Rolling on with only Oregon wines today, we share one of the older sites in the Willamette Valley. For years I have admired the Panther Creek wines that show off this special site. Nysa Vineyard is a family-owned operation that was founded back in 1990. Owner and winemaker, Michael Mega purchased a parcel of orchards high in the Dundee Hills of Oregon in anticipation of growing world-class pinot. It was with passion, hard work and patience that Nysa Vineyard has become one of the most prestigious in the hills, providing Pinot noir to acclaimed producers throughout the Willamette Valley.
It was 2004 that Michael made his first vintage of Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir. Wines from this site are aged in their cellar for many years prior to release. The new wines I tasted date all the way back from the 2019, 2017, 2016 and 2014 vintages — virtually unheard of for Oregon wineries to send me releases with this level of age. All wines showed brilliantly.
I love the 2019 Nysa Vineyard Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is neatly textured and shows a gorgeous array of fruit and non fruit flavors. Just as good was the outstanding 2014 Nysa Vineyard ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is rich and viscous from this warm vintage. Learn more at https://www.nysavineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Nysa Vineyard releases.
2017 Nysa Vineyard ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine- Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this 2017 bottling offers lime zest and sourdough bread flavors on the palate, with lovely stony and salty undertones. Medium-bodied, with nice verve, a soft mousse and loads of mouth-watering acidity, enjoy this great bottling now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 92
2019 Nysa Vineyard Chardonnay- The beautiful 2019 Nysa Vineyard Chardonnay is showing brilliantly right now at the four year mark. Once on the nose this takes on layers of salted peach and green apple that combine with nutmeg infused Challah bread. The palate is rich and viscous with good weight and bright underling acidity. Complex and delicious, showing great salty and nutty tones, this is a brilliant wine to savor now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2023-2030- 92
2014 Nysa Vineyard ‘Leda’s Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2014 ‘Leda’s Reserve’ is a beautiful wine now at almost ten years of age. Black truffle and tobacco leaf combine with red rose petals and rich dark fruits on the nose. The palate is soft and refined with smooth tannins. Ripe red currants dance on with salty stones and cranberry notes on the palate. Showing good length and balance, this is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2016 Nysa Vineyard ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 Nysa Vineyard ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir is an outstanding bottling from this warm vintage. This is round and generous on the mouth with a great combination of red and dark fruits alongside dried herbs and shades of white truffle shavings. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92