We all know that Argyle makes some world-class sparkling wines. But back in the day the winery was most known for their still wines that were getting some serious attention by wine critics. My first visit was in 2002 when they had a very small, rustic tasting room that looks nothing like the huge, modern facility that they have today. Tastings were held at their ‘Nuthouse’ outpost where people would have a chance to taste a range of their wines, including their top ‘Nuthouse’ bottlings. It was an easy choice to join their wine club, based on the consistency of the wines. Wines had plenty of body with bright acidity and pure red fruits.
Last summer I met with Argyle with winemaker Nate Klostermann. He graciously shared a range of ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noirs that reminded me of the wines that I tasted when I was a wine club member. This was an incredible treat for me as these wines held remarkably well despite some being nearly twenty years of age.
The new wines by Argyle are seriously good. I love the value in the 2022 Argyle ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 90) which won’t break the bank and has marvelous texture and brightness. Even better is the sinfully good 2022 Argyle ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is dense and decadent, loaded with bright red fruits. Learn more about these outstanding wines at argylewinery.com and here are my tasting notes from a sensational tasting of Argyle new releases.
2022 Argyle ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Argyle ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay offers bright pear and starfruit tones on the nose. Soft on the mouth with bright tension, alongside lemon zest and green apple flavors, this is a really good value made in 2022. Drink 2024-2030- 90
2022 Argyle ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- This awesome entry level 2022 Pinot Noir delivers plenty of rich red fruits with copious minerals, bubblegum and orange zest flavors on the palate. Showing salty soils and wild mushroom nuances, this is a delicious new bottling that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2024-2030- 91
2022 Aryle ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- A great wine from this vintage, the 2022 ‘Reserve’ is a beautiful effort by winemaker Nate Klostermann. Baking spices and mulled cranberry combine with orange peel, tobacco and Morello cherry flavors. Really good, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 93