Today we share one of the outstanding sites in Oregon. Royer Vineyard is owned by proprietors June and Mark Royer. Mark has worked recently as an importer of Champagne and Burgundy. June Royer also has worked in the importing business, importing teas from Taiwan and China.
I have enjoyed wineries that have crafted their wines from this site — particularly those made by Cristom. I met with Mark and discussed his vineyard and plans earlier in the year. This is the second set of releases that I have tasted so far in 2025 and I am massively impressed with what they are doing.
The new wines have loads of potential. I adored the 2023 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is seamless throughout the drinking experience with great verve and richness. I love the character of the new wines. Learn more at royervineyard.com and here are my reviews from the new Royer Vineyard wines.
2024 Royer ‘Royer Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2024 ‘Royer Vineyard’ Riesling comes from estate vines set on Witzel soils. This utilizes Riesling clone 49, as this begins with honeysuckle water and kerosene notes on the nose with freshly cut limes. The palate is silky and elegant throughout the drinking experience with a refined texture. Enjoy this beauty over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2024 Royer ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from vines set on volcanic soils. This is stony and fresh with a marvelous sense of tension. Ripe peach and Meyer lemon curd flavors combine with suggestions of papaya and nutty undertones on the palate. Complex and delicious, e enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2036- 94
2023 Royer ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine from vines set on Witzel soils. This is vibrant, deep and concentrated Chardonnay with serious personality. The flavor range is outstanding from cardamom laced pastry crust, lush melon, citrus and tropical fruits as well as salted cashew nut. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95
2023 Royer ‘548’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘548’ focuses on single clone Chardonnay set on Nekia soils. This comes off seamless and also very stony throughout the drinking experience, as copious minerals and lip-smacking acidity both greet you on the palate. Kumquat zest, persimmon and shades of bergamot all fill the palate, alongside crushed wet rock and walnut accents. The terroir imparted here is astonishingly good. Very complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 96