For those who know me, I have a longstanding history visiting Argyle Winery. I was a massive fan of the wines made by Oregon bubbles master, Rollin Soles, who was making some of the most electric wines you would find on the west coast. Argyle continues to make some of the most consistently great Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, being guided now by winemaker Nate Klostermann. Nate is a delight to taste wine with. I won’t soon forget the dosage trials that he guided us on roughly a year ago. One of the great makers of Oregon sparkling wines, Nate creates sparkling wines that show a refined mousse, with serious body and texture.
I was totally blown away with the new 2013 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which spent 10 years on the lees and is absolutely brimming with bright acidity and texture. 2013 was a tough vintage for red wines but the sparkling wines from this vintage continue to shine brightly. I adored the 2012 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which has achieved greatness through this long aging process. The wine has lovely weight and really has a long way to go int the cellar. Learn more about these outstanding wines at argylewinery.com and here are my tasting notes from a sensational tasting of Argyle Sparkling Wines.
2018 Argyle ‘Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2018 ‘Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine is a dazzling wine made by Nate Klostermann. Once on the nose this takes on layers of brioche and baking spice dusted pear alongside shades of kiwi on the nose. The palate is soft and refined with a silky mousse. Rich and layered, this is a deeply concentrated sparkling wine that is best consumed at a warmer temperature. Drink 2023-2033- 94
2019 Argyle ‘Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 ‘Blanc de Noirs’ from the Spirt Hill Vineyard is a deeply concentrated sparkling wine from a cool vintage. This has 15% Pinot Meunier blended in. Rich and viscous, this displays rich Yakima cherry flavors that combine with shades of white peach, juicy pear and suggestions of walnut on the palate. This is refined bubbles that is drinking marvelously now at the near five year mark. Drink 2023-2033- 94
2013 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- The 2013 ‘Extended Tirage’ was disgorged in July 2023. Given 3 G/L dosage, The wine was picked before the rains of the 2013 vintage. On the nose this shows baking spice dusted pastry crust, Pink Lady apple, and juicy peach notes with shades of diatomaceous earth. The mousse is super refined and elegant, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. 60% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. This is ethereal stuff that is only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2023-2038- 96
2012 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- The 2012 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine is a brilliant showing, as this is 40% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. Mostly sourced from the Knudsen Vineyard, this offers rich red plum and saline drenched nectarine flavors alongside shades of oyster shell. This beauty is really singing right now. Drink 2023-2036- 95