2024 Argyle - Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (750ml)

Argyle Winery was founded in 1987 by Texan winemaker Rollin Soles and Australian vintner Brian Croser, who set out to prove that the Willamette Valley's cool climate could rival Champagne in sparkling wine while also producing exceptional still Pinot Noir. Argyle now farms nearly 500 acres across four estate vineyards, concentrated in the Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills, at elevations approaching 1,000 feet that slow ripening and preserve natural acidity. Nate Klostermann, only the second winemaker in the estate's history, has led the program for close to two decades, building on Argyle's founding reputation for pairing tradition with experimentation.

This Pinot Noir draws on fruit grown across those high-elevation estate sites, where the valley's late-ripening conditions allow flavor development to outpace sugar accumulation, resulting in wines with real freshness even at full ripeness. In the cellar, the grapes are fermented gently in small vessels and pressed with a light touch, a process designed to extract silky tannins while preserving the fruit's natural acidity and aromatic purity.

The wine opens with aromas of red flowers, chalk, and minerals, layered with blood orange and tangerine peel. On the palate it is light to medium-bodied, offering bright Bing cherry and cranberry flavors accented by warm spice and black tea, finishing long and mouthwatering. Its lively structure makes it a good match for herb-roasted turkey, grilled pork chops, or a plate of soft, tangy cheeses like chèvre.