Today we share an electric brand out of Oregon. A few years back I got the chance to meet with Approachment founders Jessica and Paden West who have been in the industry for many years. 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. Paden serves as Benza head winemaker while Jessica makes the Approachment wines that show great poise and texture.
I love the new 2024 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 ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2023 ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay offers a smooth mouthfeel with crisp apples and pears alongside buttercream accents and shades of apricot on the palate. Smooth, nicely textured and elegant, with brisk acidity, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2024 Approachment ‘Point of Contact’ Pinot Gris- The 2024 Approachment ‘Point of Contact’ Pinot Gris comes from the Benza Vineyard in the Laurelwood District AVA. This skin-contact Gris is loaded with texture and minerality, showing bright strawberry, cantaloupe and shades of watermelon flavors on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, this exceedingly delicious Gris is best enjoyed in its heady youth. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2024 Approachment ‘Take Up Space’ Gamay- The 2024 ‘Take Up Space’ comes from the Cynthian Vineyard which is located in the Van Duzer AVA. Translucent in the glass, this delivers pretty red rose petals and bubblegum on the nose alongside shades of Bing cherry. This is wonderfully nervy, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Very Somm-friendly, I can’t imagine the range of foods this will pair beautifully with. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 92