It has now been several years since I have tasted the wines from one of the most electric projects in Oregon wine. An ingenious idea Appassionata is the dream of Ernie Loosen to age Oregon wines properly and then release them later than other estates. This winery project has involved two decades of planning and investment that began in 2005 with a limited bottling of Appassionata Pinot Noir, a collaboration with J. Christopher Wines. The full Appassionata range of wines now includes three Pinot Noirs of varying age, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc produced in acacia barrels, and a dry Riesling made in the German Grosses Gewächs (GG) style.
The wines are beautiful. I was totally blown away by the 2023 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 94). This makes its case for the best Sauvignon Blanc made in Oregon. Learn more about these great wines at jcristopherwines.com and here are my reviews of the new Appassionata wines.
2023 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc is an amazing wine that was aged in large format acacia wood before bottling. It is dense, delicious and neatly-textured stuff with terrific weight and length. Loaded with lemon and mango fruits, with shades of crushed gravel and pink grapefruit water, this is a stunning rendition of this wine that is big, burly and unabashedly bold. It is hard to find an Oregon wine quite like this. Drink 2026-2034- 94
2021 Appasssionata ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The sleek and delicious 2021 Appasssionata ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay was stored in large oak casks before bottling. It shows off the heat of the vintage with walnut and salted pear nuances that combine with rich tropical fruits on the palate. Heady and delicious, with a near minute-long finish, enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 94
2018 Appasssionata ‘GG’ Riesling- An incredible new Riesling, the 2018 Appasssionata ‘GG’ Riesling is a GG-inspired wine which was stored in 3,000 liter German oak casks and then stored for 12 months on the lees and then 4 years in the bottle before release. Kumquat rind and orange blossom notes fill the nose alongside cardamom dusted French bread and candied ginger. The palate is heady and powerful with serious weight and texture. A dazzling wine that is unlike anything you find in Oregon, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 95
2021 Appasssionata ‘Allegro’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Allegro’ Pinot Noir was sourced from several sites in the Willamette Valley. Aged in barrel for 20 months and then 16 months in bottle, this opens with a bright bouquet of rose petals and kumquat zest alongside suggestions of white tea and strawberry. The palate is soft and neatly-textured with loads of bright red fruits alongside salty and stony accents. Drink 2026-2036- 93
2019 Appassionata ‘Andante’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Andante’ is the second movement in the Apppassionata collection of Pinot Noirs. This wine was released after spending 19 months in barrel and 3.5 years in the bottle. Saline drenched red fruits fill the nose with shades of bergamot and white truffle shavings. The palate is silky and refined — perfectly mature, and beautifully weighted. A gorgeous wine from a relatively tough vintage, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 94
2013 Appassionata ‘Fortissimo’ Pinot Noir- The 2013 ‘Fortissimo’ comes from a more than challenge vintage, marred by torrential rains at harvest. Sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA, this is marvelous effort despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Pine needles and peat moss tones combine with amazing earthy elegance and excellent weight, with good nerve. Delicate red fruits mingle well with stony minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 94