Background: Agyle was founded by Rollin Soles in Dundee, Oregon in 1987.         

Over the years his wines have been listed on the Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines of the World” an astonishing 12 times. In 2013 he stepped aside to hand the reins over to Nate Klostermann, who had been with the winery since 2005. Nate works with innovative viticulturist Geoff Hall to continue Rollin’s mission to “explore and expand the possibilities of modern winemaking.” Together they have produced some of Argyle’s most highly-rated wines.

Wine details: 100% Chardonnay. The majority of the fruit was sourced from their Lonestar Vineyard, in the Eola-Amity Hills, a warm, low-elevation site with Jory, Nekia, Ritner, and Woodburn soils. Aged in French oak, about 20% new.

Flavor Profile: Fruit from Lonestar Vineyard gives this Chard aromas of lemon, crisp apple, and orchard fruit. The vibrancy is balanced by lovely texture and nice spice notes from the oak aging, plus a hint of nuttiness. It is smooth and elegant, with great structure, minerality, and length.

Recommendation: Enjoy anytime, now or over the next few years. It would pair well chicken, pork, or fish, or even moderately spicy Asian fare.

Background: North Valley Vineyards was originally formed as a partnership between Tony and Michelle Sotor (of Sotor Vineyards and Mineral Springs Ranch) and winemaker James Cahill (formerly with Beaux Frères and Elk Cove). James now oversees operations, independent of Sotor, with a focus on the northern part of the greater Willamette Valley, where he feels some of the valley’s best vineyards are located. James works with committed growers who farm responsibly and produce fruit of the highest quality so that his wines can fully express the terroir of their origin.

Wine details: 100% Pinot Noir, sourced from six AVAs in the northern Willamette Valley: Ribbon Ridge (35%), Yamhill-Carlton (35%), McMinnville (15%), Van Duzer Corridor (14%), and Dundee Hills (1%). Aged in 10% new French oak. They made 4,800 cases of this wine.

Flavor Profile: A very silky, refined Pinot, with aromas of cocoa powder and red currant, and flavors of dark cherries, baking spice, and forest floor. It is a lovely, satisfying, and as the name says, classic Pinot Noir.

Recommendation: Enjoy now or over the next three or four years. They suggest pairing this wine with grilled pork tenderloin, roasted wild salmon, or beet salad with goat cheese.