Today we share the great wines of Open Claim. Founded in 2014 by Marnie and Brett Wall, Open Claim creates a bigger style of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are complete wines with a beginning, middle and end. They use a limited amount of new oak, despite their fleshy character. Tony Rynders is of the Pacific Northwest’s great winemakers Formerly with Hogue and Domaine Serene, Tony crafts some incredible wines for his own label, Tendril. He has been the winemaker at Open Claim and is doing an incredible job with this site. I have long enjoyed these wines that showcase a beginning, middle and end.
I adored the 2023 Open Claim ‘Flora’s Veil’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is all about texture and flavor range. It is utterly delicious right now. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.openclaimvineyards.com/ Here are the brilliant 2021 and older releases by Open Claim.
2023 Open Claim ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- Another stellar edition of this wine the 2023 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is an epic bottling by Oregon wine legend Tony Rynders. Once on the nose this takes on buttercream and cardamom laced pastry crust notes that combine with ripe nectarine, and shades of Japanese pear. The palate is silky and inviting throughout the drinking experience, as this displays both beautiful poise and weight. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 95
2023 Open Claim ‘Estate’ White Pinot Noir- The utterly fabulous 2023 ‘Estate’ White Pinot Noir captures flat out fabulous flavor and aromatic range from this warm vintage in Oregon. Toasted hazelnut and wild mushroom tones combine with Yakima cherry notes on the nose. The palate is dense and viscous with serious weight and power. A gorgeous melange of citrus, melon and even wild strawberry fruit flavors greet you, alongside good tension. Enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 95
2023 Open Claim ‘Flora’s Veil’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Flora’s Veil’ is another outstanding edition of this wine which was sourced from the Mount Pisgah region of the Willamette Valley. Translucent in the glass, this shows off Linzer torte and red currants that combine with shades of Shitake mushroom on the nose. The palate is heady and dense with loads of salty minerals, exotic spices and a lush mouthfeel. Really good now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 95
2021 Open Claim ‘Layer & Stitch’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 ‘Layer & Stitch’ was stored for 18 months in 35% new French oak and comes from the Open Claim Estate Vineyard. It is fresh and mineral-laden, showing off bright black raspberry and Bing cherry fruits alongside Mandarin orange zest and earthy underpinnings on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with a smooth texture, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 93