I am always amazed when wineries produce amazing lineups that somehow remain under the radar. Such is the case with Alexana, one of the outstanding producers of Oregon Pinot Noir. I just adore the range of wines that they mange to produce, from fresh and vibrant 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 in 2019 which saw major challenges with consistent rain at harvest. Look to his 2019 Alexana ‘Revana Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which has good depth and concentration considering the challenges of the vintage. I adored the 2018 Alexana ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is dense and hedonistic from this vintage, with good tension. This is a beautiful wine for any serious collector of Oregon Pinot Noir. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.alexanawinery.com Here are the great new release wines by Alexana.
2018 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Chardonnay- This beautiful Chardonnay shows off-white peach and Pink Lady apple flavors with copious minerals and earthy undertones. This finishes very long, adding to the gratification. Full-bodied and beautifully textured, enjoy this over then next decade. Drink 2021-2029- 92
2018 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Terroir Series’ Pinot Noir is sourced from a range of vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. On the nose there is a great core of red and dark fruits with salty and volcanic undertones alongside peat moss accents. The palate is soft and plush with a seamless texture. Generous red and dark fruits collide with minerals, smoke and damp earth tones all impress on the palate. Glorious now, this will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 2021-2035- 93
2018 Alexana ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir is a barrel selection wine entirely sourced from the ‘Revana Estate’ Vineyard. Dense, chewy and highly gratifying, the palate shows really good range from tart red fruits to Mandarin orange rind and volcanic damp earthy tones. The length and mouthfeel both add to the enjoyment as this outstanding and rich new Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2021-2038- 94
2019 Alexana ‘East Blocks Volcanic Soils’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘East Blocks Volcanic Soils’ are sourced from various volcanic soils found in the ‘Revana Vineyard’ in the portion sheltered by trees. Ripe red cherry and loganberry tones combine with damp smoldering stones, potpourri and orange rind on this gorgeous bouquet. The palate is seamless with great tension nd a silky smooth mouthfeel. Generous and gratifying to drink now, this has another decade arm ore ahead of it. Drink 2021-2035- 93
2019 Alexana ‘West Blocks Sedimentary Soils’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘West Blocks Sedimentary Soils’ shows salty red fruits that mingle with kumquat rind and damp earthy tones on the nose. The palate has great lift and freshness with finesse-driven lighter red fruit flavors alongside pine needle and orange rind flavors. Drink 2021-2031- 92
2019 Alexana ‘Revana Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Revana Vineyard’ is set in the Northeastern edge of the Dundee Hills and is home to 10 different clones of Pinot Noir. The wine shows a silky profile with gorgeous red fruits that dance along with minerals, peat moss and stony and salty undertones. Brilliant in its youth, this will shine on for another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93