21 • 2006 Betz La Côte Rousse Syrah, $55
Red Mountain, Washington
This is one of the biggest wines that Betz makes, and it’s rich and intensely concentrated, with the signature flavors of northern Rhône Syrahs.
Taste A fine palate length concentrated with flavors of bacon fat, blackberry, and soft leather.
Sip tip Over the next six to eight years, the flavors will transform into a treasure trove of exotic spices.
Cellar life 10+
22 • 2006 Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir, $50
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon
Now in its 14th leaf, Cristom-owned Jessie Vineyard is maturing into one of the best pinot noir sources in North America.
Taste Complex, red berry fruit; hints of spice.
Sip tip We suggest buying a case and checking in every couple of years to see how the flavors are developing.
Cellar life 10+
23 • 2006 St. Innocent Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir, $48
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Another perfectly balanced wine from Mark Vlossak, who trained at the prestigious Wine Lab in Napa Valley before founding St. Innocent in 1988.
Taste Rich berry flavors; layer upon layer of complexity.
Sip tip Cool out with the smooth soother after an afternoon of rock climbing at Icicle Creek Canyon.
Cellar life 10+
24 • 1998 Argyle Extended Tirage Brut Sparkling Chardonnay–Pinot Noir, $50
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Some very influential wine critics have called Argyle’s sparkling wine the best in America.
Taste Lees and dead yeast left behind for 10 years during the second in-bottle fermentation help create an exceptionally rich-textured sparkler.
Sip tip Forgot to buy a wedding gift? Send this bottle to the honeymoon suite.
Cellar life 5+
25 • 2005 Guardian Cellars Gun Metal Conner Lee Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot–Cabernet Franc, $35
Columbia Valley, Washington
Once you absorb this wine’s intensity and minerality, you’ll see how it came by the name Gun Metal.
Taste A reserved cab blend with less fruit-forwardness than most New World wines.
Sip tip Pull the trigger now or wait five years, when Gun Metal will have accumulated power and intensity.
Cellar life 10+
26 • 2006 Olsen Estate Rouge des Côteaux Cinsaut-Mourvèdre-Grenache-Syrah, $37
Columbia Valley, Washington
Olsen Estate has blended the same grape varieties that make up Châteauneuf-du-Pape, always a fave among Francophiles.
Taste Rich, dark texture and a happy marriage of red and black fruit.
Sip tip A harmonious wine to help ward off drama and discord; serve it at a family reunion or wedding rehearsal dinner.
Cellar life 5+
27 • 2006 St. Innocent Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, $32
Willamette Valley, Oregon
The St. Innocent winemakers stuff this pinot with grapes from their oldest vines, adding a dimension that is unachievable with younger fruit.
Taste Complex, long, perfectly balanced.
Sip tip A bargain at $32, it’s an end-of-the-workweek treat.
Cellar life 10+
28 • 2006 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir, $50
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon
Cristom vintner Steve Doerner uses native yeasts from a densely planted, east-facing site to create an honest wine with crisp acidity and woody tannins.
Taste Similar to the Jessie Vineyard pinot (number 22), but without the spice.
Sip tip The flavors taste terrific now, but will mature over the next few years.
Cellar life 5+
29 • 2006 Argyle Nuthouse Chardonnay, $35
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Made from cool-climate “Dijon clone” grapes, this Willamette chard recalls the white Burgundies from Meursault.
Taste Subtle but long, neutral but complex, and soft but intense.
Sip tip If your tongue curls at in-your-face chards, try this one for a new perspective on the varietal.
Cellar life 5+
30 • 2006 Erath Prince Hill Pinot Noir, $40
Dundee Hills, Oregon
One of Oregon’s oldest wineries, Erath is now owned by Chateau Ste. Michelle. This is the best bottle from its 2006 vintage.
Taste Delicate color and palate weight.
Sip tip Let it sit in the glass for a while. Like most pinots, Prince Hill needs time to breathe.
Cellar life 5+
Published: September 2008
