It is my pleasure to share the wines of Approachment, founded byJessica 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 is originally from 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 ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is soft and approachable stuff that offers some excellent value. Learn more at https://www.approachmentwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the great Approachment wines.
2023 Approachment ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay shows off good flavor density with rich pear and melon flavors that combine with hints of beeswax on the palate. Delightful and lively with good freshness, enjoy now and over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2024 Approachment ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir shows some nice warmth of the vintage on the palate. Loaded with ripe strawberry, fig and Bing cherry flavors this is medium-bodied and juicy stuff that is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2023 Aproachment ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Grenache- The really good 2023 Aproachment ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Grenache comes off wonderfully fruity, wit ha generous core of red fruits. With more air iron and tar notes evolve alongside white pepper and green olives on the palate. A gorgeous wine that is very complex and seamless, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2023 Approachment ‘Wicked Garden’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Wicked Garden comes from Block 50 in the Les Collines Vineyard. This has outstanding stony undercurrents with soy sauce, beef drippings and bright dark fruits that combine with its refined mouthfeel. Enjoy Nowa and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93