One of the outstanding wineries in the Columbia Gorge, Phelps Creek produces a myriad of wines including tension-filled Gewurtztraminer and silky Pinot Noir. Founder Bob Morus serves as President and Director of Winegrowing. He moved to Hood River in 1989 with the expressed goal of raising both wine grapes and kids. The manages his estate vineyard consisting of 36 acres of vines planted mainly to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
I am really impressed with the latest few sets of releases that I have tasted from Phelps Creek. Lauren O’Brien serves as winemaker, having formerly served as enologist at K Vintners. The new wines were really good across the board. I love the 2024 Phelps Creek ‘Van Horn’ Riesling (OB, 93) which is filled with dazzling tension and great flavor range Learn more about these great new wines at https://www.phelpscreekvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Phelps Creek.
2024 Phelps Creek ‘Van Horn’ Riesling- The 2024 ‘Van Horn’ Riesling is made in the Trocken style, and this comes off ultra-dry with loads of tension and minerals alongside lemon rind and kiwi notes alongside wet stone. This is really well-made. Drink 2025-2030- 93
2024 Phelps Creek ‘Pioneer Block’ Riesling- Coming from their estate vineyard, the 2024 ‘Pioneer Block’ Riesling delivers white peach and star jasmine on the nose with gooseberry notes. Very dry, this is loaded with freshness and minerality and is best enjoyed in its vibrant youth. Drink 2025-2030- 92
2024 Phelps Creek ‘Gorge Crest’ Gewurtztraminer- The gorgeous 2024 Phelps Creek ‘Gorge Crest’ Gewurtztraminer shows starfruit and pink grapefruit blossom on the nose with ripe peaches. This is clean and fresh wine that has the faintest kiss of sweetness. Drink 2025-2030- 92
2023 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Pinot Gris- The 2023 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Pinot Gris offers cashew nut, ripe melon and figs on the palate alongside good tension. Offering solid weight, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 91
2024 Phelps Creek ‘Fleur de Rot’ Pinot Noir Rose- The excellent 2024 Phelps Creek ‘Fleur de Rot’ Pinot Noir Rose delivers white rose water and delicate red fruits on the palate, with copious minerals and a smooth texture. Drink 2025-2030- 90
2024 Phelps Creek ‘Le Petit’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Le Petit’ offers juicy strawberry and red cherry flavors. Forward, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 89
2022 Phelps Creek ‘Lynette’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Lynette’ saw extended tirage on the lees. White peach and juicy pear mark the nose alongside shades of cardamom and pie crust. The palate is soft and refined with good elegant and a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2022 Phelps Creek ‘Corduroy’ White Pinot Noir- A delicious new bottling, the 2022 Phelps Creek ‘Corduroy’ White Pinot Noir is smooth and delicious on the mouth, loaded with nutty tones that combine with green papaya, mango and shades of wet stone. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2022 Phelps Creek ‘Homestead’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Phelps Creek ‘Homestead’ Pinot Noir comes off rich and burly, loaded with bright raspberry and bing cherry flavors that meld well with damp earth and shades of salty soils. Drink 2025-2032- 92