It is my pleasure to share one of the electric newer brands of the Pacific Northwest. NFL Legend Drew Bledsoe and superstar winemaker, Josh McDaniels combined to form Bledsoe-McDaniels and they now are one of the outstanding producers of Oregon Pinot Noir. What was formerly the Hope Wells Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, they have purchased this site a few years back and are producing some incredible estate wines from this site. They have made a Rocks wine from their ‘Lefore Vineyard’ which has gotten better and better over the years.
Don’t miss out on the 2024 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘LFG Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is forward and juicy stuff with a terrific texture and acid backbone. Even better is the thrilling 2024 ‘Before Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 97) which is by far the best edition of this wine yet. Learn more about this outstanding winery project at http://bledsoemcdaniels.com/#top Here are the beautiful new wines by Bledsoe-McDaniels.
2024 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘LFG’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘LFG’ Pinot Noir offers dried herbs and potpourri that combines with ripe raspberries and Bing cherry. This saw 20% whole cluster fermentation as it shows off refined tannins with a terrific combination of red and dark fruits with peat moss accents. Drink 2026-2040- 94
2024 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir shows gorgeous red florals on the nose with river rock and sandalwood tones. Roughly 20% whole cluster fermented this comes off ultra-refined and seamless throughout the drinking experience. A generous melange of red and dark fruits combine with tobacco leaf and stony undertones. Drink 2026-2040- 96
2024 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘Coulee Estate’ Pinot Noir- Sourceed from their iestate vineyard, set on a range of soil types including Marine Sedimentary and Nekkia, this 2024 Pinot Noir opens with dark florals that combine with black cherry and walnut notes. The palate is ultra-refined and pillowy on the tongue. Bright acidity combines wit orange peel, bergamot, wintergreen and dense red and dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2026-2040- 96
2024 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘Lefore Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2024 ‘Lefore’ is the only Rocks District bottling in their collection. This was roughly 50% whole cluster fermented and was stored in primarily natural oak before bottling. Umami and green olives combine with dark currants, charcuterie and shades of black raspberry all combine on the nose. The palate is deep and powerful with insanely good flavor range. This is seriously so delicious in its highly complex youth. Drink now. Drink 2026-2034- 97
2024 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘McQueen Estate’ Syrah- Only a tiny amount of this wine was made from the high elevation ‘McQueen Estate.’ Set on fractured basalt, only one puncheon of this wine was made. Inky in the glass, this delivers wet rock and creme de cassis with anise and Asian spices that all combine in the glass. The palate is powerful and dense with great rocky soil character. Drink 2026-2040- 96