95
points
Abacela 2005 South Face Block Reserve Syrah (Southern Oregon)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
-
$45
Look out, Hermitage, this has the grip, the earthiness, the herbs and spice, and above all the massive, ripe, complex fruit to compete. The layers of this wine just keep unfolding; the longer it breathes, the more it gives you. Crushed rock, lead pencil, Asian spice, blackberry, coffee and caramel…it never stops. What a superb achievement.
— P.G.
(4/1/2009)
94
points
Abacela 2009 Blanco Dulce Viognier (Umpqua Valley)
-
$30
This late-harvest Viognier is so dense, so lush with aromas, that it defies description. Flowers, candied fruits, caramel, vanilla, English breakfast tea, even a bit of tobacco—this is one of those wines that just keeps on going. Fascinating, rich, yet vibrant with excellent acidity, this is a wine that any dessert wine lover should experience.
— P.G.
(10/1/2010)
93
points
Quady North 2006 Flagship Syrah (Applegate Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
-
$65
Quady North’s Flagship is what the owners consider the best lot of wine of the year, and this year they’ve chosen this superb Syrah. Whiffs of earth and bud, roasted meat and licorice fill the nose, with flavors following. The fruit is like brandy-soaked cherries, wrapped in all the roasted, earthy, organic layers. Tasted even better after being open for 24 hours.
— P.G.
(12/15/2009)
93
points
Cowhorn 2009 Viognier (Applegate Valley)
-
$30
This small, family-owned, biodynamically farmed vineyard and winery is quickly becoming a southern Oregon cult producer. Certainly one of the finest Viogniers produced anywhere in the Northwest, this extraordinarily aromatic wine showers the palate with luscious and tangy lemon, pineapple, Satsuma orange and pear fruit flavors. Then the spices pile on, lending an…
— P.G.
(3/1/2011)
92
points
Cowhorn 2008 Reserve Syrah (Applegate Valley)
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$45
A selection of prime, biodynamically farmed blocks from the estate vineyard, this Cowhorn reserve is elegant, detailed, rich and thoroughly captivating. Black cherry fruit is set in loamy earth flavors, soft and broadly displayed across the palate. Ripe without being in any way over the top, it brings in details of black tea, citrus, sandalwood and mocha. A complex…
— P.G.
(8/1/2011)
92
points
Brandborg 2008 Gewürztraminer (Umpqua Valley)
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$16
Fragrant, fascinating and flat-out delicious, this is one of the top offerings of Gewürztraminer from anywhere in Oregon. Scents of rose petals, citrus oil, pine needle and lime skin pour forth; the flavors are crisply defined, elegant, lingering and in perfect balance. Technically off-dry, this has the acidity and focus to be most flexible with a wide variety of…
— P.G.
(6/1/2010)