Over the years Argyle has helped put Oregon Sparkling Wine on the map. Easily one of the great producers of sparkling wine in North America. I first visited this tasting room in 2002 and I can testify that what was one a small, unpretentious cabin used for tasting is now one of the most beautiful structures for tasting wine in Oregon. The talented Nate Klostermann took over for eminent winemaker Rollin Soles when Rollin launched his own project. Nate has steadily been producing some absolutely stunning wines as he began his career as a harvest intern at Argyle in 2005 and has served as winemaker since 2013. He has crafted some absolutely brilliant new wines at Argyle.
Nate does a killer job with his still wines but I recently had the chance to check out his killer range of sparkling wines. Each were serious wines that offer incredible value. I was enamored by the 2018 Argyle ‘Brut’ Rose (OB, 93) which is a wine that really needs to be warmed up a bit before enjoying. Look for a sensational range of flavors that combine with a silky mousse and great veil of finesse. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.argylewinery.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Argyle.
2017 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- A downright killer value, the beautifully structured 2017 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine is a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier that was given 5G/L dosage and mainly aged in stainless steel (95%) prior to disgorgement. Bartlett pear and gooseberry tones combine with a refined mousse and plenty of mid-palate weight. Seriously good now, this has another decade to go. Drink 2022-2032- 92
2018 Argyle ‘Brut’ Rose- The very pale-colored 2018 ‘Brut’ Rose is a gorgeous warm vintage effort by Nate Klostermann. A blend of 30% Pinot Noir, with equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this exudes class with delicate red cherry, red raspberry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside shades of Mandarin orange zest on the palate. With more air and at a warmer temperature this becomes even more silky, with even more fabulous flavor range, displaying nutty and peat moss tones. Complex and delicious to savor right now, this has at least another ten years of life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2032- 93
2018 Argyle ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine- The green-hued 2018 Argyle ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier that was largely stored in neutral oak (70% prior to disgorgement. Given 4G/L dosage, this delivers ripe starfruit with salted Challah bread and Japanese pear flavors on the palate. The silky mousse and long finish add to the enjoyment, as this is sure to delight for another decade. Savor this at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2022-2032- 93