I love the newer wineries of the Pacific Northwest. Approachment was started by Jessica and Paden West who both have many years of industry experience. Jessica started her wine path working in wine shops and tasting rooms. After learning the sales portion of the business, Jessica acquired an internship in 2013 at Bethel Heights Vineyard working directly with Winemaker Ben Casteel and viticulture master Mimi Casteel. Jessica then entered the NW Wine Studies program to earn her degree in Winemaking. Paden grew up in the Willamette Valley and began his path in wine just as Jessica did -by working in wine shops and tasting rooms. In 2010, Paden was offered an internship at Penner-Ash, managed by Winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash and Assistant Winemaker Brian Irvine. After finding his fire for the winemaking side of the business, Paden also enrolled in the NW Wine Studies program…where his lab partner turned out to be Jessica West. The rest has been history.
I love the new 2023 Approachment ‘Point of Contact’ (OB, 92) which shows serious texture and great flavor range. Learn more at https://www.approachmentwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the great Approachment wines.
2023 Approachment ‘Point of Contact’ Pinot Gris- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2023 Approachment Pinot Gris offers white peach and juicy pear notes on the nose alongside watermelon tones. The palate is rich and beautifully textured, while maintaining bright underlying finesse. Nutty and earthy, this is a total knockout of a Pinot Gris that should age gracefully for six plus years. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2023 Approachment ‘Take Up Space’ Gamay- Done in the carbonic style, this 2023 Gamay comes from the Cynthian Vineyard which is located in the Van Duzer AVA. This is bright and juicy Gamay, offering bubblegum and light cola notes alongside rich strawberry and red cherry flavors. Showing copious minerals, this is really nicely done stuff. Enjoy in its youth while the marvelous tension remains intact. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2022 Approachment ‘Wicked Garden’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Wicked Garden’ Syrah comes from the Les Collines Vineyard which is set right under the Blue Mountains. Inky in the glass, this delivers great concentration and finesse with stony minerals that combine with dried herbs, cassis, black olives and shades of smoked pork shoulder on the palate. Generous and rich, with good underlying finesse, this is beautiful wine that is already drinking really well. Drink 2024-2034- 93