Oregon wine: 2014 Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de blancs sparkling wine

2014 Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de blancs sparkling wine

Spirit Hill Vineyard,
Eola-Amity Hills,
Willamette Valley,
Oregon

12.5% alcohol

Cork and cage closure

1900 cases produced

LIVE-certified winery

Dosage: 4 g/L

Made using all Chardonnay grapes from Argyle’s Sprit Hill Vineyard, located at 750 feet elevation, is influenced by the Van Duzer corridor winds. These winds bring cool, ocean breezes into the Willamette Valley. As a result, the grapes develop thicker skins and tend to be smaller, resulting in more concentrated flavors.

Eighty percent of the wine was aged in neutral oak barrels and 20% in stainless steel. Just 6% of the juice went through malolactic fermentation, contributing additional texture and creaminess to the finished wine.

Color:

Chiffon yellow

Bouquet:

With aromas of baked brioche rolls, tart lemon curd, minerally fresh rain, and charred lemons, this wine was downright intriguing!

Palate:

Filled with all types of lemons, this blanc de blancs had flavors of tart lemons, preserved lemons, lemongrass, and lemon zest. Bubbles that can best be described as “chunky,” the finish was tart and long lasting.