Chris Figgins spoke without hesitation, “We are really excited about our new Oregon property.” Figgins was literally thrilled when he purchased a parcel of land in the Willamette Valley, coming full-circle on wines that he has adored for years. It has now taken several years for the vineyard to produce fruit. Originally launched back in 2012, Toil Oregon started with a production of 200 cases then in 2016 Chris planted his estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. His first wine fully from his estate vineyard was the 2019 Rose.
I’ve said several times that the Toil wines have increased in quality over the years. One thing I have been so impressed with is the consistency of the wines, particularly the novelty of his Rose wine. Chris’s Rose wines are very serious. These are stand-alone wines that liken the nuance of Domaine Ott, Domaine Tempier and other great Provencale bottlings that show not only ripe red fruits but gorgeous non-fruit tones and vibrant acidity.
I was completely enamored with his 2020 Toil Oregon Rose (OB, 93) which is incredible good and shows remarkable nuance, with vibrant acidity, wonderful tension and bright red fruits. His 2019 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir (OB, 93) is a stunning wine made from a challenging vintage for Pinot Noir. Learn more about this great winery at toiloregon.com Here are the brilliant new wines by Toil Oregon.
2020 Toil Oregon Rose- Year after year, Toil Oregon continue to produce a really serious Rose, with an electric color and fabulous aromatic and flavor range. This 2020 edition shows lovely earthy tones alongside Yakima cherry, white peach and shades of guava puree that all dazzle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant but also beautifully textured. Ripe red fruits collide with smoke, kumquat zest, peat moss and wild mushroom on the palate. The flavor range is nothing short of outstanding. The gratifying length adds to the enjoyment, as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2027- 93
2019 Toil Oregon Chardonnay- Aged for ten months in 16% new French oak, this beautiful new Chardonnay shows ripe melon with toasted hazelnut and lemon zest dusted brioche tones that build in the glass. The polished texture adds to the enjoyment, as does the exceedingly long finish. Gratifying with its viscosity and crisp acidity, this outstanding new wines will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2019 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- Earthy, rich and utterly beautiful to savor now, the 2019 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir is a resounding success in this somewhat challenging vintage for red wines. A whiff of black truffle shavings catches your eye, as layers of ripe loganberry and peat moss tones all come together nicely. The palate shows a soft sense of mouthfeel, as minerals collide with shades of smoke and a great core of red and dark fruits. This finishes long with black fruits and minerals. Great to enjoy now, this has at least another ten years ahead of it, picking up earthy tones as it cellars. Drink 2021-2033- 93