It was back a decade ago in 2012 when Toil Oregon was first released with a minuscule production of 200 cases. Then in 2016 Chris Figgins planted his estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. His first wine fully from his estate vineyard was the 2019 Rose. I think this property has tremendous potential.
The wines have been improving since the first vintage and I am very excited to see how these wines evolve as the vines grow in age. 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. They need air and warmth.
Over the past five years Chris Figgins has crafted one of the finest Rose wines that you will find in the Pacific Northwest. This is nuanced, highly geeky Rose that improves with air and should be served at a warmer temperature to take in the sensational range of flavors and aromatics. I adored the new 2021 Toil Oregon Rose (OB, 93) is loaded with bright red fruits and seriously good finesse. Learn more about this great winery at toiloregon.com Here are the brilliant new wines by Toil Oregon.
2021 Toil Oregon Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this 2021 Rose follows the long line of top Rose bottlings from Toil. Stored for four months in neutral French oak barrels, this shows off its vibrant pink color in the glass, steadily unveiling layers of watermelon and cantaloupe fruits that combine with white peach and stony undercurrents on the nose. The palate is soft and seamless, with just a kiss of sweetness. Showing insanely good range from strawberry and Yakima cherry to guava, lemon rind and wild mushroom, this is a Rose that stands tall amongst the best in the Pacific Northwest. Wait for the exceedingly long finish! Drink 2022-2029- 93
2020 Toil Oregon Chardonnay- The concentrated 2020 Toil Oregon Chardonnay spent ten months in 15% new French oak barrels and puncheons prior to bottling. Lemon zest and kiwi flavors meld with shades of buttercream on the palate. Give this at least an hour of air for everything to fully fill in, Enjoy over the next several years. Drink 2022-2028- 92
2020 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- The 2021 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir shows good stuffing and structure, with cranberry, orange rind and sour cherry flavors that combine with volcanic soils on the palate. This builds considerably after an hour in the decanter. Enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2022-2026- 91