Sourced from organically farmed 40-year-old vines, this blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 5% each Mourvèdre and Carignan embodies an effortless espousal of fruit and earth: Brandied cherry and black currant bond with sensations of humidor and sun-warmed stone, while moderate acidity balances iron-dusted tannins. A note of black olive is the cherry on top, so to speak.
Licorice and graphite sink deep into the soul of this Syrah; meaty, with a velvet touch. Damp earth is revived by spiced blackberry for a dynamic finish.
A Syrah with teeth; assertive black pepper and spiced pomegranate go deep. Notes of exotic incense, salted prosciutto, red beets are framed by wet earth and brambly herbs.
Marsanne grapes create a broad shouldered white, earning attention with depth rather than flash. Ripe peach and marzipan are threaded with lime blossom and creamy vanilla honeycomb.
Fresh and lively, with notes of ripe pineapple and Key lime. Acacia blooms in the glass, accompanied by pear tart and croissant. An exquisite Marsanne with the glow of keen acidity.
A garden party in a glass, this stainless-vinified blend of 30% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne 20% Viognier, and 15% each Clairette and Marsanne bespeaks a bevy of blossoms—honeysuckle, rose, gardenia—in addition to plenty of punchy peach and lime on both nose and palate. Six months of lees aging adds volume up front, but a saline streak narrows the focus on the finish.
Very nicely styled at an attractive price, this fresh Chardonnay shows enough complexity to measure up to heavier renditions of the variety. Set at the lighter end of medium body, its core of orchard fruit is accented by subtle scents and flavor accents of baking spices.
Thankfully, enough Pinot has now been planted in the Willamette Valley so that relatively affordable renditions are available in the region’s characteristic style. This is restrained in sweetness and weight but still nicely expressive with dark cherry fruit and very subtle tannin that lends definition.