minerality, yet showing excellent weight, the 2017 Open Claim Vineyards Pinot Noir will provide drinking enjoyment over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94