Argyle 'Oyo Brilloso' Pinot Noir

Argyle is one of those great Pacific Northwest wineries that proudly supports wonderful causes. Ojo Brilloso or ‘shiny eye’ is named after those who manage the Argyle Vineyards. Each wine is selected by the vineyard manager from three of Oregon’s premier vineyards: The Knudsen, Lone Star and Spirit Hill Vineyards. Each wine utilizes different clonal selection of Pinot Noir. 

These are limited production wines from the 2019 vintage that are each seriously good and made by the talented Nate Klostermann. Proceeds from these wines go towards three remarkable charities working towards equality, opportunity, and diversity within the wine industry: AHIVOY, The Roots Fund, and ¡Salud!. Learn more at https://shop.argylewinery.com/product/2019-Ojo-Brilloso-Set and here are my reviews of the three 2019 ‘Oyo Brilloso’ wines.

2019 Argyle ‘Ojo Brilloso Lone Star Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The marvelous 2019 Argyle ‘Ojo Brilloso Lone Star Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a deeply concentrated effort from this cooler vintage. Sourced from a parcel of Dijon clonal selection 667, this unveils beautiful strawberry and guava notes alongside freshly tilled soils and salty undercurrents on the palate.The generous length and texture add to the enjoyment, as this will live on for another fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 93

2019 Argyle ‘Ojo Brilloso Knudsen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The bright 2019 Argyle ‘Ojo Brilloso Knudsen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was chosen by vineyard supervisor Jose Sanchez, as the wine was crafted from Pommard clone grapes planted back in 2008. Tart red fruits greet you, with salted citrus zest, peat moss and suggestions of Asian spices that all marvelously come together. Delicious now, this will continue to satisfy over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 93

2019 Argyle ‘Ojo Brilloso Spirit Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2019 Argyle ‘Ojo Brilloso Spirit Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from a block of Pommard clonal selection Pinot Noir and selected by vineyard supervisor Francisco Ponce. The nose is bright and wonderfully perfumed with red rose petals, wild strawberry and Bing cherry tones with damp earthy accents. The palate is soft and round, showing very pretty guava, red cherry and red raspberry flavors alongside a killer veil of tension. This surely will show well over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2022-2037- 93

G. Khan

Who doesn’t love a saline drenched, red fruit-driven California Pinot Noir. For Pinophiles across the globe, there is something special and unique about the wines of Santa Barbara County. The terroir is something I have always loved in these wines that can show sandy or rocky tones alongside the red fruit profile. An ultra-boutique winery based in Santa Barbara County, G. Khan utilizes the talents of Liquid Farm winemaker James Sparks.

James utilizes his deft touch to these wines that are very unique and subtle, making this brand very Santa Barbara meets Beaune. The brand was founded by proprietor Roy Kim who sought to create a brand that was highly Burgundian to satiate his love for French wines utilizing top fruit from the Santa Rita Hills. Roy purchased grapes from the famed Radian Vineyard which is known for its very cool location, producing very low yields and pretty fruit profiles at lower alcohol levels. Radian is the western most vineyard along Santa Rosa Road in Santa Rita Hills and the soil is composed of clay, loam, and diatomaceous earth giving a distinct minerality to the wine. Yields range from less than 1 ton/acre to less than 2 tons/acre.

I was fully enamored by the two G. Khan wines that I tasted which were very different, coming from the 2015 and 2016 vintages. The 2016 G. Khan ‘Radian Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) takes on more of a bright red fruit profile, with stunning tension and a silky mouthfeel. The more subtle 2015 G. Khan ‘Radian Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) is even more salty and earthy with a smooth texture and wonderful sense of weight. Learn more about these outstanding Pinot Noir wines at http://gkhanwine.com and here are my reviews of the new Pinot Noirs by G. Khan.

2015 G. Khan ‘Radian Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Completely different and even more backwards than the 2016 bottling, the 2015 G. Khan ‘Radian Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a stunning effort that shows really good nerve and density, with serious terroir. Needing about an hour in the decanter to he fully aroused, this unveils very pretty red rose petal tones alongside citrus embers, bergamot and smoldering stone accents. The palate is extremely elegant and refined, with fine-grained tannins tight hold in place a very pretty core of guava puree, cranberry and saline drenched blood orange zest. Dense and layered, with good nuance, this beautiful wine will surely gratify over the next decade. Drink 2022-2034- 93

2016 G. Khan ‘Radian Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The seriously good 2016 G. Khan ‘Radian Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a sensational new wine by the talented James Sparks. Immediately more aromatically expressive than the 2015 bottling, this reveals bright red currant and dried sage notes alongside shades of salted strawberry that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows a great veil of tension, as medium-bodied red fruit flavors collide with citrus rind and stony minerals. Gorgeous to consume now, this should hold well for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2034- 94

Spottswoode

It is hard to imagine that Spottswoode was founded all the way back in 1882 by George Schonewald. Spottswoode was christened by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and was later acquired by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972. Mary released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding.

Continuing the family lineage, Mary’s daughter Beth Novak Milliken manages the winery, and daughter Lindy Novak serves as the winery’s Marketing Ambassador. Every year Spottswoode produces an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc in honor of their founder, Mary Novak. Spottswoode also crafts a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Lyndenhurst, a dual-appellation Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, and two limited-production wines for club members only (Spottswoode Estate “Mary’s Block” Sauvignon Blanc and Field Book Syrah). Their Lyndenhurst wines can offerreallygood value. 

The estate itself is located at western edge of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains, as vines are set on alluvial clay loam while a strong wartime influence runs through Spring Mountain and the Mayacamas range. The estate has forty acres of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc which have been organically farmed since 1985.

I adored the new 2019 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is intense and finesse-driven, with incredible aging potential. Learn more about this famed Napa winery at https://www.spottswoode.com Here is my review of the new Spottswoode wines.

2019 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A monumental blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (89.5%) from this estate on the western bench of St. Helena, the 2019 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is right up there with some of the great wines that I have tasted from this estate. Obviously deep and brooding, this shows impeccable balance and a literal cornucopia of flavors, ranging from tobacco leaf, salted dark fruits and smoky tones to creme de violette and Arabica bean tones. Finishing long, this is nervy, intense wine that really can benefit from two to three hours in the decanter prior to enjoying. Savor this beauty over the next twenty plus years. Drink 2024-2044- 98

2019 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon- This great new Cabernet Sauvignon is named after the linden trees that line that Spottswoode grounds. Aged for 20 months in 57% new French oak, this reveals medium-bodied black currant and anise flavors alongside suggestions of tar and freshly tilled soils, with salty undercurrents. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 92

Chateau Bellefont-Belcier

A famed historic estate in Saint-Emilion, Chateau Bellefont-Belcier is located on a south-facing slope, neighboring Château Pavie, Château Larcis-Ducasse and Château Tertre Roteboeuf. Château Bellefont-Belcier originally was owned by a famous Bordeaux family: at the end of the 18th century, the Count Louis-François de Belcier had first founded the vineyard then, at the beginning of the 19th century, he build the Château which he named Bellefont (Belle Fontaine means ‘beautiful fountain’ and is a reference to the numerous springs hidden on the hillside into which the vines plunge their roots). Bellefont’s vineyard extends over 13.5 hectares in parcel which has three distinct areas: the limestone plateau, the South slope clay-limestone, the clayey-sandy parcels. The site is planted to 72% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 11% of Cabernet Sauvignon spread over 28 plots. The average age of the vines is about 35 years.

I loved the latest four set of releases from this estate. While I have enjoyed older bottles of this wine, particularly loving their 2000, there is clearly an increase in quality over the past several  years since new proprietor Peter Kwok has taken the reins. The best wine I tasted was the glorious 2018 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier (OB, 93) which is dense and chewy, really needing a few more years in the cellar — but also showing some magnificent aging potential. Learn more about this historic chateau at http://www.vignoblesk.com/en/our-properties/chateau-bellefont-belcier.aspx and here are the latest releases by Chateau Bellefont-Belcier. 

2016 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier- A fantastic blend of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is inky once in the glass, unveiling considerable more depth and concentration than the 2017. You admire its deep core of black currant cordial, mocha, tar and loamy soils that greet you, alongside a great veil of tension. Already nicely evolved, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade or more. Drink 2022-2035- 92

2017 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier- Very finesse-driven, the 2017 Bellefont-Belcier has good richness considering the challenges of the vintage. Aged in 40% new French oak for 20 months, this displays medium-bodied graphite and sandalwood tones alongside ripe blackberry and espresso bean tones on the palate. This is really enjoyable now and will continue to evolve over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 90

2018 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier- The 2018 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier is a gorgeous bottling from proprietor Peter Kwok, as this blends 70% Merlot with 25% Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The rich cassis and black cherry notes from the Merlot really impress mid-palate, as stony and savory tones round out this beautiful wine that really needs another year or two in the bottle. The potential is really there with this concentrated Saint-Emilion — just try to forget it for a few more years. Drink 2024-2040- 93

2019 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier- The same blend as the 2018 Bellefont, this wine was aged in 40% new French oak for 20 months prior to bottling. It is quite backwards even after a long decant at this time, yet shows serious potential as pencil lead, tar, black licorice and violets all parade on the palate alongside copious stony minerals. Medium to full-bodied, with gobs of finesse, enjoy this beautiful wine a few years from now. Drink 2024-2035- 92

Perrier-Jouet

One of the older houses in champagne, Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët shared a love of nature and the arts. She was a cultured young woman from a Norman merchant family; he a masterful vintner and botanist. A year after their wedding, in 1811 they founded Maison Perrier-Jouët and their son Charles Perrier, a botanist like his father, took over the House in 1848. Their first wine was the Perrier-Jouët brut Champagne, Cuvée K made in 1842 which was a popular wine served at army courts.

That beautiful painted floral label didn’t come until 1902 when Octave Gallice commissioned Emile Gallé to design the bottle of a Perrier-Jouet cuvée - the creation of the famous bottle decorated with Japanese anemones which would symbolize the house. Currently, production is roughly 3 million bottles annually.

Over the past year I have had the chance to taste a range of Perrier-Jouet wines, including several vintages of their top tete de cuvee, the ‘Belle Epoque.’ I love their release from the 2012 vintage which is bold and delicious to consume now, with seriously good flavor range. If you have any of their older vintage ‘Belle Epoque’ wines, I would consider consuming them in the near future, as I do not see these wines improving. Learn more at https://www.perrier-jouet.com/en-ww and here are my tasting notes from the wines of Perrier-Jouet. 

NV Perrier Jouet ‘Grand Brut’ Champagne- Fresh and polished, the NV Perrier Jouet ‘Grand Brut’ reveals straightforward sourdough bread flavors alongside a nice dusting of salty minerals and lemon rind flavors. Very mineral-driven, with a soft mousse, enjoy this delicious, straightforward Brut over the next several years. Drink 2022-2026- 90

1996 Perrier-Jouet ‘Belle Epoque’ Champagne- The big and bold 1996 ‘Belle Epoch’ is starting its decline now at the twenty six year mark. Fresher and considerably more expansive over the first 30 minutes of consumption, the wine leads with kumquat rind dusted French bread, marzipan and hints of bergamot with cashew nut tones on the palate. Enjoy this beautiful, mature champagne over the next several years. Drink 2022-2028- 93

2002 Perrier-Jouet ‘Belle Epoque’ Champagne- One of my favorite vintages of this wine, the 2002 ‘Belle Epoque’ Champagne appears to be holding quite well even at the twenty year mark. This takes on copious melon fruits alongside Meyer lemon zest, quince, salted walnut and shades of toasty brioche on the palate, with gobs of finesse and diatomaceous earthy tones. A standout wine to enjoy now, moving into the lovely secondary notes, savor over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 94

2006 Perrier-Jouet ‘Belle Epoque’ Champagne- A bigger style for this house, the 2006 ‘Belle Epoch’ is already very evolved and is needing to be consumed over the next few years. Hints of white raisin, Golden Delicious apple and baking spice laced Challah bread all enter the fray, as the mouthfeel and lighter tension hold things together nicely. Drink 2022-2028- 92

2012 Perrier-Jouet ‘Belle Epoque’ Champagne- The 2012 ‘Belle Epoque’  blends 50% Chardonnay, and 45% Pinot Noir with 5% Pinot Meunier from nearly all Grand Cru Vineyards. Powerful and very nervy now, this yields a beautifully orchestrated entry with plenty of bright salinity and chalky undertones. Ripe Japanese pear, Mandarin orange rind, freshly buttered French bread and salted pistachio nut flavors all combine with the soft mouthfeel and lengthy finish. A standout wine, the 2012 ‘Belle Epoque’ will surely cellar well for another fifteen years to come. Drink 2022-2036- 94

Rex Hill

One of the historic spots in the Willamette Valley, Rex Hill began back in 1992 and continues to share their legacy today. Winemaker Michael Davies has a longstanding history making Pinot Noir. Originally from a small town in New Zealand, Michael completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Scandinavian Studies and Political Science at the University of Auckland leading to some unusual jobs, before returning to Lincoln University for a post-graduate diploma in Viticulture & Enology. Prior to joining Rex Hill and A to Z, he served as Vineyard Manager and Assistant Winemaker for 6 years at Chehalem, as well as in Burgundy, California, the Hunter Valley of Australia and numerous regions of New Zealand. 

Michael has crafted some beautiful new wines for Rex Hill. I adored his 2018 Rex Hill ‘Seven Soils’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which brilliantly speaks to the vintage with its good richness and great sense of texture. This is a sure bet for any serious lover of Oregon Chardonnay. Learn more about these great wines at 

2018 Rex Hill ‘Seven Soils’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Seven Soils’ was stored in 90% neutral French oak prior to bottling, as this blends a range of vineyards and finished resting for three months in stainless steel. This is a fresh and beautifully textured version of Oregon Chardonnay, with buttered French bread, honeydew melon and lemon rind flavors that combine with plenty of stony minerals. Enjoy this outstanding new wine over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 92

2018 Rex Hill ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Bright red currants combine with loamy soils, wild mushroom and orange zest flavors on the palate. Enjoy this medium-bodied effort over the next five to seven years. Drink 2022-2026- 90

2018 Rex Hill ‘Chehalem Mountains’ Pinot Noir- A fresher style for the vineyard, this unveils ripe red cherry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside a dusting of volcanic earth and citrus rind tones on the palate. Medium-bodied and filled with finesse, this will surely cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 91

Cliff Lede

Cliff Lede grew up involved with his family’s successful construction business in Canada, and first discovered the splendor of the Napa Valley while on a business retreat in the 1990s. A collector of top Bordeaux, Cliff was immediately drawn to the incredible landscapes and wine culture of Napa. He saw the great potential in the Stags Leap District and founded Cliff Lede Vineyards. One year later, the southwest facing hillside just above the Silverado Trail which became his Poetry Vineyard. In 2009, he expanded to include cooler-climate varieties from the Anderson Valley in purchasing the Savoy Vineyard and the creation of a new brand, FEL, named for his mother, Florence Elsie Lede.

I will fully admit that I was enamored by the sensational new lineup from the 2019 vintage. I just adored their 2019 Cliff Lede ‘Poetry’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which borders on perfection. Silky and rich, this is a sensational new wine. which is incredibly soft and has insanely good length. The core of blue and dark fruits is so impressive here. I love the new 2018 Cliff Lede ‘To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which deftly showcases this world class vineyard. This Cabernet will surely live on for decades to come. These are just sensational new wines for any serious collector of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://cliffledevineyards.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Cliff Lede.

2019 Cliff Lede ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful effort that is sourced from their estate vineyard at the base of Diamond Mountain in the western portion of the Calistoga appellation. Soft and generous on the mouth, this reveals tobacco leaf and chocolate flavors alongside boysenberry and hints of graphite on the palate. Drink 2021-2031- 92

2019 Cliff Lede ‘High Fidelity’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘High Fidelity’ Red Wine is an enticing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that were aged in French oak barrels, 66% of which was new, for twenty-two months. Thew wine shows a silky mouthfeel with layers of violets, black tea, graphite, exotic spices and dark currant jelly. Gorgeous now, this has at least another decade to go. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2019 Cliff Lede ‘Poetry’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Poetry’ is a stunning new wine by Cliff Lede. Designed by David Abreu, The Poetry Vineyard, carved into a steep west-facing hillside, reaches from the highest elevations of the Stags Leap District appellation to the valley floor. Once on the nose this takes on layers of mocha, pencil lead, creme de cassis and anise tones that all sing in unison. The palate is utterly seamless with a silky texture and incredible sense of elegance. Gorgeous creme de violette, black currant jelly, dark chocolate shavings and suggestions of Turkish coffee all brilliantly combine on the palate, with incredible length. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least a few more years. Drink 2023-2045- 99

2019 Cliff Lede ‘Roundabout Midnight’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Roundabout Midnight’ was stored in French oak barrels (80%) new for twenty-one months before bottling. The nose offers seriously good range from violets and black currants to coffee grounds and shades of dark chocolate. Fresh and vibrant with plenty of lift and tension, this effortlessly glides across the palate, delivering copious dark fruit and tobacco flavors alongside tilled loamy soils. Gorgeous to savor in its youth, this has another fifteen to twenty years of life in front of it. Drink 2021-2036- 95

2019 Cliff Lede ‘Songbook’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Songbook’ was stored for 21 months elevage in 66% new French oak prior to bottling. The Cabernet really needs a few hours of air to fully get going. Once aroused this reveals sensational aromatics of Asian spices, black currant cordial, mocha and anise tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and seamless, giving an air of elegance, yet showing plenty of power and concentration. Gorgeous to savor now, this has another twenty years of life in front of it. Drink 2021-2041- 96

2019 Cliff Lede ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- One of the famed sites in the Napa Valley, the ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ was given slightly more new French oak (91%) for 21 months before bottling. Showing off its deep core, and needing an hour decant to be fully expressive, a powerful nose of sweet pipe tobacco and creme de cassis  are woven together with smoky minerals, dusty soils and shades of blackberry compote with black rose florals. The palate is utterly thrilling with its opulence and silky texture that make this glide throughout the drinking experience. Enjoy this sensational wine for another twenty years. Drink 2021-2041- 98

Grassi

One of the outstanding wine projects in Napa, Grassi was the vision of Mark Grassi who built custom homes, wineries and estates in the Napa Valley. In 1999 he and his wife, Jami, acquired 14 acres on a site in Napa that lies on a bench above the valley floor at the bottom of Soda Canyon Road below the Atlas Peak Appellation, as the vineyard has many small to medium sized cobblestones. Mark’s vision became reality with Grassi Wine Company, founded in 2001. Mark nurtured the vineyard to its first commercial release in 2005 and continues to oversee production. Mark and Jamie’s daughter, Cassandra, serves as marketing director while Pete Richmond is farming specialist. Miguel Luna who has worked in the Napa Valley for more than 20 years serves as viticulturist. 

Miguel also makes these beautiful wines with the talented Maayan Koschitzky. I adored the range of wines by Grassi. I am enamored with the tense, concentrated and nervy 2018 Grassi ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is dense and chewy with a gorgeous sense of finesse. Learn more about this outstanding boutique winery at http://grassiwines.com and here are the sensational new wines by Grassi.

2019 Grassi ‘Valentina’s Block’ Sparkling Wine- Made from Ribolla Gialla grapes, the wine was aged for six months in barrels and given zero dosage. Right away this sparkling wine shows nutty and hay tones on the nose alongside shades of Macadamia nut that all meld in the glass. Refined and polished with a soft mousse and silky mouthfeel, this delivers plenty of lemon oil alongside salted almonds and shades of green cantaloupe on the palate. Only 120 cases made. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 Grassi ‘Valentina’s Block’ Ribolla Gialla- Sourced from cuttings that came from Friuli, this exudes class with its nutty and early undertones alongside beeswax and shades of honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is very fresh and lively with bright acidity. Silky on the mouth, this delivers a beautiful texture with layers of melon, lemon rind, and stony minerals on the palate. Refined and seriously good now, this will continue to pick up nutty and earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2021-2027- 93

2018 Grassi Sangiovese- This vintage was sourced from Antinori planted vines at the top of Atlas Peak, as this saw only 10% new French oak before bottling. Silky tannins combine with ripe red cherry and teaberry tones alongside garrigue undercurrents. The silky texture and wonderful length impresses as this beautiful wine is singing now at the three year mark. Cellar this beauty for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 94

2018 Grassi ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Grassi ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 25 year old vines from Soda Canyon. Aromatically intense, this shows off violets that collide with blueberry compote, tar, and coffee ground tones. The palate is very fresh and vibrant with salty undertones and a beautiful mouthfeel. Ripe dark currant flavors combine with smoky minerals, tobacco leaf, espresso bean and loamy soils on the palate. Dense and rich, with really nice restraint and finesse, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve well for another twenty years. Drink 2021-2041- 96

Cristom Vineyards

Today we share one of the greats out of Oregon. Cristom founder Paul Gerrie hired Cristom’s winemaker Steve Doerner and vineyard manager Mark Feltz in 1992 (Mark retired in 2017) and since that time Cristom has crafted world class Pinot Noir wines. These are wines that age gracefully — at times for decades. Gerrie named his four estate vineyards after the four females of his family, Eileen, Jessie, Louise and Marjorie. Gerrie's son, Tom, now leads the company. Steve Doerner had a previous stint at Calera prior to coming to Cristom in the early 90s. A world traveler, Doerner has made world class Pinot Noir at Cristom and now helps oversee production alongside winemakers Daniel Estrin and Tom Gerrie.

For many years Cristom has been producing a fantastic cuvee that blends the vineyards, their Mt. Jefferson Cuvée. This years 2019 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) is a Downright killer value once again. Even better is the sinfully good 2018 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is deep and concentrated with plenty of finesse. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.cristomvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new releases by Cristom.

2019 Cristom ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- Soft and generous on the mouth, this unveils ripe honeydew melon flavors alongside copious minerals and lighter pear, and green papaya tones. Finishing long, with a bright sense of salinity, savor in the short-term while the brightness impresses. Drink 2021-2026- 92

2019 Cristom ‘Louise Vneyard’ Chardonnay- I have never tasted this single vineyard bottling from this site that was first planted back in 1993. Nutmeg dusted brioche and roasted hazelnut with earthy tones all fill the nose. The palate is fresh with gobs of lip-smacking acidity. Layers of salted French bread, lemon zest and kumquat rind all combine with lighter damp earthy accents on the palate. Finishing long, this is a sensational and bright style of Chardonnay that will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2018 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir-  Despite the obvious coolness of the vintage, the 2019 ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ is not short on weight. With plenty of freshness,  tons of astringent red fruits greet you, with hints of blood orange zest, pine needles and suggestions of loamy soils on the palate. The nice dusting of salinity adds to the enjoyment as this beautiful bottling is great to enjoy in its youth and surely will cellar well for another eight plus years. What a wine for the price! Drink 2021-2029- 92

2018 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This outstanding 2019 Pinot Noir was named after Paul Gerrie, as this chewy Pinot Noir underwent 50% whole cluster fermentation before bottling. Beautiful sour red fruits collide with red rose petals and peat moss aromatically.  The palate is fresh and vibrant with incredible acidity and really good weight. Red cherry candy, stony minerals and forest floor with black truffle shavings all brilliantly meld together on the palate. Finishing very long with red fruits and minerals, this outstanding effort will be best consumed over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2018 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is an homage to Cristom’s co-founder, Eileen Gerrie. Planted in 1997 this site encompasses 16.61 acres of Pinot Noir plantings. Aromatically quite intense this moves from red fruits into dark fruits with baking spices, particularly cardamom taking center stage.The palate is silky and refined with soft tannins that line a core of pretty red fruits, alongside Satsuma orange zest and peat moss tones. Salty and savory, with bright acidity, this beautiful wine has yet to fully hit its stride, but has massive potential. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2018 Cristom ‘Marjorie VIneyard’ Pinot Noir- Really good even so young, the outstanding 2019 ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous effort by Steve Doerner. Light smoky and flinty tones combine with baking spices, bright red fruits and red rose petals on the nose.  The palate shows plenty of sour red fruits alongside orange rind, tobacco and freshly tilled soils. Finishing long, this outstanding effort really needs an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2021-2035- 93

2018 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- One of the older Pinot  Noir sites in the Willamette Valley, the ’Louise Vineyard’ was planted back in 1993, and was named after Cristom winegrower and owner Tom Gerrie’s great-grandmother, Louise Dinkelspiel.  Once on the nose this takes on pretty red florals alongside Bing cherry and hints of wintergreen. Showing plenty of depth, concentration and length, the wine is a beautiful joyride spanning a range of red fruits woven together with smoky minerals, citrus rind and damp earthy tones. Finishing very long this beautiful 2019 Pinot Noir will surely cellar well for another fifteen years or more. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2018 Cristom ‘Jessie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Planted back in 1994 ‘Jessie Vineyard’ is a steep, east-facing hillside site that was named after winegrower-owner Tom Gerrie’s great-grandmother Jessie Sommers. The aromas coming from the glass are quite literally a spice rack, as pretty guava and Yakima cherry tones collide with the spicy undercurrents.The palate is refined with a beautiful texture and good length. Layers of red fruits and citrus rind combine with damp earth and stony undertones on the palate. Finishing very long, this glorious effort is great to savor right now and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2021-2036- 94

2019 Cristom ‘Canary Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a site first planted back in 1994, this 2019 Pinot Noir leads with teaberry and red raspberry tones alongside damp earth and tobacco leaf aromatically. The palate is soft with silly tannins that line a pretty core of red fruit flavors alongside shades of blood orange zest and wet stone. Drink 2021-2036- 94

2019 Cristom ‘Meredith Mitchell Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the McMinnville section of the Willamette Valley, the ‘Meredith Mitchell Vineyard’ is planted to own-rooted Pommard clone Pinot Noir vines. Very soft on the mouth with refined tannins, this unveils bright red fruit flavors alongside suggestions of baking spice dusted orange rind and tobacco leaf with loamy soils. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2019 Cristom ‘Arcus Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- One of the famed sites in the Dundee Hills, the low-yielding ‘Arcus Vineyard’ was planted back in the 1970s. The palate is generous and silky with a beautiful range of wild blackberry and red raspberry flavors alongside suggestions of Mandarin orange zest and a dusting of tilled volcanic soils. This stunning and elegant effort really needs another year to fully amalgamate. Drink 2022-2038- 95

Long Shadows 'Julia's Dazzle' Rose

Rose season is in front of us. What has become a national phenomenon, the Rose craze full has hit our nation, with seemingly every producer adding a Rose to their lineup. For many years Long Shadows has sought to craft a complex, intentional and delicious Rose to add to their lineup. For many years the Pinot Gris was selected from The Benches Vineyard which is a warmer site but winemaker Gilles Nicault has sought to choose sites now that are cooler and come from older vine Pinot Gris. 

I've tasted every vintage of the Long Shadows Julia’s Dazzle and I can clearly say that this wine has been one of the most consistently great Rose wines out of Washington. This is Rose that has plenty of stuffing but always maintains a wonderful sense of verve — great for when the weather warms up. 

I am the first critic to taste the 2021 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose (OB, 92) which I slightly prefer to the excellent 2020 edition. This is lithe and polished Rose that has just the faintest touch of sweetness and is simply a steal at the price. This is another masterclass by the talented Gilles Nicault who is one of the great winemakers in the Pacific Northwest. Cheers to warmer days ahead!  Learn more at longshadows.com and here is my review of the 2021 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose. 

2021 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- Crafted entirely from Pinot Gris grapes from Columbia Valley Vineyards, this was given just a touch of residual sugar (.3G/L). Beautiful now even so youthful, this wine was bottled in earl. December. Right away beautiful Mandarin orange rind tones combine with wet stone, honeydew melon and watermelon flavors on the palate with a silky texture. With the faintest kiss of sweetness, and showing gobs of finesse, this beautiful wine is singing in its youth and will surely hit its high octave for another five to seven years. Drink 2022-2029- 92

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

I love the great wines of Bordeaux, especially those that can age. A famed producer in the Pessac-Leognan appellation and located south of the city of Bordeaux in Martillac, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is a house with serious history which dates back to the 14th century. It was at that time that the house of Verrier Du Boscq who planted vines on a gravelly plateau named Lafitte already in 1365. In 1720, it was bought by the Scotsman Georges Smith who added his name and also who built the manor house of the property. Today the modern facility focuses on biodiversity in the vineyards. Most of the vineyard production focuses on their red wines (67 hectares planted to red varietals compared to 11 hectares planted to white varietals).

White wines from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte might be some of the finest of their kind for the price. I hav always bee impressed how both red and white wines from this house age. I recently had a chance to revisit the gorgeous 1988 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte (OB, 93) which is in a glorious spot right now, moving into tertiary tones. 1988 was a very good vintage in Bordeaux and this wine has stood the test of time marvelously. Learn more about these famed wines at https://www.smith-haut-lafitte.com/en/home/ and here are my tasting notes from the glorious 1988 Smith Haut Lafitte.

1988 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte- For years I have admired the cellaring potential of these wines and the 1988 Smith Haut Lafitte certainly is a brilliant showing from this very good vintage in Bordeaux. Right away this provides alluring red florals alongside graphite, tar, wild mushroom and lighter boysenberry notes aromatically. The palate is silky and refined with soft tannins that frame a pretty core of wild blackberry and huckleberry flavors alongside a brilliant sense of tension and damp earth tones. This is really singing right now, so don’t be afraid to grab this from your cellar. Drink 2022-2032- 93

Fullerton

An outstanding winery which was founded back in 2012, Fullerton Wines is led by their talented head winemaker Alex Fullerton. Alex makes a great group of value wines under his Three Otters label and crafts a wide range of high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that embody good value. Formerly working for Penner-Ash, as well as Drylands in New Zealand, Alex began making his own wine out of his garage in 2011. 

I recently had the chance to sample the range of new wines by Fullerton and they were very good across the board. The 2018 Fullerton ‘Luxe’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) is delightful to consume now and has some brilliant aging potential with its silky texture and bright acidity. Even better is the sinfully good 2018 Fullerton ‘Tenebris’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is rich and viscous, showing great tension and plenty of weight from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. Learn more about these wines at http://www.fullertonwines.com Here are the great new releases from Fullerton Wines:

2018 Fullerton ‘Lux’ Chardonnay- Really good to enjoy right now the 2018 ‘Lux’ Chardonnay is an awesome new wine by Fullerton. The combination of tension, texture and mouthfeel is simply awesome, as this delivers bright lemon zest that combines with minerals, wild mushroom and Gravenstein apple flavors. Every bit delicious in its youth, the ‘Lux’ Chardonnay will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2032- 92

2018 Fullerton ‘Five Faces’ Pinot Noir- What is a striking value, the 2018 Fullerton ‘Five Faces’ Pinot Noir was aged in a small portion of new French oak barrels for 11 months prior to bottling. Despite the lack of new oak, the wine is beautifully textured, displaying good verve with tart red fruits that dance with minerals and peat moss undercurrents.  Drink 2022-2029- 91

2019 Fullerton ‘Bella Vida Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located above the town of Dundee, the ‘Bella Vida Vineyard’ is set on ancient Jory soils. Showing beautiful finesse, the wine unveils medium-bodied Yakima cherry and strawberry flavors alongside wet gravel, wild mushroom and red rose water. Complex and delicious, this beautifully speaks to the vintage and will surely cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2032- 92

2018 Fullerton ‘Bjornson Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- I’ll admit that this is my first soiree into this vineyard which is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The nose is super high-toned with red rose petals and shades of orange blossom that combine with the core of red fruits. The palate is refined and elegant with pretty red fruits that dance with blood orange zest, peat moss and baking spices. Nicely textured, this has the length and acidity to last for at least another ten years. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2018 Fullerton ‘Bennett Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Bennett Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is 100% Pommard clonal selection from this site set on Bellpine soils. Deeply colored once in the glass, this unveils black tea and Asian spices that collide with Shitakki mushroom and wild blackberry tones aromatically. The palate is soft and generous with good tension that holds the core of red and dark fruits in place. This has both the acidity and stuffing to hold for well over a decade. Drink 2022-2032- 92

2018 Fullerton ‘Tenebris’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Tenebris’ is a barrel selection wine that utilizes clonal selections 113, 114, 667, 777, Pommard and Wadenswil. This is quite simply a gorgeous effort that really needs an hour of air to show its stuff. Once aroused this yields a gorgeous array of bright red fruits with blood orange zest, summer sausage and peat moss aromas that brilliantly combine. The weight and richness of the wine is apparent, as linzer torte notes mingle well with smoky minerals, damp earth and orange blossom flavors. Fresh and full-bodied, this excellent effort will live on for another fifteen years to come. Drink 2022-2037- 93

Soter

Today we presents one of the famed Willamette Valley estates. Founded by Tony and Michelle Soter, the Soter 'Mineral Springs Ranch’ is a 240-acre oak savanna in the center of the Willamette Valley. The vineyard is certified biodynamic and was planted to 15 acres of Pinot Noir in 2002 and 2003, and an additional 15 acres in 2006. Two acres of Chardonnay were included in the 2006 plantings which are used for their sparkling wine production. Small extension blocks have been added over the years to grow their total production to 40 acres.

Having visited the winery several years back, it is a simply gorgeous site to sample their beautiful range of wines. Chris Fladwood serves as winemaker, having a storied career which included several years in the Army, until dedicating his civilian life to winemaking. Chris has worked harvests in New Zealand as well as Bordeaux. He became cellar master in 2009 and has worked his way to the winemaker position. He has crafted some beautiful wines at many different price points. 

Soter has gained national attention for their sparkling wines. The new wines were from the 2019 vintage and bot were really good. I adored the 2019 Soter ‘Estates’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is fresh with a fleshy texture and really nice complexity. Find out more about this famed Oregon producer at http://sotervineyards.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Soter Vineyards. 

2019 Soter ‘Estates’ Chardonnay- The 2019 Soter ‘Estates’ Chardonnay is a fresh and polished effort that speaks to the quality obtained from this great vintage for white wines. Bright pear and green papaya tones combine with toasty brioche and smoky minerals on the palate. The gratifying finish adds to the enjoyment as this is highly refined Chardonnay that has some good aging potential. Drink 2022-2032-  92

2019 Soter ‘Estates’ Pinot Noir- This medium-bodied Pinot Noir is now the second edition of this wine which is sourced from vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills and Ribbon Ridge AVAs. Ripe pomegranate and guava puree flavors combine with freshly tilled soils and suggestions Shitakki mushroom on the palate. Really good to enjoy now, this will surely have another eight to ten years in front of it. Drink 2022-2030- 91

VIADER

Certainly one of the ‘wow factor’ Napa properties, VIADER is the brainchild of Delia Viader, who had the brilliant idea to plant grapes in uncharted waters on Howell Mountain. For years Delia only made one wine, a Bordeaux style blend, since 1986. Holding a PhD from Sorbonne University in Paris, founding winemaker Delia Viader now collaborates with her son, Alan, to make their wines which are entirely sourced from their estate vineyard on Howell Mountain. A remarkable story, Delia stated VIADER while raising four children on her own. Since starting the winery she was met with some incredible critical acclaim for her pretty style of wine that typically incorporates a large amount of Cabernet Franc.

Delia has achieved incredible success since starting in the mid-80s as she models her style of wine towards the great wines of Bordeaux, focusing on structure, balance and finesse rather than primary fruit qualities. It is amazing how well these wines age, as I have had several bottles in the past year going back to the early 2000s. These wines are still flying high with plenty of rich dark fruits and acidity. Delia’s son, Alan, served as VIADER vineyard manager since 2002 while studying winemaking at UC Davis. He has been lead winemaker at VIADER since 2006 and works with Delia on all wines. Although it has only been produced for a few years, the VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine, which has Syrah blend into Bordeaux varietals, has been a remarkably consistent, very novel wine that is really all its own. I adored the new 2019 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which is dense and chewy with some massive aging potential considering the variety and place. I am fully amazed by the thrilling 2019 VIADER Red Wine (OB, 98) which is undoubtedly one of the great VIADER bottlings that I have ever tasted. Seamless, dense and pillowy, this sensational effort really needs a long decant if enjoying young — and will surely go on for another twenty years. Learn more about this storied Napa winery at https://viader.com Here are the beautiful new wines by VIADER. 

2019 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine- A truly one of a kind blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah with 22% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Petit Verdot, this unveils heady aromatics of graphite and black licorice that combine with violets, black olive and suggestions of loganberry preserves that all sing in unison. The palate is plush, deep and inviting with gobs of freshness and a wonderfully gratifying viscosity that work in tandem. Firm tannins hold in place a rich core of dark fruits with shades of cocoa dusted black cherry and smoky undertones on the palate. Delicious and decadent to enjoy in its youth, this has another fifteen to twenty years in front of it. Give this at least an hour in the decanter before enjoying, Drink 2022-2039- 96

2019 VIADER Red Wine - A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc, this truly needs two hours in the decanter prior to enjoying. Once aroused, this complex edition might be one of the great VIADER wines ever produced. Seamless and sinfully good on the mid-palate, with textual opulence, this delivers plenty of wet stone character alongside creme de cassis, mocha, tar, anise and exotic spices on the palate. Velvety tannins frame everything marvelously as this finishes exceedingly long. If you love Napa with terroir and balance, do not look any further. Drink 2022-2042- 98

Charles Heidseick

One champagne house that is incredibly historic but relatively hard to find in the United States, Charles Heidseick is the smallest of the Grandes Marques champagne houses. Located in Reims, it was founded back in 1851 by Charles Camille Heidseick who was also known as ‘Champagne Charlie.’ 

Charles Heidsieck focused on selecting, blending and aging wines to produce higher quality champagnes, buying grapes from individual growers. In 1867 he purchased several old chalk quarries, called crayères which dated from the Gallo-Roman era, to produce good conditions for his wines. Some of these crayères are 30 meters below the ground and store wine even more than 40 years. Charles ended up gaining warrants from many of the royal and imperial families of the time.

For many years this house was led by the Henriot group and then was sold in 1985 to Remi Cointreau. Before being purchased by EPI (Société européenne de participations industrielles). The house produces a range of wines from their NV cuvees to vintage wine and their top tete de cuvee, the Blanc des Millénaires’ which is only made from top vintages.

Current cellar master Cyril Brun crafts some beautiful wines as I reviewed two wines by Charles Heidseick, their NV ‘Brut Reserve’ (OB, 90) and their scintillating 2004 Blanc des Millénaires (OB, 98) which is nothing short of a work of art. This incredible wine is a must-purchase for any serious collector of top champagne. Learn more about this famed house at 

NV Charles Heidseick ‘Brut Reserve’ Champagne- Straightforward but also quite delicious now, the NV Charles Heidseick ‘Brut Reserve’ Champagne leads with toasty sourdough bread and melon tones alongside racy acidity and a smooth mousse. Bright with its citrus fruits and green apple tones, enjoy in the near-future. Drink 2022-2026-  90

2004 Charles Heidseick ‘Blanc des Millénaires’ Champagne- Now at the eighteen year mark, the incredible 2004 Charles Heidseick ‘Blanc des Millénaires’ is shining brightly and slowly getting into its tertiary realm. Once on the nose this exudes class with incredible range from banana and papaya accents alongside buttered French bread, salted Cashew and shades of crushed limestone. The palate is deep and rich, as the golden hue would suggest. A silky mousse greets you, as the intense, near minute-long finish, continues to gratify the palate. Do not miss out on tasting this glorious wine, which is truly peaking now and will surely live on for another fifteen plus years.  Drink 2022-2037- 98

Alexana

For years I have loved the lineup by Alexana, one of the great producers of the Willamette Valley. These wines have been consistently good regardless of vintage. I had a killer visit last year in the heat of the summer, as the beauty of the vineyards is really a sight to be seen. Alexana was founded many years back by Dr. Madaiah Revana, a famed cardiologist. Named after Dr. Revana’s daughter,  Alexana has a stunning setting in the Red Hills AVA. The winery utilizes both gravity flow and Gold LEED certification. Bryan Weil serves as head winemaker and has greatly impressed with his solid range of new wines. Bryan previously worked at Domaine Serene before heading back to Oregon State University, where in 2008 he graduated with a degree in Enology and Viticulture. Bryan then served as assistant winemaker at Hogue Cellars in Prosser, Washington, prior to being named Alexana winemaker in in 2012.

I am not surprised that Bryan has created another stellar lineup, utilizing the somewhat challenging 2019 vintage (for Pinot Noir). I adored the new 2019 Alexana ‘Signature’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) which has awesome poise and motuhfeel, showing some great aging potential. I was blown away with the outstanding 2019 Alexana ‘Teroir Series’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is fresh and vibrant with plenty of tension and beautiful texture.  which has gorgeous dark fruits and great tension. Get ready to be amazed by the thrilling 2019 Alexana ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is dense and chewy with sensational flavor and aromatic range. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.alexanawinery.com Here are the great new release wines by Alexana. 

2019 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2019 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Chardonnay was mainly sourced from the Dundee Hills AVA (54%), as this was aged in oak barrels for ten months before bottling. Ripe mango, melon and lemon zest tones all collide on the palate, with serious weight and length. Outstanding to enjoy now, this will cellar gracefully over the next decade, picking up earthy and nutty tones as it evolves. Drink 2022-2032- 92

2019 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Pinot Noir- Densely colored in the glass, the 2019 Alexana ‘Terroir Series’ Pinot Noir was mainly soured from the Revana Vineyard (54%) as well as small portions from the Fennwood, Aegrina, Rain Dance, Zena Crown, Foothills and Crawford Beck Vineyards. Toasty oak and red currants mingle well with bright strawberry and menthol undercurrents on the nose. The palate is soft and generous with a beautiful texture and rich core of red fruit flavors with freshly tilled soils and wild mushroom accents. Gorgeous to consume now, give this an hour of air if enjoying over the next few years. Drink 2022-2034- 92

2019 Alexana ‘Pommard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Pommard’ was sourced from the Revana Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA, as this saw ten months of oak barrel aging (23% new) before bottling. Medium-bodied, with plenty of finesse, this unveils ripe red cherry with rose water, orange rind and damp earth flavors. Forward and juicy, this is beautiful wine to consume right now — and will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2022-2034- 92

2019 Alexana ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir- The glorious 2019 ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir is a seriously good new wine by Bryan Weil. Once on the nose this exudes class with its rich combination of red and dark fruits alongside peat moss and black truffle undertones. The palate is soft, lithe and beautifully textured, as this seamlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Finishing very long, this classy is already nicely evolved and is sure to satisfy for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2034- 93

2019 Alexana ‘Block 8-Clone 777’ Pinot Noir- Aged in 50% new French oak, this wine utilizing clonal selection 777 was entirely sourced from the Revana Vineyard. The palate is dense, polished and plush, with a seamless sense of texture. Ripe dark currant, roasted figs and red raspberry flavors collide with garrigue and stony notes on the palate. Finishing long, this broad-shouldered and gratifying 2019 Pinot Noir surely has another fifteen plus years ahead of it. Drink 2022-2036- 94

2019 Alexana ‘Fennwood Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the ‘Fennwood Vineyard’ Pinot Noir unveils black tea and red florals that mingle with citrus embers aromatically. The palate unveils a rich core of red fruits alongside a bright beam of tension and salty undertones. Complex and delicious to savor now, enjoy this brilliant new wine over the next ten plus years. Drink 2022-2034- 93

2019 Alexana ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from one of the storied sites in the Eola-Amity Hills, the 2019 ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was aged in 42% new French oak and utilizes mainly clonal selection 777 vines. This is a big, bold and beautiful expression of Oregon Pinot Noir with a brilliant melange of red and dark fruits. With more air shades of white truffle, cigar box and peat moss tones all combine and add depth and complexity. Really good to enjoy right now, this has at least fifteen yeas in front of it. Drink 2022-2037-  94

2019 Alexana ‘Crawford Beck Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Aged in 33% new French oak, the 2019 Alexana ‘Crawford Beck Vineyard’ Pinot Noir unveils pretty red rose petal tones with Mandarin orange rind and suggestions of guava on the nose. The palate has good power with gobs of crunchy red fruits alongside tangerine peel and stony and salty undercurrents. Really good now enjoy this beautiful and fresh style of Pinot Noir over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2022-2034- 93

Argyle Sparkling Wine

Over the years Argyle has helped put Oregon Sparkling Wine on the map. Easily one of the great producers of sparkling wine in North America. I first visited this tasting room in 2002 and I can testify that what was one a small, unpretentious cabin used for tasting is now one of the most beautiful structures for tasting wine in Oregon.  The talented Nate Klostermann took over for eminent winemaker Rollin Soles when Rollin launched his own project. Nate has steadily been producing some absolutely stunning wines as he began his career as a harvest intern at Argyle in 2005 and has served as winemaker since 2013. He has crafted some absolutely brilliant new wines at Argyle.

Nate does a killer job with his still wines but I recently had the chance to check out his killer range of sparkling wines. Each were serious wines that offer incredible value. I was enamored by the 2018 Argyle ‘Brut’ Rose (OB, 93) which is a wine that really needs to be warmed up a bit before enjoying. Look for a sensational range of flavors that combine with a silky mousse and great veil of finesse. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.argylewinery.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Argyle.

2017 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- A downright killer value, the beautifully structured 2017 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine is a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier that was given 5G/L dosage and mainly aged in stainless steel (95%) prior to disgorgement. Bartlett pear and gooseberry tones combine with a refined mousse and plenty of mid-palate weight. Seriously good now, this has another decade to go. Drink 2022-2032- 92

2018 Argyle ‘Brut’ Rose- The very pale-colored 2018 ‘Brut’ Rose is a gorgeous warm vintage effort by Nate Klostermann. A blend of 30% Pinot Noir, with equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this exudes class with delicate red cherry, red raspberry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside shades of Mandarin orange zest on the palate. With more air and at a warmer temperature this becomes even more silky, with even more fabulous flavor range, displaying nutty and peat moss tones. Complex and delicious to savor right now, this has at least another ten years of life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2032- 93

2018 Argyle ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine- The green-hued 2018 Argyle ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier that was largely stored in neutral oak (70% prior to disgorgement. Given 4G/L dosage, this delivers ripe starfruit with salted Challah bread and Japanese pear flavors on the palate. The silky mousse and long finish add to the enjoyment, as this is sure to delight for another decade. Savor this at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2022-2032- 93

Brilliant Mistake

Napa Valley is teeming with top class new wineries. One that has me extremely excited is Brilliant Mistake Wines, which was started by John & Stacy Reinert. Brilliant Mistake Wines utilizes each coming from different backgrounds to be proprietors of their new business. While dating both would frequent the Napa Valley and were inspired by the wines made by Thomas Rivers Brown and Juan Mercado amongst others. 

At the helm is winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, formerly working for cult projects such as Screaming Eagle, Dalle Valle, and serving as director of winemaking at Atelier Melka. Their first vintage was in 2013, as this project has been a great success. Wines are very limited production and source from esteemed sites including the famed ‘Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III.’ 

The wines are not overblown and jammy. Each bottling has incredible structure and finesse, showing power of the 2019 vintage but also really good loamy terroir,  The 2018 Brilliant Mistake ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) is impeccably balanced, with a seamless texture and really good range. Even better is the sinfully good 2019 Brilliant Mistake ‘G3’Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which is one of the great wines that I have tasted in the past year. Flirting with perfection, this shows violets and incredible richness yet remains light on its feet and finishes exceedingly long.Learn more at brilliantmistakewines.com Here are the incredible new 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon releases by Brilliant Mistake. 

2019 Brilliant Mistake ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from a host of Napa Valley Vineyards, the 2019 Brilliant Mistake Cabernet Sauvignon unveils pretty black rose petal tones alongside creme de cassis, graphite and freshly tilled soils on the nose. The palate is complex and very decadent with silky tannins that frame a massive core of black and blue fruits, alongside shades of wet rock, mocha, tar and sweet pipe tobacco. Quite sumptuous on the mouth, yet showing gobs of finesse, this scintillating new bottling is sure to gratify over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2021-2038- 96

2019 Brilliant Mistake ‘G3’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This inky colored wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon which was sourced from the famed Beckstoffer vineyard. The nose is highly perfumed with creme de violette, tar and Turkish coffee tones that all sing in unison. The palate shows serious heft but is incredibly elegant, effortlessly gliding throughout the drinking experience. Ripe dark currants collide with chocolate covered espresso bean, huckleberry cordial and suggestions of creosote. Scintillating and thrilling to consume right now, this silky 2019 ‘G3’ will surely have another twenty years in front of it. Drink 2021-2042- 99

Le Cadeau

Le Cadeau

One of the outstanding producers in the Willamette Valley, I have fond memories first tasting these wines with the 2002 vintage. Le Cadeau is set on an estate 28-acre parcel on the south slope of Parrett Mountain which is near Newberg in the Dundee Hills. The land was previously overgrown with poison oak, wild berries, and scrub oak before being removed. This 14-acre, high-elevation (610’ – 725’), vineyard was developed to only provide estate Pinot Noir for Le Cadeau. This was quite an undertaking to literally battle the soils in planting vines.

The volcanic soils of the estate provide excellent drainage for the sometimes rainy conditions. There is a wide variety of Pinot Noir clones planted in the vineyard, including Dijon, Heritage (Heirloom), Pommard, and Mariafeld.  Winemakers Jim Sanders and Steve Ryan form a really terrific team.

I adore the 2018 Le Cadeau ‘Merci Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is dense, bright and has tons of cellaring potential. They also made a killer 2020 Le Cadeau Rose (OB, 91) which is a remarkable achievement considering the conditions at harvest. Here are my reviews of the new Le Cadeau wines and learn more at lecadeau.com.

2020 Le Cadeau Rose-A blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this was stored in a combination of French oak and stainless steel before bottling. Soft red fruits mingle with orange rind and stony undertones on the palate.  The soft mouthfeel and bright sense of tension make this really great to enjoy now. Drink 2021-2024- 91

2018 Le Cadeau Chardonnay- The 2018 Le Cadeau Chardonnay utilizes three separate Chardonnay blocks planted to Mt. Eden, Wente and Dijon clone 76 with a touch of Musque clone. This saw 18 months on the lees in 25% new French oak before bottling. Plenty of lemon oil and brioche tones hit the palate alongside nectarine and gobs of mouths-watering acidity. Seriously good to savor now with its salty and nutty nuances, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 Le Cadeau ‘Cote Est’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2019 Le Cadeau ‘Cote Est’ Pinot Noir is sourced from eastern facing blocks that utilize Calera, Pommard and Dijon clones 667, 114 and 115. Soft upon entry, the wine unveils black raspberry flavors alongside copious minerals, wet stone and suggestions of Mandarin orange rind on the palate. Finishing long, this deep and gratifying cool vintage effort will provide drinking enjoyment over the next twelve to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2019 Le Cadeau ‘Diversite’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Diversite’ is crafted from northern blocks in the Le Cadeau Vineard with varied soil types. Stony and very savory on the nose this displays a dazzling array of red fruits alongside citrus embers and suggestions of peat moss aromatically. Medium-bodied but. showing great finesse, this beautiful red fruit-driven effort is fantastic to savor right now and is sure to provide drinking enjoyment over the next twelve to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2019 Le Cadeau “Rocheaux’ Pinot Noir- The fantastic new 2019 ‘Rocheaux’ was created from rocky, western-facing blocks in the Le Cadeau Vineyard. This saw slightly less new French oak (33%) than the other new Pinot Noirs, as this is quite rocky aromatically with baking spices and bright red fruits. The palate is soft and inviting with its seamless texture. Finishing long with bright cranberry and guava flavors, the outstanding 2019 ‘Rocheaux’ is drinking beautifully now and will evolve well over the next twelve years. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2018 Le Cadeau ‘Merci Reserve' Pinot Noir- Always their barrel select wine, the 2018 ‘Merci Reserve’ is a stunning new warm vintage effort that is built to age but is also sinfully good in its heady youth. This underwent 25% whole cluster fermentation, as the wine leads with layers of pink grapefruit blossom alongside a rich core of crunchy red fruit aromatics, with stony undercurrents. The palate is rich and highly gratifying, showing serious concentration and a soft mouthfeel alongside a terrific veil of tension. Rich red fruit parade with wet stone, cardamom spiked brioche and kumquat zest, creating a very complex range of flavors. Enjoy this beautiful Pinot Noir over the next fifteen years — or possibly more! Drink 2021-2038- 94

Migration

A California winery that produces some serious value, Migration is Duckhorn’s winery that focuses on crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast AVA. The Migration line  of wines were created back in 2001 by Duckhorn, and it wasn’t until 2008 that Migration made Chardonnay. A few years ago I tried the Migration lineup and I was struck by the lack of balance in some of the wines. Chardonnays were too cloying, using too much oak and they really didn’t show that well. Such is not the case with the new wines by Migration, that are really outstanding across the board.

Dana Epperson has been head winemaker at Migration since 2017 and her new wines were sensational especially for the price. These are wines that offer really good stuffing and salty terroir. I love the 2019 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay (OB, 91) which has great length and tension with salty undertones. Even better is the great value, 2019 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is remarkably easy to drink with delicious red fruits and good tension. You can learn more about these excellent new wines at https://www.migrationwines.com Here are the great new wines by Migration. 

2019 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- Crafted from vines sourced from the Running Creek, Jewell and Charles Heintz VIneyards, this outstanding new Chardonnay shows classy brioche tones combined with honeydew melon and salty undertones. Medium-bodied and beautifully textured, this is best consumed over the next six to eight years. Drink 2022-2028- 91

2019 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from three separate Dutton estates, the 2019 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers a whiff of salted red fruits alongside tilled soils and shades of orange rind. Full-bodied and fresh, this is downright delicious wine to consume right now. Drink 2022-2029- 92