No Girls

Today we share the incredible wines of No Girls. A tongue in cheek brand name that started in collaboration between between superstar vigneron, Christophe Baron and Cayuse GM Trevor Dorland, following the success of Cayuse Vineyards, No Girls features the stony, one of a kind terror found at the ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’. The ‘La Paciencia (patience) Vineyard' was planted between 2003 and 2005, and is located near the Armada vineyard, as the first couple of vintages of wine from this vineyard were initially declassified. The name ‘No Girls’ is connected with the history of Walla Walla. Christophe purchased a building in 2002 that was a former brothel and inside the new building, he noticed the words ‘No Girls’ painted on the wall— and the wine label is an actual photograph of the former brothel. Their first vintage was in 2008 and No Girls has been a remarkable success since then. I have particularly been mesmerized by the Grenache from this site that is full-octane and beautifully textured, with serious stony essence.

Bionic Wines Director of Winemaking Elizabeth Bourcier has been at the helm of this incredible project since 2011. She makes some of the finest wine that you will find on the west coast. The wines show very pure red and dark fruits and show incredible flavor and aromatic range from Umami and smoky tones to savory, stone  and salty notes. At around 100 dollars, they offer very good value as a special occasion wine. The 2021 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 97) is world-class with its salty and savory tones. Very stony, this has plenty of stuffing and reminds me of the gorgeous 2018 bottling. Learn more about this special boutique winery at https://nogirlswine.com/nogirls/

2021 No Girls ‘Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine- Forward, juicy and round, the 2021 No Girls ‘Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine is a proprietary blend of declassified fruit from several locations in the Bionic Wines collection of vineyards. It comes off very pure and soft with rich red raspberry and boysenberry notes alongside Mandarin orange zest, red plum and shades of parma ham on the palate. This is just a joy to consume right now. Savor this beauty now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2030- 94

2021 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2021 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache comes from this tightly spaced location outside the town of Milton-Freewater. The wine shows beautifully on the nose with red florals, potpourri and fresh sage alongside shades of anise and very pure red fruits. The palate is sensational and fresh with a seamless texture and glorious sense of length. A total stunner, with its stony and gorgeous core of red cherry candy, guava puree and pomegranate seed flavors, with salty and savory accents, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 98

2021 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- A stunning wine made in this warm vintage, the 2021 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah is a masterful effort from the Walla Walla Valley. An inky core greets you, as this is loaded with exotic spices, charcoal, smoked brisket and Kalamata olive tapenade aromatics that bring you back to the glass for more savory and stony enjoyment. The palate is seamless and fresh, with no rough edges. Nori, bulls blood and charcuterie notes combine with wafts of black truffle shavings and Hoisin sauce, giving this a very savory edge. Enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 97

2021 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo- An outstanding Tempranillo wine, the 2021 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo shows off a velvety texture with dark currants that mingle well with black cherry compote, kumquat zest, oyster sauce, wet stone and violets. Full-bodied and filled with freshness, and gorgeous flavor range, this. Tempranillo has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2024-2034- 96

Holocene

We began our tasting journey last Friday afternoon with the beautiful Oregon Pinots by Holocene. “I am going for highly aromatic wines that are built by finesse” said winemaker Todd Alexander. He shared how his winemaking philosophy for making Oregon Pinot Noir evolved “I think the first Holocene wines were more powerful but they were too ripe and too dark and whole cluster helped with that. In 2018 I changed my philosophy with the wines making them more elegant” he explained.

Holocene is of course the brainchild of superstar winemaker Todd Alexander who was formerly with Bryant Family before taking over as winemaker at Force Majeure. Todd had a yearning to do something very different and produce Oregon Pinot Noir from diverse sites in the Willamette Valley. This winery was launched in 2015 and the new releases come from the 2022 vintage — one where cool temperatures meant for a very late harvest. This was also a vintage where a freeze would have been a disaster. So far I have been really impressed with what has been made from 2022 in the Willamette Valley.

The new Pinot Noirs come from diverse regions and soil types. I adored the new 2022 Holocene ‘Memoralis’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which somehow is even better than last year’s edition and is one of the finest Oregon Pinots that I have tasted in the past year. Deep, heady and filled with aging potential, I think you are going to love this wine. Learn more about this awesome Oregon outpost at http://holocenewines.com Here are the beautiful new 2021 release wines by Holocene. 

2022 Holocene ‘Memorialis’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Holocene ‘Memorialis’ Pinot Noir comes from the Monks Gate Vineyard in the southern end of the Willamette Valley. Todd Alexander has been made since the 2015 vintage. A blend of Pommard, 777 and 115 Dijon clonal selection Pinot Noir, this was stored in 15% new French oak before bottling. The nose is downright killer with wild blackberry, tobacco leaf and orange blossom notes. The palate is plush and dense with heady black and red fruit flavors. Very mineral-laden, this is dense and delicious Oregon Pinot Noir that is built to age. Drink 2024-2038- 96

2022 Holocene ‘Sidereal’ Pinot Noir- This is a new wine to the Holocene collection, coming from the Ribbon Ridge Vineyard. Stored in 15% new French oak, this underwent 100% whole cluster fermentation. This is very pretty aromatically with red rose petals and potpourri alongside Bing cherry and loganberry notes. The palate is soft and refined with serious texture. Layers of tart red fruits combine with citrus rind and stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2024-2034- 95

Va Piano

Sitting across from Justin Wylie, he couldn’t help but smile when talking about his 2021 reds. “2021 wines are really good and we are now in Vegas” he said. Vegas meaning Wylie had secured his wine in one of the city’s great restaurant, Jean-Georges.

An outstanding winery on the south side of the Walla Walla Valley, Va Piano, or ‘go quietly’ in Italian, was started by Walla Walla native Justin Wylie. Va Piano has the luxury of sourcing from some of the top vineyards in the state including the DuBrul, Stoney Vine, and Les Collines Vineyards. Justin’s first first commercial crush in the fall of 2003 and soon later Va Piano was born. He has seen the valley grow and his winery production has expanded considerably as well. His property is beautiful and is inspired by the villas of Tuscany as it is truly one of the most relaxing spots to sit wine with in the valley.

Justin is extremely down to earth and speaks from his vast experience in the industry. The new 2021 wines were the best that I have tasted. I adored the 2021 Va Piano ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) which was silky and rich with a smooth mouthfeel. Even better is the downright killer 2021 Va Piano ‘DuBurul Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is the finest wine I have tasted from this estate. Deep and brooding, loaded with richness, texture and tension, this will easily be a 20 year wine. Learn more about these fantastic wines at http://www.vapianovineyards.com Here are the great new release wines by Va Piano.

2022 Va Piano ‘Chelle den Mille Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- Stored in all concrete eggs, the 2022 ‘Chelle den Mille Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc comes from this slightly cooler site outside of the town of Prosser. The nose is rich with honeydew melon and baking spices alongside shades of starfruit and mango. The palate is plush and refined with a silky texture. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2022 Va Piano ‘Celilo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from this outstanding site on Underwood Mountain, the ‘Celilo Vineyard’ Chardonnay was stored in only 20% new French oak with the remainder concrete prior to bottling. Right away this delivers alluring salted pear and Macadamia nut on the nose alongside green melon and shades of juicy nectarine. The palate is rich and layered with a stunning finish, viscosity and verve. This is going to age so gracefully. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2021 Va Piano ‘Ox’ Red Wine- Only 20 dollars retail, the 2021 ‘Ox’ is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and good sense of weight. With good structure and earthy tones, with dense blackberry and black currant fruit flavors, this is delicious stuff that is a killer glass pour. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2021 Va Piano ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from mostly estate fruit, the 2021 Va Piano ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in 35% new French oak before bottling. The nose is fantastic with red beind. ed herbs and shades of loamy soils alongside coffee ground notes. The palate is beautifully textured with good weight and focus. A beautiful bottling, this will cellar well for another fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2038- 93

2021 Va Piano ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2021 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is nearly 100% varietal with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine was stored in 65% new French oak before bottling. This is very silky and refined on the palate with good weight and richness. Espresso ground mingle well with loamy soils and chocolate on there palate. Drink 2024-2040- 94

2021 Va Piano ‘Rosebud Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine combines 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Coming from vines planted back in 1980, this was stored in roughly 90% new French oak before bottling. The nose is very expressive with coffee grounds, cocoa nibs, black currants and shades of sagebrush. The palate is plush and refined with a silky texture and generous mouthfeel. Silky tannins greet you with a gorgeous core of black fruits that mingle well with black licorice and Turkish coffee notes. Drink 2025-2045- 95

2021 Va Piano ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from this site planted in 1980, the wine was stored in 90% new French oak before bottling. 100% varietal, this offers black tea and exotic spices that mingle well with shades of dark chocolate shavings and loamy soils. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture. Concentrated and refined with a beautiful core of red and dark fruits, with refined tannins, this is a gorgeous effort that is going to be a long-ager. Drink 2025-2050- 96

Upchurch Vineyard

Today we share one of Red Mountain’s finest, Upchurch Vineyard. The location is one of the most scenic in the state. Anchored in the southwestern part of the AVA, the winery has expansive views of the Columbia Valley from their estate create an incredible panoramic effect. For those who have never visited Upchurch Vineyard, I implore you to visit if nothing else for the beauty of the site.

One of the legends in Washington wine, Chris Upchurch crafted the finest Bordeaux style white wine for DeLille, the ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ in the mid-1990s. This wine has achieved incredible acclaim since that time and not only is one of the great white wines made in Washington but it rivals any Bordeaux Blanc style wines made in the new world.

There is little doubt that Chris has been making one of the most inspired Sauvignon Blancs in Washington, his 2021 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Southwest Facing’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 94) is dense and beautifully textured stuff with glorious length. I also adored the new 2021 LTL Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is a steal at under 50 bucks. Don’t miss out on the  2021 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is even better than the 2020 bottling with a seamless texture and plenty of scorched earth character from Red Mountain. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://upchurchvineyard.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Upchurch Vineyard.

2021 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Southwest Facing’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding and 100% varietal Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Stored all in concrete eggs, this sat Sur lie for 17 months before bottling. Lees were stirred on a monthly basis. This has a downright killer nose with kiwi and wet stone alongside nutmeg dusted Challah bread. The palette is deep and concentrated with serious weight. The texture from the Sur lie aging is really fantastic, as this finishes very long. This is very Washington vs. Pessac. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2022 Upchurch ‘Candy Mountain’ Merlot- The brilliant 2022 Upchurch ‘Candy Mountain’ Merlot comes from this site set on clay and gravel soils. Dark in the glass, the wine delivers heady toasty oak alongside mocha, sandalwood, tar and rich Morello cherry. The nose is downright killer. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture, showing lovely coffee ground and chocolate flavors. Drink 2024-2036- 93

2021 LTL Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2021 wine comes from the estate as well as Quintessence, Stanton Hill and Shaw Vineyards. This was stored in 50% new French oak for 18 months before bottling. Very smooth on the entry, this delivers violets, black currants and tar notes giving this a very classic Red Mountain profile. Showing good verve and richness, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Counterpart’ Merlot- The 2021 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Counterpart’ is a beautiful effort from this challenging vintage. The 100% Merlot was stored in nearly all New French Oak (Taransaud & Orion) prior to bottling. The toasty oak is beautiful with dark chocolate, dark rose petals, Asian spices and cassis notes. The palate is plush and refined with a serious sense of richness and flavor density. A gorgeous Merlot that is built to age, with loamy soil character, this is a total stunner that is the finest I have tasted from this house yet. Drink 2024-2042- 95

2021 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- A total stunner, the 2021 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has clone 2 and 191 clonal selection Cabernet Sauvignon in the the twelfth vintage of this wine.  Stored in mostly new Taransaud oak barrels this offers beautiful cedar and mocha notes alongside creme de violette and pencil shavings. The palate is plush and refined with serious weight and texture, showing heady black and blue fruits alongside scorched earthy tones. Totally stunning, this beauty is absolutely singing in its high octave right now. Enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 97

Brandlin Estate

Today we share the story of Brandon Estate that date all the way back to the 1870s, when the Brandlins emigrated from Switzerland. They later descended on the Napa Valley and started their homestead high on Mount Veeder. They saw the potential of the land and soon began their fruit orchard, ran the local grain store and stagecoach. In 1926, Henry Brandlin planted his first grape vines at Brandlin Estate—vines that are still alive today.

Brandon Estates encompasses nearly 50 acres of vines, with many nearly 20 years of age. Wines are made by Cuvaison winemaker Steve Rogstad, who has crafted outstanding Chardonnay and other varietals for decades.I really love the new 2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Mount Veeder’ Malbec (OB, 94) which is very deep and concentrated Malbec that has outstanding flavor range and shows off the heat of the vintage. Learn more about these great wines at brandlinestate.com and here are my reviews of the new Brandlin wines.

2022 Brandlin Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2022 Brandlin Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc was stored for 11 months in 50% new French oak before bottling. This is deep and concentrated wine with plenty of kiwi and cantaloupe fruit flavors with nutty and stony accents. Drink 2024-2029- 91

2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Mount Veeder’ Malbec- Thee outstanding 2021 Brandon Estates Malbec has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. Stored for 22 months in 40% new French oak before bottling. Boysenberry jam, anise and creme de violette flavors mingle well with dark chocolate shavings and pencil lead on the palate. A total stunner, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2038- 94

Turnbull

For many years I have admired stops at Turnbull, one of Napa’s landmark wineries. Turnbull has been perched in the Napa Valley for the past 35 years. Today the winery owns over 200 acres in the Napa Valley and produces approximately 30,000 cases per year. Their original co-founder William Turnbull was an architect from the San Francisco Bay Area and designed his winery as well as many others including part of Cakebread Cellars. Later in 1993 Patrick O’Dell purchased Turnbull Johnson and renamed the winery to Turnbull Cellars. At the helm is Peter Heitz who is a fourth generation vintner. Peter applied his trade at Beringer, crafting some world class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon under the guidance of legendary winemaker Ed Sbragia, before coming to Turnbull more than a decade ago.

The new Cabernets from 2019 were extraordinarily good. Their 2021 wines have serious promise as I adored the 2021 Turnbull ‘Amines’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which has beautiful stuffing and verve —easily a 20 year wine. These are beautiful wines that are not to be missed. Learn more at www.turnbullwines.com Here are my reviews of the new Turnbull wines.

2021 Turnbull ‘Amoenus Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning 2021 Turnbull ‘Amoenus Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this site set n the Oakville AVA which spans two valleys and ridgelines. The wine is a barrel selection of 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from this site. The wine is saturated and fat on the tongue with layers of creme de cassis, anise, pencil lead and violets. Showing great viscosity, verve and length, this will live on for at least another twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 96

2019 Turnbull ‘Leopoldina Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this site in the Oakville appellation, the 2019 Turnbull ‘Leopoldina Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows beautiful range on the nose with potpourri and Asian spices that mingle with ripe dark currants and tobacco leaf. The luxurious texture coats the palate, as the wine delivers rich mocha, tar, frhesly tilled soils and wild blackberry cordial flavors. This is exceedingly good to consume even in its tension-filled youth. Drink 2024-2040- 95

2019 Turnbull ‘Amoenus Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The alluring 2019 Turnbull ‘Amoenus Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon bursts out of the glass with boysbeerry coulis, linzer torte and sweet pipe tobacco aromas alongside shades of Arabica bean. Very heady aromatically, once on the mouth this revels in its seamless texture and glorious sense of length, with scorched earth and faint red bell pepper undertones alongside a deep core of black fruits. Very refined tannins hold everything nicely in place. Utterly stunning to consume now, this will live on for at least another twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2042- 96

2019 Turnbull ‘Fortuna Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A delicious wine already now at the three year mark, the 2019 Turnbull ‘Fortuna Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon surely will live on for another two decades. Soft and supple on the mouth and loaded with dense black fruits, espresso grounds, loamy soils pencil lead, tar and exotic spices, this polished and voluptuous wine really needs an hour of air if consuming now. Drink 2024-2042- 95

Bryant Family Vertical Tasting at Atelier Freewater

This past weekend I attended a world-class dinner and tasting of Bryant Family wines, hosted by Carrie and Todd Alexander at Atelier Freewater, their new fancy tasting room in Milton-Freewater. The space is very modern and has plenty of room for parties and a large kitchen. The dinner was put on by Eight Row, a Michelin-star worthy restaurant in Green Lake, Seattle.

We had champagne to start and celebrate the ten years that Todd Alexander has been making wine in Washington State. He has taken the Washington wine scene by storm by his captivating wines by Force Majeure, WeatherEye and others.

Champagne was complimented by a beautiful and spicy crudo, as well as steak tartare bites. The first course was a beet salad which paired with the first Bryant Family bottling.

There were several food highlights. The duck was magically cooked and was soft and beautifully textured. The steak dish was also world-class and was well-seasoned, with a beautiful presentation of the celery root puree. That dish had so much beautiful flavor.
Todd and Carrie had graciously purchased two mags — the 2012 and 2013 Bryant Family Cabernets. These wines were each 100 point bottlings.

Service and dining experience were extraordinarily good as the cadence of the evening was beautiful. Tasting through the beautiful wines, I was enamored by the 2012 (OB, 100) was plush, soft and refined, with serious purity in its red and dark fruit quality. The florals on the wine were extraordinary. A totally different animal was the 2013 Bryant Family (OB, 100) which was more dense, heady and loaded with intense black and blue fruits, with scorched earthy tones, tons of graphite and espresso grounds. What a wine!

I look back so fondly on this dinner that was spent with friends — truly an epic occasion to celebrate the talents of one of our region’s top winemakers. Cheers to another 10 Todd and Carrie and thank you for your incredible contributions in Washington and Oregon wine.

Gramercy Cellars

Today we share some of the outstanding spring releases you will taste from Washington State. Gramercy Cellars was founded by winemaker and master sommelier, Greg Harrington, MS, crafts both Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, as he sources from some of the top vineyards in the state. He and Gramercy partner Brandon Moss also makes some of the best Rose in the Pacific Northwest as their Rose wines have consistently been towards the top of my Pacific Northwest Rose Report over the past few years.

It is remarkable that Harrington incredibly passed the master sommelier exam at the age of 26. Partner and co-winemaker, Brandon Moss, shares Greg’s focus on prime fruit and minimal intervention, showcasing the typicity of the individual varietal. These are wines that embody structure and poise, with good richness and varietal character.

I love the new Gramercy releases. Do not miss out on the 2023 Gramercy Cellars Rose (OB, 93) which is another amazing edition of this wine with serious nuance and very pure red fruits. Learn more about these amazing wines at gramercycellars.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Gramercy Cellars and the superstar winemaking team of Greg Harrington, MS and Brandon Moss.

2023 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose- Truly a great Rhone-inspired Rose from the Yakima Valley, the 2021 Olsen Vineyard’ Rose combines Cinsault (50%) with equal portions Syrah and Grenache. This is highly complex stuff with shades of white truffle that combine with Mandarin orange zest, watermelon, and red cherry Starburst candy. Nicely textured and very pretty, this is delight to savor in its youth this will surely live on for another seven plus years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2022 Gramercy Cellars Picpoul- The very juicy 2023 Picpoul was sourced from the Walla Walla Valley. Kiwi and green melon tones combine with salted nectarine and nutty tones on the nose. The plate is fresh and neatly textured with serious tension. A joy to consume now, this really needs a hot summer day to revel in its beautiful verve. Drink 2024-2028- 92

Rush Lattin

A great new winery based in Snohomish, Washington, Rush Lattin is a story based on a strong family spirit. Rush Lattin was a pioneer and artist that set alone on a mule in the late 1800's with a dangerous dream to capture the magnificent Yosemite Valley on canvas. This label is a sketch of that heirloom painting, an expression of Rush’s passionate purpose that guided him to capture a moment of beauty that since has been shared with generations.

Founded by Larry and Michelle Ransom, the winery makes a range of red wines from the Columbia Valley and Red Mountain. Winemaker Larry Ransom is somewhat new to the trade but has made a really nice set of wines from the excellent 2021 vintage. I really enjoyed the 2023 Rush Latttin Rose (OB, 90) which is neatly textured and shows good astringency. I love the 2021 Rush Lattin ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah (OB, 92) which is dense and rich with delicious dark fruit flavors. Learn more about this exciting new winery at https://www.rushlattincellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Rush Lattin wines.

2023 Rush Lattin Rose- Made from Grenache grapes, this 2023 Rose offers a smooth sense of tension upon entry with bright red cherry and red raspberry notes alongside stony minerals. Enjoy now while the brightness remains intact. Drink 2024-2028- 90

2021 Rush Lattin ‘Red Mountain’ Grenache- Named ‘The Signet’ this 2021 Grenache is smooth and polished with bright pomegranate and red raspberry flavors alongside a soft texture and good deal of tension considering the warmth of the vintage. Medium bodied, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next seven plus years. Drink 2024-2031-91

2021 Rush Lattin ‘GSM’ Red Wine- This GSM inspired blend from 2021 is composed of equal parts Grenache and Mourvèdre with 30% Syrah. A beautiful spice rack nose, this shows off potpourri and exotic spices alongside rich red fruits and smoky accents. The palate is soft and polished with a smooth texture and great sense of balance between varietals. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2021 Rush Lattin ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- Inky in the glass, the 2021 Rush Lattin ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah offers iodine, bacon fat and garrigue notes on the nose. The palate shows good polish with its sagebrush, milk chocolate and dense dark fruit flavors. This is really well-done stuff that is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2021 Rush Lattin 'Old Faithful’ Red Wine- Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (66%) with the remainder Syrah, this delivers good viscosity and richness with dense dark fruits and tobacco leaf flavors alongside shades of Black Forest Cake. 15.5% alcohol, this is not for the weary! Drink 2024-2032- 92

2021 Rush Lattin ‘Fiddler’s Bluff’ Syrah- The 2021 Rush Lattin ‘Fiddler’s Bluff’ Syrah is nicely posed but comes off leaner than the ‘Columbia Valley’ bottling with chocolate and blackberry notes on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2024-2028- 90

2021 Rush Lattin ‘Fiddler’s Bluff’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Fiddler’s Bluff’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers herbal notes alongside dark currants and blackberry notes on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2021 Rush Lattin ‘Fiddler’s Bluff’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Fiddler’s Bluff’ Red Wine delivers juicy red and dark fruit flavors with good verve and medium-body on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2024-2028- 89

Clos Solene

An amazing tale of love, Clos Solene is a tale of romance and following the heart. Clos Solene is an inspired story fueled by the love of two people who founded this outstanding winery. Guillaume Fabre met the love of his life, Solene Fabre and they both eventually settled in Paso Robles. Fast forward to today, the Fabre Family is now a family of five: Clémentine (their oldest daughter), Jean (their middle son), and Juliette (their youngest daughter). Guillaume has named all his favorite wines after his children – Sweet Clémentine, Cuvée Jean and the arrival of Cuvée Juliette in 2019. After purchasing an estate in 2017, the family lives at the farmhouse on the property, as their boutique winery lies the west side of Paso Robles in the heart of the Willow Creek District. Having visited this spot, the wines are truly some of the finest you will see in the valley. Winemaker Guillaume Fabre combines freshness, texture and a very old-world feel in his wines.

Just as the reds were from my stellar tasting in Jan 2024, the new spring release wines were simply outstanding across the board. The 2023 Clos Solene ‘La Rose’ Rose (OB, 93) is fresh and vibrant with outstanding texture. Learn more about these beautiful new wines at https://www.clossolene.com Here are the outstanding new release wines by Clos Solene.

2022 Clos Solene ‘Hommage Blanc’ White Wine- The seriously good 2022 ‘Hommage Blanc’ is a beautiful wine made from a really tough vintage for white wines. A combination of mostly Roussanne (80%) with the remainder Viognier and a touch Grenache Blanc, this offers serious texture and nerve on the palate, with green melon, Gravenstein apple, cashew nut and copious stony minerals. A stunning wine to enjoy now, this has some really good aging potential. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2023 Clos Solene ‘La Rose’ Rose- The faintest of pink dawns this beautiful Rose wine made from mainly Grenache grapes (72%) with the remainder Grenache Gris and Mourvèdre. Stony and flinty on the nose with delicate red flowers and red fruits, this unveils neat kiwi and cantaloupe tones aromatically. The palate echos the nose in terms of flavors, showing plenty of lip-smacking acidity and stony finesse. This is a total stunner that is best enjoyed now and over the next few years in its vibrant, tension-laden youth. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2024 Paso Robles Report

FULL REPORT HERE:

It was a short flight down from Seattle as I embarked on my mid-January visit to Paso Robles — my first visit in a year. The beauty of this region was particularly stunning due to a large amount of rainfall that had graced the region over the winter. What were normally expansive brown patches of land were turned bright green. Crop cover was exceedingly dense for the region, none more so than at Tablas Creek which is some of the most elaborate cover I have ever laid eyes on. I started tasting mostly wines from 2021 and 2022 with some 2020s.

It is fair to say that 2020 was a challenge for much of California, but don’t overlook the top 2020 wines from Paso Robles. Some wines were impacted from a fire near Morrow Bay and while I found more overall inconsistency with wines from 2020, there were certainly some major bright spots. Tablas Creek proprietor Jason Haas found that 2020 was a “difficult year, between heat and fires and smoke and drought, but I felt like Paso Robles has the chance to make some of the best wines of the state. We were far enough south of the fires that the smoke issues were minimal.”

While 2020 had mixed success, Benom’s electric French-born winemaker Guillaume Fabre found 2021 to be a welcome departure from the 2020 vintage. “The 2021s were fermenting beautifully, coming out from a much harder vintage in 2020 due to a long period of heat spikes at the maturation made the 2020 more challenging, and as the 2021s were aging in barrels, it exceeded all of our expectations. The blends came out superbly balanced, a lot of purity and minerality that will make them ageable with a capital A!” Jason Haas agreed, noting 2021 wines “are blockbusters, with plenty of fruit and tannin and excellent structure that should allow them to age for as long as anything we've ever made.”

Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch also had glowing things to say about 2021. “On paper, 2021 looks similar to  2016 and 2018, both what I consider to be ‘classic’ Paso Roblean vintages” she said. Noting “however, in addition to having all the classic attributes of Paso Robles, the 2021s also have a bit more finesse and cool climate characteristics. 2021 was one of my favorite yet, definitely a winemaker’s vintage.” Tasting through her 2021s I was blown away with the overall consistency of the wines — bottlings with serious nerve, flavor density and weight. Saint K winemaker Chris Kiranbay crafts some of the region’s most evocative, full-throttle wines. He admitted that the heat of 2022 brought some challenges explaining “I think in 2022 some larger producers were able to gamble and let fruit hang longer for flavor and sugar development, but being a smaller winery I couldn't risk it” he said. “Everything ended up working out for me, but in hindsight I definitely jumped the gun on picking Pinot and Chard in the Santa Ynez Valley.” 2023 will be a cooler vintage that will no doubt be a stark contrast to 2022. Kiranbay sees 2023 as “looking very promising so far but it felt like we were waiting for sugars to develop and there just wasn't any heat. I had some fruit under contract that never reached desired brix and was able to opt out of the contract” he explained.

As for some of the region’s top wines, Benom and their sister winery Clos Solene continued a long run of world-class. Don’t sleep on the world-class 2021 Benom ‘Muze’ Red Wine (OB, 96) or the 2021 Benom ‘Le Deux Frères’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which are deep and viscous bottlings, with refined tannins and serious structure. Caliza, Booker and Epoch all made world-class 2021 wines. I love the 2021 Caliza ‘Azimuth’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which showcases gorgeous limestone soil character throughout the drinking experience. An epic Syrah from this vintage, the 2021 Booker ‘Ones’ Syrah (OB, 99) has plenty of chalky mineralty to mingle well with the concentrated black fruit flavors. I adored the 2021 Epoch ‘Veracity’ Red Wine (OB, 97) which is a vintage-defining blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Filled with tension and viscosity, this will surely satisfy any GSM lover. I love The Royal Nonesuch Farm wines none more so than their 2021 ‘Spine’ Syrah (OB, 96) which is deep, with serious weight and wonderfully textured, showing excellent poise. Denner had a beautiful range of wines from their stunning and tension-filled 2021 Viognier (OB, 94) to their 2021 ‘Mother of Exhiles’ (OB, 96) which deftly combines some herbal tones from the Petit Verdot in this inky Cabernet Sauvignon bottling.

For a dense and decadent treat, look to the wines of Herman Story and Saint K — both full-throttle but never lacking in underlying finesse. I adored the 2021 Saint K ‘Everything Is Under Control’ Red Wine (OB, 95) as well as the 2021 Herman Story ‘Bolt Cutter’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which are both inky red blends from this warm vintage. I love the Desperada wines made by Vailia From which focus on beautifully textured and mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc wines that were some of the great whites I tasted including her 2022 Desperada ‘Carmen’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) which is filled with lime zest and stony minerals.

Clearly not all Paso wines operate at warp speed. The refinement and elegance exuded in the Tablas Creek wines have been evident in the glass for more than 20 years. For my palate the finest white wine made in this region is the 2022 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine (OB, 96) which is dense, nutty and mineral-laden. The flavor and aromatic range is really thrilling as this has excellent verve despite the heat of the vintage. In terms of 2020 wines, I was enamored by the 2020 Daou ‘Patrimony’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is dense, round and seamless, with no rough edges. This was one of the best Paso wines made in 2020. L’Aventure also made some sensational 2020 wines. Their 2020 L’Aventure ‘Cote A Cote’ Red Wine (OB, 96) and ‘Estate Cuvee’ (OB, 97) are impeccably balanced and elegant, with plenty of power. For my palate these wines have improved in quality over the past few years. Similarly a winery producing consistently great wines, Law Estate made a beautiful range of wines, none more so than their Priorat-inspried 2021 Law Estate ‘Audacious’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is dense, chewy and showing very pretty red fruit and red floral tones from the Grenache.

Many Paso winemakers will contend that poor vintages in this region quite simply do not exist. Having tasted here for twenty plus years I can’t think of a vintage that was really lacking in overall quality, as even the cooler 2011 wines have come around beautifully. 2020 has come and gone and might not be a banner year for Paso, but rather a vintage that possesses a wide range in quality, with its peaks being top bottlings not to be missed. 2021 leaves no doubt as a banner year for Paso Robles wines. While 2022 and 2023 presented their own challenges from Mother Nature, I have feel confident from my tastings that quality will remain very high in these highly divergent vintages. Here are my latest tasting notes from the wines of Paso Robles.

Purchase my comprehensive 2024 Paso Robles Report here: https://owenbargreen.com/store/2024-paso-robles-report?rq=Paso%20Robles

Gorman

Today we share one of the outstanding Washington wineries that has received innumerable accolades by critics across the board. Gorman is founded by Chris Gorman who began his winery shortly after graduating from college in 1991. Before starting he spent 3 years working for a small Italian importer which carefully trained his palate. During that time Chris traveled extensively in the wine areas of Italy, Spain and Germany and finally started his winery in 2002. The winery has been a small operation, crafting consistently good wines from the Columbia Valley. Chris focuses on the terroir from Red Mountain and works with great vineyards such as Kiona, Shaw and many others. They make world-class Chardonnay called their ‘Big Sissy’ and also under his Ashan label. This label has Chardonnays that showcase some of the state’s top vineyards. All three Ashan releases from the Cold Creek, Connor Lee and Celilo Vineyards are sensational across the board and are meant for serious lovers of not only Washington white wine but Sonoma and Napa Chardonnay.

I love the 2022 Gorman ‘Big Sissy’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is dense and viscous with beautiful texture. Don’t miss out on the 2019 Gorman ‘Mammoth’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is a downright sexy new bottling from this slightly cooler vintage. Learn more about these outstanding wines at gormanwinery.com. Here are the great new wines by Chris Gorman and his Gorman Winery. 

2022 Gorman ‘Luanne’ White Wine- The 2022 ‘Luanne’ combines Marsanne, with Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier all coming from the Boushey Vineyard. This comes off vibrant with kiwi, gooseberry and oyster shell flavors alongside shades of cantaloupe. Partially stored in neutral oak, this is a gorgeous wine that will pair so well with shellfish. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2022 Ashan ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- This 2022 Chardonnay comes from a range of top vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley. This shows a soft texture alongside ripe banana, pineapple and golden Delicious apple. Stored in natural French oak, this is generous Chardonnay that is a steal at 25 bucks. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2022 Gorman ‘Big Sissy’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Big Sissy’ is a stunning new Chardonnay by Chris Gorman. Stored from both the Connor Lee and Cold Creek Vineyards, this was stored in 40% new French oak barrels, this offers a smooth texture with a refined mouthfeel, as this effortlessly glides throughout the mid-palate. Roasted pineapple, peach and passion fruit flavors combine with Japanese pear and stony minerals on the palate. Finishing exceedingly long, this is a total stunner that will live on for another ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2021 Gorman ‘The Devil Makes Three’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Mainly coming from Candy Mountain, the 2021 Gorman ‘The Devil Makes Three’ Cabernet Sauvignon has Malbec and Merlot blended in. This is ripe and juicy, loaded with rich blackberry and black currant flavors with cocoa powder flavors. This offers serious value. Drink 2024-2031- 91

2022 Gorman ‘The Devil Makes Three’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Gorman ‘The Devil Makes Three’ Cabernet Sauvignon is entirely sourced from Candy Mountain, with small portions Merlot and Malbec blended in. This is fresh and lithe with refined tannins. Ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors combine with black tea and coffee ground notes on the palate. Drink 2024-2032- 91

2021 Gorman ‘The Devil You Know’ Red Wine- The 2021 Gorman ‘The Devil You Know’ Red Wine has a large portion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Malbec and Petit Verdot. This is rich and viscous with a smooth texture. Layers of tobacco leaf and black currants combine with logabanberry cordial flavors on the palate. This is concentrated stuff that is seriously good right now. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2021 Gorman ‘Old Scratch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Old Scratch’ comes from Red Mountain. Aged for 20 months in French oak, this delivers chocolate, sagebrush and espresso ground tones on the palate, alongside refined tannins on the palate. Rich and viscous, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2040- 93

2021 Gorman ‘Pixie’ Syrah- Coming from Red Mountain, the 2021 ‘Pixie’ comes from the Kipsun and Staton Vineyards. Aged in 40% new French oak, this offers beautiful concentration and texture on the mid-palate. Black olives, boysenberry and smoked meats all fill the palate alongside a refined texture. Herbal accents line this generous wine that is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2021 Gorman ‘Evil Twin’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Evil Twin’ combines Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain. Aged in all new French oak, this offers smoked BBQ beef ribs with Umami, black olive tapenade and shades of creosote on the nose. The palate is dense and heady with a reined texture. Gorgeous to enjoy now, this is a stunning new wine that will cellar well for another ten plus years to come. This would be incredible with a juicy ribeye. Drink 2024-2038- 95

2021 Gorman ‘Zachary’s Ladder’ Red Wine- Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, this is named after Chris Gorman’s son and was first made in 2002. Very soft and round on the mouth, this offers sagebrush and milk chocolate alongside dark currants and Morello cherry on the palate. Drink 2024-2035- 92

2021 Gorman ‘The Bully’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘The Bully’ was entirely sourced from Red Mountain and was stored in 100% new French oak barrels before bottling. Mainly coming from the Quintessence Vineyard, this shows off black tea and dark currants line the nose alongside mocha, tar and anise tones. The palate is refined and silky with soft tannins. Black currant jelly, and scorched earth tones combine with shades of espresso grounds and kirsch notes on the palate. This is going to age gracefully. Drink 2024-2040- 94

2021 Gorman ‘The Albatross’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A really big wine from a warm vintage, the 2021 ‘The Albatross’ Cabernet Sauvignon also comes from Red Mountain and was stored in 100% new French oak before bottling. Fresh thyme, anise and Black Forest Cake mark the nose aulnigsude Turkish coffee notes. The palate is soft and seamless with great concentration and underlying finesse. Drink 2024-2044- 95

2019 Gorman ‘The Mammoth’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 38 months in oak barrels from 200 year old trees (barrels designed for DRC). This comes from Block 3 from the Quintessence Vineyard. The nose is intense and highly complex with blackberry and Earl Grey tea alongside espresso ground notes. The palate is soft and seamless with incredible length, texture and weight. A joy to drink right now, this will live on for at least another twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 97

Two Vintners

A proper visit was in order as Morgan Lee and I missed each other last year. However I most certainly did not miss out on the wines he is making with Paul Zitarelli for Block Wines and Full Pull & Friends which are some of the finest values you will find in the state. This time I descended upon Lee’s somewhat new space that seems to be ever-evolving. There is little doubt that Morgan Lee is one of the nicest guys you will meet in the Washington wine industry. A former Purdue grad, Morgan is fun loving but very serious in his winemaking. There’s a good reason why Paul Ziterelli connected with him to craft wines for Block Wines — Morgan’s an incredibly talented winemaker. Previously interning at Columbia Crest, Morgan makes a range of outstanding wines, including one, if not the best, Zinfandel in Washington. He also makes a killer orange wine called ‘O.G.’

His value collection of wines were the best that I have tasted from him yet. The 2022 City Limits Chardonnay (OB, 91) comes from the esteemed Evergreen Vineyard and has great freshness, good poise and lovely pear and kiwi notes. This would make for a killer glass pour.  Don’t miss out on the 2022 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer (OB, 93) which is a dense and heady orange wine that is both geeky for the some community and downright delicious for everyday wine consumers.  I was very impressed with the very pretty and downright sexy 2021 Two Vinters ‘Claire’ Grenache (OB, 95) which shows a soft mouthfeel and unveils a gorgeous array of red fruit flavors with plenty of nuance. Learn more about these great new releases at https://twovintners.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Two Vintners.

2022 City Limits Chardonnay- Mostly coming from the Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA, the 2022 City Limits Chardonnay offers bright pear and kiwi notes on the nose alongside shades of cardamom. Mostly stored in stainless steel, this shows a smooth mouthfeel with good flavor density. A stunning value, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2022 City Limits ‘Detour’ Red Wine- Mainly Merlot, the 2022 ‘Detour’ shows bing cherry and cola notes on the nose alongside dried herbs. This comes off a bit lean on the mid-palate, alongside good freshness. Drink 2024-2030- 89

2021 City Limits Cabernet Sauvignon- Bottled in summer 2023, the 2021 City Limits Cabernet Sauvignon is smooth on the mouth.Red licorice and black currants mingle well with copious minerals on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2022 City Limits ‘The Citizen’ Red WIne- A Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel blend with a touch of Syrah, the 2022 ‘The Citizen’ offers juicy red fruit flavors alongside black tea and dried herbs on the palate. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2022 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer- This 2022 Gewwurtztraminer comes from the Olsen Vineyard and saw extended maceration (8 weeks) and is a brilliant yellow hue in the glass. Big and bold on the mouth, this shows lychee and peach tones on the palate, alongside good freshness and a seamless mouthfeel. For the price this one is a total steal. Drink 2024-2031- 93

2021 Make Haste Cinsault- This 2022 Make Haste 100% Cnisault from the Olsen Vineyard. Given roughly 30% whole cluster fermentation, this was stored in neutral puncheons before bottling. Beautiful wt stone and red cherry candy combines with shades of green olives on the nose. This is very elegant and Pinoesque on the palate, showing beautiful pure red fruit flavors. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2021 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache- The brilliant 2021 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache shows red florals on the nose alongside shades of white pepper and orange peel on the nose. The palate is juicy and bright with a great core of pomegranate seed, red cherry and guava flavors. Sourced from the Boushey, WeatherEye and Olsen Vineyards. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2021 Two Vintners ‘Claire’ Grenache- The stunning 2021 Two Vintners ‘Claire’ Grenache comes from the Boushey Vineyard. Beautiful red rose petals mark the nose alongside citrus zest, red currants and guava tones. The palate is refined and elegant with silky tannins and serious richness. Deep and concentrated, with loads of mouth-watering acidity, this is already drinking beautifully. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2021 Two Vintners ‘Oliver’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Oliver’ by Two Vintners is composed of 85% Grenache with the remainder Petite Sirah and Syrah. Very dark in the glass, this comes off refined and elegant on the mouth, with loamy soils and salty accents. Hoisin sauce, black currant jelly, white pepper dusted brisket flavors combine with shades of black licorice on the palate. This is already beautifully evolved stuff. 40% whole cluster fermented and blended before bottling. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2021 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- This 2021 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah is inky in the glass and has a touch of Viognier and Roussanne blended in. Smoky tones fill the glass alongside cigar ash, black cherry compote and shades of tangerine zest on the palate. The palate is soft and refined texture. Rich dark fruits collide with copious minerals mingle well with salty tones. This is a killer value from this warm vintage. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2021 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ Syrah- Coming from the Discovery Vineyard, this 2021 100% varietal Syrah offers fresh sage and smoked pork shoulder on the nose alongside oyster sauce, charcuterie and shades of black olive tapenade. The palate shows plenty of non-fruit nuance with iodine and steak drippings alongside wild blackberry flavors. Very fresh and fragrant, this is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Stones’ Syrah- Coming from the Stoney Vine Vineyard, the 2021 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Stones’ Syrah is an awesome new bottling by winemaker Morgan Lee. Smoldering stones and green olives mark the nose alongside Umami and bacon fat notes. The palate is very fresh and soft, showing a refined texture. This is elegant Rocks District wine that is already drinking marvelously right now. For my palate this might be the best rendition of this wine that I have tasted. Drink 2024-2032- 95

2021 Two Vintners ‘The Waiting List’ Syrah- The 2021 Two Vintners ‘The Waiting List’ Syrah is entirely sourced from the Boushey Vineyard. Potporri and a dusting of white pepper mark the nose alongside shades of boysenberry on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with good underlying tension and a loaded core of black fruits. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Two Vintners ‘Lola’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Lola’ comes from the Yellow Jacket Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks District. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah, this shows off great stony character on the palate, with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of boysenberry and black cherry fruits combine with salted meats and orange rind notes on the palate. The flavor range is sensational. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2021 Two Vintners ‘Alice’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Alice’ is a very elegant and refined wine that is drinking marvelously right now. Mainly Merlot, this shows a silky texture with generous black fruits alongside black tea, milk chocolate covered espresso bean, garrigue and sagebrush notes. Drink 2024-2040- 93

2020 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- Smooth, forward and ripe, the 2020 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot offers juicy red and dark fruits alongside a ripe texture on the mouth, with milk chocolate accents. Drink 2024-2032- 91

2021 Two Vintners ‘Legit’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2021 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Pepper Bridge, Dineen, Discovery, Stone Tree and Pollard Vineyards. The wine has 20% Zinfandel and 5% Petit Verdot blended in. Dense dark fruits parade with chocolate and espresso grounds on the palate. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2021 Two Vintners ‘Sal’ Cabernet Sauvignon-  All Discovery Vineyard, this 2021 red blend has smaller portions Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended in. Showing good freshness, this offers green bell pepper, mocha, tar and anise noise on the palate alongside salty nuances. With refined tannins and a rich mouthfeel, this is already refined stuff at the three year mark. Drink 2024-2038- 93

2021 Two Vintners ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Ripe and round, weighing in at 16.5% alcohol, the 2021 Zinfandel offers a refined mouthfeel with chocolate, dried herbs and espresso ground flavors alongside a smooth texture and rich dark fig and blackberry notes. This is big, burly and delicious Zin that is already drinking marvelous. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Covington Cellars ‘Prima’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Prima’ is winemaker Morgan Lee’s version of a Super Tuscan, as this is Sangiovese dominant. Damp earth and worn leather notes mark the nose alongside shades of dark currants and coffee grounds. Fresh and lithe with a smooth mouthfeel, this is really well-done. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2020 Covington Cellars ‘Ode’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Ode’ spent three years in neutral oak puncheons, as this is 100% Sangiovese wine. Very smooth on the mouth, this displays tobacco leaf and dark cherry on the palate alongside wet stone and soft tannins. This is a really refined Sangio that is both dense and light on its feet. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Covington Cellars ‘Lawson’ Red Wine- Mostly Merlot (85%) from the Discovery Vineyard,  2021 ‘Lawson’ shows a smooth mouthfeel with black currants and sagebrush notes alongside coffee grounds on the palate. Really good, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 93

2021 Covington Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon- A really good effort from this warm vintage, the 2021 Covington Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its dark core in the glass. Black cherry and green herbs on the nose alongside blackberry tones on the palate. Juicy and rich, with refined tannins, this is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2024-2038- 93

2021 Two Vintners ‘Late Harvest Olsen Vineyard’ Riesling- One of the outstanding dessert wines from Washington that I have tasted over the past year, the thrilling 2021 Two Vintners ‘Late Harvest Olsen Vineyard’ Riesling shows both poise and weight, with fabulous flavor range. Honeysuckle and beeswax notes alongside ripe pineapple mark the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with unbelievable texture and sense of length. Finishing exceedingly long, this is going to satisfy any lover of dessert wine. Drink 2024-2035- 95

Lundeen

Founded by native Oregonian Michael Lundeen, has completed the third generation of Lundeens have cared for the land and vines that are now the heartbeat of Michael's wines. His son adds a fourth! For years Michael was honing his skill with Pinot Noir luminaries at Willakenzie, Belle Pente and Domaine Serene, before becoming founding winemaker at Illahe Vineyards back in 2007.
Michael joined Walnut City Wineworks as Winemaker in late 2010. Just a short hop from his own estate vineyard, the McMinnville-based winery was where his career would enter the next and most exciting phase. The once brick-red winery and custom crush facility now carries the Lundeen name and colors after he formally took ownership in 2022.
I hadn’t tasted these wines in several years and was very impressed. Michael is making some fantastic Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. Since the fittingly cold vintage of 2011, the annual production of sparkling wines has grown to 1,500 cases, and Michael still hand-disgorges every bottle à la volée. Michael continues to preserve the family farm for his son Colin and generations beyond. Michael directs the farming of nearly 40 acres utilizing no-till and Organic practices and maintains the LIVE sustainability certification. The new wines were seriously good across the board. I love the new NV Lundeen ‘Brut Reserve’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which is tense and nervy with really good flavor range. Just as good is the 2021 Lundeen ‘La Cantera Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is rich and viscous with fantastic salty soil character. Learn more about this great winery at lundeenwines.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Lundeen.

NV Lundeen ‘Willamette Valley Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The NV Lundeen ‘Willamette Valley Brut’ Sparkling Wine is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir with 30% Chardonnay and the remainder Pinot Gris. This is elegant bubbles with lemon rind and stony mineral tones on the palate alongside Gravenstein apple notes. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 91

NV Lundeen ‘Brut Reserve’ Sparkling Wine- The ‘Brut Reserve’ comes from the Robinson and La Cantera Vineyards, as this has a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay base from the 2018 and 2019 vintages. This offers good richness and refinement with Challah bread and wild mushroom notes alongside bright citrus and melon fruits. Very well-made, and slightly more complex at a warmer temperature, this is a resounding success that captures the art of blending. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2021 Articulate Chardonnay- The 2021 Articulate Chardonnay was sourced from the Robinson Vineyard which is an 8 acre site set on Saum soils. This is nice and fresh with salty soils that mingle well with bright pear and starfruit flavors. Nicely textured, enjoy over the next six years. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2021 Articulate Pinot Noir- The 2021 Articulate Pinot Noir comes from a range of sites throughout the Willamette Valley. Stored in 10% new French oak before bottling. Tart red fruits combine with baking spices and orange peel flavors on the palate. Round and smooth on the mouth, this is a great, already nicely evolved effort. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2021 Lundeen ‘La Colina Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2021 Lundeen ‘La Colina Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this Dundee Hills site that was first planted in 1999. This is wonderfully stony with layers of pretty red fruits that combine with kumquat rind flavors on the palate. Soft and refined, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2021 Lundeen ‘La Cantera Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘La Cantera Vineyard’ comes from this site in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. This site sits atop Rex Hill winery and is set on loess soils. The palate is smooth and elegant with a seamless texture and beautiful verve. A generous core of red fruits greet you as this finishes long with salty soils. Drink 2024-2034- 93

Prospice Wines

Today as part of Washington Wine Month we share some fantastic wines from the Walla Walla Valley. Prospice Wines was founded by Jay Krutulis and Matt Reilly. They both have quite diverse backgrounds. Jay studied Biology in college and Neuroscience in graduate school before embarking on nearly 20 years of studying and practicing corporate law. Jay's entry into law was inspired by visits to Woodinville area while working for Amazon. He is a graduate of the Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture Program at Walla Walla Community College and has served as cellarmaster for Tranche. Matt lived in Spokane and worked harvests for Barrister Winery, and after a cross country stint moved back to eastern Washington where he also graduated from the WWCC Enology and Viticulure program. Matt has worked at Mark Ryan Winery and has served as cellarmaster at Gramercy Cellars. The winery sources from some exciting vineyards including Les Collines, Resurgence and Gamache Vineyards.

The new 2021 wines by Prospice are fantastic. Don’t miss out on the incredible 2021 Prospice ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 95) which has great earthy terroir with smoky and earthy tones. Just as good is the world-class 2021 Prospice Wines ‘Resurgence Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 95) which is wonderfully flinty and shows fantastic aromatic range. Learn more about this exciting new winery at https://prospice.wine Here are they great new wines by Prospice Wines.

2021 Prospice ‘GSM’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘GSM’ is mainly Grenache (70%) with the remainder Mourvèdre and Syrah. The nose is beautiful with red rose petals alongside kumquat zest, cardamom dusted red fruits and flinty accents. This comes off very pure and seamless, with wonderful elegance. This is really well-done especially after some air. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2021 Prospice ‘Alder Ridge Vineyard’ Mourvedre- Coming from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, this 2021 Mourvèdre is a fantastic bottling from this warm vintage. Smoky and savory on the nose, this is really classy stuff aromatically, with green olive accents. The palate is lithe and polished with a smooth texture and bright underlying minerality. You are going to love this complex Mourvèdre that would match with a dizzying array of foods. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Prospice ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- The vibrant and very juicy 2021 Prospice ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this high-elevation vineyard in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains. This is quite simply phenomenal wine from Prospice, loaded with Asian spices, garrigue, wet stone and dense dark fruits. Finishing long with blackberry fruits and minerals, enjoy this highly nuanced beauty now and over the next decade or more. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2021 Prospice ‘Resurgence Vineyard’ Syrah- The brilliant 2021 Prospice ‘Resurgence Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this site in the Walla Walla Valley that is set on cobblestones. This has an incredible nose of wet stone and green olive tapenade that meld well with huckleberry and charcuterie notes. The palate is soft and generous with a brilliant sense of verve. This is a highly refined version of the Rocks that is going to really satisfy a lot of Rhone drinkers. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2020 Prospice ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The delicious 2020 Prospice ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this challenging vintage that saw more than difficult conditions at harvest. This is really well-made stuff despite the vintage challenges. Herbal notes alongside smoked brisket combine with violets on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 91

Argyle

We all know that Argyle makes some world-class sparkling wines. But back in the day the winery was most known for their still wines that were getting some serious attention by wine critics. My first visit was in 2002 when they had a very small, rustic tasting room that looks nothing like the huge, modern facility that they have today. Tastings were held at their ‘Nuthouse’ outpost where people would have a chance to taste a range of their wines, including their top ‘Nuthouse’ bottlings. It was an easy choice to join their wine club, based on the consistency of the wines. Wines had plenty of body with bright acidity and pure red fruits.

Last summer I met with Argyle with winemaker Nate Klostermann. He graciously shared a range of ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noirs that reminded me of the wines that I tasted when I was a wine club member. This was an incredible treat for me as these wines held remarkably well despite some being nearly twenty years of age.

The new wines by Argyle are seriously good. I love the value in the 2022 Argyle ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 90) which won’t break the bank and has marvelous texture and brightness. Even better is the sinfully good 2022 Argyle ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is dense and decadent, loaded with bright red fruits. Learn more about these outstanding wines at argylewinery.com and here are my tasting notes from a sensational tasting of Argyle new releases.

2022 Argyle ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Argyle ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay offers bright pear and starfruit tones on the nose. Soft on the mouth with bright tension, alongside lemon zest and green apple flavors, this is a really good value made in 2022. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2022 Argyle ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- This awesome entry level 2022 Pinot Noir delivers plenty of rich red fruits with copious minerals, bubblegum and orange zest flavors on the palate. Showing salty soils and wild mushroom nuances, this is a delicious new bottling that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2022 Aryle ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- A great wine from this vintage, the 2022 ‘Reserve’ is a beautiful effort by winemaker Nate Klostermann. Baking spices and mulled cranberry combine with orange peel, tobacco and Morello cherry flavors. Really good, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 93

Chappellet

Today we share one of the iconic Napa producers. Chappellet was founded by visionary Donn Chappellet who began his wine education by collecting Bordeaux wines while in college. He later ran Interstate United Corporation, a coffee-vending distributorship he co-founded in the mid-1950s, which he helped turn into the third-largest such business in the United States, with more than 7,000 employees and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

He finally decided to sell his shares of Interstate United in 1966 and guided by the legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff of Beaulieu Vineyards bought 320 acres of rocky mountain terrain at the eastern edge of the Napa Valley. Donn saw this terroir as one which would connect with the great wines of Bordeaux. He saw the potential for Pritchard Hill and initially planted Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon which was met with great critical acclaim. Sadly passing in 2016, Donn became a legend of this great site in the Napa Valley.

A winemaker needing no introduction, Phillip Corallo-Titus has been at Chappellet remarkably since 1990. A graduate of UC Davis, Phillip spent time traveling to both Bordeaux and Burgundy to learn about these esteemed regions. In 1981, Phillip joined the Chappellet team as assistant winemaker, and then in1990, Donn Chappellet invited Phillip to return to the winery as Chappellet’s winemaker, a position he has held ever since.

I love the new wines especially the 2021 Chappelllet ‘Hideaway’ Red Wine  (OB, 94) which is neatly textured and shows wonderful dark fruits from this stony location in the Napa Valley. Learn more about this famed Napa estate at chappellet.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Chappellet. 

2021 Chappellet ‘Hideway’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Hideaway’ comes from the rocky slopes of this Pritchard Hill house. Dark raspberry and bing cherry flavors combine with stony soils and shades of creme de violette on the palate.  With more air cocoa powder and tar notes enter the fray. Really good now, enjoy this dense and well-structured wine over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2021 Chappellet ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2021 Chappellet ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers medium to full-bodied blackberry and black tea flavors alongside good tension. Finishing long with plenty of minerals and stony undertones, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 92

Hertelendy

A beautiful winery that is steeped in Hungarian tradition, the Hertelendy story is inspired by the founder’s great uncle Gabor Hertelendy who grew two varietals in his basalt-mountain vineyards overlooking Lake Balaton: Szürkebarát (better known as Pinot Gris) and Kéknyelű (a rare Hungarian white wine grape only found in the Badacsony wine region). I’ll fully admit that I am not familiar with this wine region. After his family immigrated from Hungary and settled down in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ralph Hertelendy began his wine love affair at a very young age — drinking French Grand Crus at the age of 5! Ralph was 15 when he created his first beer and then made his first wine in a basement at age 25. After getting his business degree from the University of San Francisco, Ralph became a sommelier and worked for several wineries in the Napa Valley as a Winemaker’s Assistant and in sales.

Ralph and his family rely today on the talents of winemaker Phillip Titus, one of Napa’s most prestigious winemakers. A graduated of the famed UC Davis Enology and Viticulture program, Titus began his focus on viticulture and wine at the age of 12 when he began helping his father in the family vineyard.

I love the new 2021 lineup of wines for Hertelendy. They have made one of the outstanding Napa Cabernet Francs I have tasted this year. The 2021 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 96) is beautifully floral and offers great concentration and verve. Even better is the stunning 2021 Hertelendy ‘Legend’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is very heady and intense with gorgeous purity of fruit and stony terroir. Learn more about this famed Napa house at https://hertelendy.com/ and here are the outstanding new wines by Hertelendy.

2021 Hertelendy ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ comes from this great Russian River Valley property. Ripe and rich, this shows lovely salinity with mango, pineapple, lemon drop and baked apple flavors with buttered brioche. Finishing long with cream and minerals, this is a beautiful bottling that is showing so well even in its youth. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2021 Hertelendy ‘Audere’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Audere’ is a rich and luscious new bottling that delivers offers full-bodied espresso ground flavors alongside mocha, tar and allspice dusted blueberry. Offering plenty of richness and underlying verve, this is a beautiful rendition of this wine that slightly eclipses the 2018 bottling. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Drink 2024-2036- 94

2021 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc- The beautiful 2021 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc is a sensational new bottling from this warm vintage. This offers rich red bell pepper tones alongside mocha, tar and sagebrush notes. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and wonderful sense of elegance. Rich dark and blue fruits parade with stony minerals and freshly tilled loamy soils on the palate. Finishing long this is a simply marvelous effort that has a long way in the cellar to go. Drink 2024-2044- 96

2021 Hertelendy ‘Signature Mountain Red Blend’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2021 Hertelendy ‘Signature Mountain Red Blend’ Red Wine comes from the Rockwell Ridge Vineyard that is set on Howell Mountain. This right bank inspired blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc shows gorgeous red florals on the nose alongside wet stone, blackberry compote and creme de cassis with sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is soft and refined with serious texture and underlying verve. Stunning and captivating to consume now in its heady youth, this will easily live on for another twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 97

2021 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Outstanding and delicious even in its heady youth, the 2021 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon really needs about an hour in the decanter to fully strut its stuff. Stored for  23 months in 90% New French and Hungarian Oak prior to bottling, the wine evolves with beautiful loamy and rocky soils on the palate, alongside good tension and a generous core of black fruit flavors. Espresso grounds and dark chocolate shavings add to the intrigue, as this generous bottling will live on for another twenty plus years to come. Drink 2024-2044— 96

2021 Hertelendy ‘Legend’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An amazing wine from this great vintage, the 2021 Hertelendy ‘Legend’ is a gorgeous barrel-select bottling that is extremely dark in the glass. Black raspberry and chocolate cake flavors combine with tar and tobacco leaf on the palate. Rich and dense, with fantastic flavor density, verve and length, and stony accents, this really needs another year in the bottle for everything to come together — but you can see the incredible potential here. Drink 2025-2050- 98

Domaine Carneros

Today we share a world-class tasting and winery experience in the Napa Valley, Domaine Carneros is perched high on a hill, overlooking the valley. The winery has outstanding food pairings for their sparkling wines. Caviar? They’ve got that pairing as well. Domaine Carneros literally  towers over the valley, showcasing sweeping views for miles that you won’t find at any other winery. It is hard to believe that this house was started all the way back in the 1970s as Claude Taittinger, of famed Champagne house Taittinger, began his search for a good spot to make California Sparkling Wine. Finally in 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. The spot he selected is truly unique, as it has a massive maritime influence being perched near the bay. The vineyard is quite windy and produces highly concentrated berries that are very small in size.

A few years back Domaine Carneros hired Remi Cohen to serve as CEO and director of winemaking. She took over Napa pioneer Eileen Crane, who had been crafting sensational, age-worthy sparkling wines in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. I had the chance to taste base wines with her last fall and I have been so impressed with her guidance of this program. There is little doubt that the ‘Le Reve’ is one of the finest sparkling wines made in North America.

Do not miss out on the 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which is heady and intense, showing off the richness of this vintage., Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros

2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 ‘Brut’ comes from this outstanding vintage where harvest was condensed and began in mid-August. 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir, this was given .9% dosage. Juicy pear and nectarine skin flavors combine with salty minerals and nutty nuances on the palate. Bright and delicious, this is showing marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- A beautiful wine from a tough vintage, the 2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine is comprised of 57% Pinot noir with the reindeer Chardonnay and also given .9% dosage. This offers nice salty soil tones alongside bright red raspberry and bing cherry notes with orange peel accents. With a smooth mousse and refined mouthfeel, this has another eight plus years to go. This is refined Rose bubbles that comes off clean and highly nervy. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2017 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2017 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine is a combination of near equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The wine is showing beautifully now at the seven year mark, offering brioche, rich pear and starfruit tones aromatically. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured with a refined mousse. Lemongrass, candied ginger, macadamia nut and rich orchard fruits greet you on the palate, with great elegance. This is refined stuff that is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2024-2033- 94

2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine is another world-class release from this wine. This is deeply concentrated in the glass, showing white grapefruit blossom that combines with star jasmine, green apple and shades of crushed oyster shell. The palate offers racy acidity on the mouth with a beautiful, soft mousse and gobs of mouth-watering acidity. With more air the citrus oil flavors become more and more intense, alongside passion fruit and shades of white truffle, alongside nutty accents. This is hedonistic and complex sparkling wine that will cellar well for another fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2038- 96

Trisaetum

One of the great producers in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, Trisaetum utilizes the talents of fellow Arsenal supporter James Frey. Frey marks his Trisaetum that speak to the region and terroir. His winemaking style focuses towards a brightness and freshness in the wines, regardless of vintage. I have been highly impressed with these wines over the past several years. His talents spread far as James also makes some outstanding sparkling wines under his Pashey label and I reviewed his wines sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, his 1841 label. He makes some absolutely killer bubbles for the Pashey label. Frey also produces some of the finest Riesling you will taste in the Willamette Valley.

The new Trisaetum lineup was brilliant across the board. Look for their 2022 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated with serious tension. Even better is the incredible  2022 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is one of the outstanding Oregon Pinot Noirs that I have tasted this year. This is a total slumbering giant with tons of aging potential. Learn more about this fantastic Willamette Valley winery at http://www.trisaetum.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Trisaetum. 

2022 Trisaetum ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- This absolutely killer 2022 ‘Willamette Valley’ bottling was sourced from all three of the Trisaetum estate vineyards. This is juicy and lively Pinot Noir, offering cracked black pepper alongside crunchy red fruits, tobacco leaf and salty soils on the palate. Nicely textured, with outstanding finesse, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Trisaetum ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ Pinot Noir- A stunning wine from this vintage that ended very late in the season, the 2022 ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ Pinot Noir is sourced from Pinot Noir vines first planted back in 2007. This is wonderfully nervy stuff with serious tension and finesse. Pretty red currant and guava fruits collide with salty minerals and red rose water notes on the palate. Very classic from this region, this is a silky, refined Pinot Noir that reminds me a bit of the 2019 — yet is more approachable than that bottling in its youth. For now give this beauty about an hour in the decanter and watch it unwind. Drink 2024-2038- 94

2022 Trisaetum ‘Coast Range Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Coast Range Estate’ is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and is set at 700 feet, with a combination of volcanic and marine sedimentary soils. This comes off very tart and salty — but in a really good way. Rich loganberry and cranberry tones combine with salty kirsch and menthol notes on the palate. Refined and elegant, with pretty high red flower notes aromatically, this is showing really beautifully now even at two years of age. The terroir is evident in the glass and for my palate, this is the best ‘Coast Range’ bottling that winemaker James Frey has crafted yet. Drink 2024-2037- 94

2022 Trisaetum ‘Wichmann Dundee’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 ‘Wichmann Dundee’ bottling comes from a site that James Frey planted back in 1999 at 700 feet elevation. Coming from vines set on Jory soils, this offers a smooth texture with good weight and brightness. Citrus rind, black raspberry and shades of cardamom dusted blackberry all combine with the volcanic soil underpinnings. Refined, elegant and showing good weight and underlying verve, this is a stunning rendition of Dundee Hills Pinot Noir that is already drinking beautifully at the two year mark. Drink 2024-2040- 95

2022 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot Noir-A barrel selection wine sourced from the Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge, Dundee Hills AVAs, the 2022 ‘Estates Reserve’ really needs about an hour to fully unwind. I think this is the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted in the past decade. After an hour of air this reveals pretty high-toned arromatics with citrus blossom and potpourri alongside a polished texture. Utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience this revels in its full-bodied red and dark fruit flavors, offering alluring pine needle, salty and stony soils and copious mineral accents. Finishing exceedingly long, this dense and decadent Oregon Pinot Noir is a marvelous effort that will easily age for another twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 95

2022 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The wine made from the winemaker’s choicest lots, the 2022 ‘Family Reserve’ is a wine that has so much cellaring potential and is a bit reticent right out of the gate. Needing several hours in the decanter, this shows aromatics of black truffle shavings, salty soils, volcanic rock, red currants and Cuban cigar notes once on the nose. The palate is dense and decadent with tremendous length and underlying tension. A totally stunning wine that is still tightly wound, rich and light on its feet, try to resist this beauty for a few more years — and your patience will be rewarded. Drink 2026-2045- 97