One of the truly thrilling new winery projects out of Oregon, Appassionata Estate is the dream of Ernie Loosen to age Oregon wines properly and then release them later than other estates. This winery project has involved two decades of planning and investment that began in 2005 with a limited bottling of Appassionata Pinot Noir, a collaboration with J. Christopher Wines. The full Appassionata range of wines now includes three Pinot Noirs of varying age, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc produced in acacia barrels, and a dry Riesling made in the German Grosses Gewächs (GG) style.
Timothy Malone serves as winemaker on this project. Malone was formerly an assistant winemaker from 2008 to 2015 at J. Christopher, and returned as head winemaker in 2020. The wines are seriously good across the board. I don’t think you will find a better Oregon Sauvignon Blanc than the 2021 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB,93). This is big, deep and layered, showing great underlying freshness. I was blown away with the 2012 Appassionata ‘Fortissimo’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is very concentrated and shows gorgeous layers of red fruits with an opulent mouthfeel. This one will surely satisfy any lover of Oregon Pinot Noir. Learn more about these great wines at jcristopherwines.com and here are my reviews of the new Appassionata wines.
2021 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2021 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc was stored in large acacia barrels before bottling. The palate is deep and beautifully textured, showing almost an oily mouthfeel. Lemon rind and pink grapefruit zest combine with shades of sourdough bread and stony minerals on the palate. Refined, novel, sleek and elegant, this will pair with a dizzying array of foods — and is utterly delicious to savor on its on in its bright, vibrant youth. Drink 2022-2030- 93
2019 Appasssionata ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The elegant 2019 Appasssionata ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay was barrel fermented in large oak casks and comes from a range of sites throughout this region. Rich and intense, with a seamless texture, this offers toasty oak with vanilla cream, roasted pineapple and suggestions of buttered brioche on the palate. Very Oregon meets Sonoma, this is delicious Chardonnay to savor now and over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 93
2017 Appasssionata ‘GG’ Riesling- The gorgeous 2017 Appasssionata ‘GG’ Riesling is a dry-style wine which was stored in 3,000 liter German oak casks and then stored 3-5 years in the bottle prior to release. Lemon oil and kumquat zest combine with wet stones and suggestions of allspice dusted Japanese pear all combine on the palate. The unctuous mouthfeel and beautiful length really make this shine. As Ernie Loosen says — Riesling can age! Enjoy this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 93
2019 Appasssionata ‘Allegro’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Allegro’ Pinot Noir comes was stored for eighteen months in oak barrels and released three years after the vintage. It is beautifully textured with a great combination of weight and finesse. Bright strawberry and bing cherry flavors combine with blood orange zest and cinnamon sticks on the palate. This is delightful Pinot Noir to enjoy now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2022-2034- 93
2017 Appassionata ‘Andante’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Andante’ is the second movement in the Apppassionata collection of Pinot Noirs. Released five years after the vintage, this cooler vintage Pinot Noir reveals white truffle with fresh sage, red currants and salted salmonberry notes on the nose. The palate is smooth and refined, with a soft mouthfeel. Layers of bright red fruits parade with stony minerals and kumquat zest accents on the palate. A seriously good wine, enjoy now and over the next twelve years. Drink 2022-2034- 94
2012 Appassionata ‘Fortissimo’ Pinot Noir- As the name suggests, this is the most full-throttle approached Pinot Noir of this collection. Coming from the outstanding 2012 vintage, the ‘Fortissimo’ is silky and elegant with generous Linzer torte, tangerine zest and suggestions of forest floor, with light salty accents. This shows not only the potential of cellaring great Oregon Pinot Noir but beautifully showcases this stunning vintage in the Willamette Valley. Drink 2022-2035- 95