Today we share the brilliant wines of Erica Orr. One of the amazing talents in Washington wine, Erica Orr has long been at the helm at Baer. Years ago she sought to re-create some of the Washington wines of yesteryear in crafting top class Chenin Blanc. This was a major hit for the consumer and somms alike. All of her red wines come from the esteemed Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA — a site that she is very familiar with, as her Baer wines also come from that location.
I love the new wines by Erica Orr. Check out the beautiful 2024 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc (OB, 92) which has great density and flavor range. Learn more about these great wines at orrwines.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Erica Orr.
2024 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc- The 2024 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc is one of the unique bottlings in Washington. This offers really novel nutty tones on the palate, alongside green papaya, copious minerals and suggestions of sour starfruit. Really complex and also neatly textured, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2023 Orr Wines ‘Salumeria’ Red Wine- The really good 2023 ‘Salumeria’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon (48%) with Sangiovese (44%) and a small portion of Merlot coming from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. It is bright and juicy with refined tannins and serious acidity on the palate. Loads of pretty red fruits parade with Satsuma orange zest and hints of white pepper on the palate, alongside damp soil accents. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2023 Orr Wines ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Orr Wines ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir comes from the Leland Vineyard, with vines planted all the way back in 1982. This is big and juicy Oregon Pinot, offering loads of black tea and exotic spices alongside heady red and dark fruits. Deftly textured, with good acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2023 Orr Wines ‘Royal Slope’ Red Wine- The 2023 Orr Wines ‘Royal Slope’ Red Wine comes from donated grapes from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, as proceeds go to Columbia Valley vineyard workers. This has good richness with a soft mouthfeel on the palate. Chocolate and allspice dusted dark currents mingle well with fresh sage and damp soils on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 92
2023 Orr Wines ‘Royal Slope’ Grenache- The 2023 ‘Royal Slope’ Grenache is soft, approachable and mineral-laden on the tongue. Gorgeous red fruits mingle well with red rose water, Mandarin orange zest and shades of salty soils on the palate. Really delicious and dense with a refined mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93