2021 Trisaetum, Ribbon Ridge Estate, Pinot Noir, $49.75

Winery Info: Trisaetum began in 2003 when James and Andrea Frey purchased their first vineyard site just outside of McMinnville, and moved their family to Oregon.        

Two years later they purchased land on Ribbon Ridge, planted a second vineyard, and built their winery. They now have three estate vineyards, located in Yamhill-Carlton, Dundee Hills, and Ribbon Ridge, all of which are un-irrigated and sustainably farmed. While still keeping their overall production small and hands-on, they have two other labels, 18401 Cellars, in Walla Walla, and Pashey, for sparkling wines, plus a line of spirits.

Winemaker: James Frey

Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir. Aged ten months in 25% new French oak barrels.

Vineyards: From their estate vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. With 40-million-year-old marine sediment soils, with high quartz sandstone and weathered bedrock. Sustainably and dry farmed.

Flavor Profile: Their Ribbon Ridge vineyard tends to produce wines with a darker fruit profile and good concentration, with the sandy soils adding structure. This one is dark and savory, with notes of black cherry, spice, and dusty cocoa.

Availability: 560 cases made. This wine is still in decent supply.

Drinking Window: Give it a year or two, then enjoy over the following five years.

Food Pairing: This Pinot would pair well with earthier fare, like duck, or mushroom dishes.

2015 Citation, Chardonnay, $35

Winery Info: Last month we introduced this winery with their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. As we noted, Citation is owned and operated by Howard Rossbach who founded Firesteed Cellars in 1992 and later established their Erratic Oaks Estate Vineyard. After 40 years in the wine business, Howard decided to focus on smaller production, premium wines under his Citation label. He sold Firesteed, but continues to own and operate Erratic Oaks Vineyard.

Winemaker: Howard Rossbach

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 15% new.

Vineyard: Sourced from two small plantings of Chardonnay: one, from old-vine fruit grown high in the foothills of Oregon’s Blue Mountains, and the second, younger Dijon clone fruit from their Erratic Oaks Vineyard in the Willamette Valley.

Flavor Profile: The blend of old-vine, high-elevation fruit with the younger Dijon clones produces a wine with added complexity and balance. This one is rich and textured, with notes of citrus and stone fruit, toasty oak, and a hint of baking spice.

Availability: This wine is still in decent supply.

Drinking Window: Enjoy now or over the next two to three years.

Food Pairing: The winery suggests pairing it with a spinach and pear salad with white balsamic vinaigrette (recipe on their website).