A brand new project by NFL Legend Drew Bledsoe and superstar wineamker, Josh McDaniels, Bledsoe-McDaniels is a new Oregon wine project from this Walla Walla mainstay. For many years Josh had been wanting to make great Oregon Pinot Noir. He explained “I love working with Pinot Noir- it forces you to be a great grower and a great winemaker. I feel like I have learned more about making Cabernet from making Pinot Noir in fact- being a thin skinned and generally delicate varietal, it shows everything and you have to be exact and pay great attention to detail.” He admitted to have some experience with the varietal while working for Figgins Family in 2011 and is excited about what he considers a ‘great vintage’ with the new 2018 release.
I have been very impressed with the red and white wines from the 2018 vintage in Oregon, one that saw severe heat spikes throughout the Willamette Valley, but also saw smooth sailing at harvest. The 2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) is a marvelous wine showing great length and aromatic/flavor range. It is thrilling stuff to enjoy now and will cellar well for more than a decade. Josh also made a killer new release from the ‘Lefore Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks District AVA. The 2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘Lefore Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 94) underwent mostly whole-cluster fermentation and is only an infant in its youth. The aromatic range is gorgeous as this wine will need some air if enjoying right now. Learn more about this truly exciting new winery project at http://bledsoemcdaniels.com/#top Here are the beautiful new wines by Bledsoe-McDaniels.
2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Largely sourced from the Ridgecrest Vineyard with vines planted in the 1980s, the vineyard is a cooler site that is the oldest in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Right out of the gate the wine evokes a massive core of red fruits that mingle with peat moss, blood orange zest and exotic spices that take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and elegant, showing a seamless effect. Gobs of mouth-watering acidity fill the palate, connecting with red currants, forest floor and black truffle crudo flavors alongside a silky mouthfeel. This has not only marvelous length but gorgeous texture. Soft, round and generous, this complete wine is fantastic to enjoy in its youth but will provide drinking enjoyment for many years to come. Give this a one hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 94
2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘Lefore Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels Syrah is a head-turning wine made by superstar winemaker Josh McDaniels. The Syrah underwent 75% whole cluster fermentation and was aged in 33% new French oak barrels and mostly used 500L puncheons before bottling. Layers of red fruits combine with wet stone, iodine, green olive tapenade and bacon fat tones on the nose. The aromatic range is truly profound and takes you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The wine is beautifully textured and elegant with layers of cran-cherry, wild blackberry, Hoisin sauce and Umami all singing in unison on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Lefore Vineyard’ Syrah will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 94