Willamette Valley Wines

VGW Chardonnay

2022

 

97 pts  International Wine Report 

 

The 2022 00 Wines Chardonnay ‘VGW’ from the Willamette Valley showcases a striking neon light lemon core with a watery rim. On the nose, it reveals layers of lemon citrus, fresh yellow pear, and delicate white floral notes, all intertwined with a hint of white clay, dusty herbs, and crushed volcanic stones. The palate is remarkable, with an incredible backbone of acidity that provides impeccable balance and structure. The finish is long and lingering, with the vibrant acidity and mineral-driven complexity leaving a lasting impression. This Chardonnay is beautifully crafted, with a finish that extends for minutes. Can $75 be a value? Here it can! 1500 cases made. Highly recommended.

2021

 

95 pts  James Suckling

This is layered and creamy with dried apricot and lemon curd with some candied lemon as well. Medium to full body, with lots of tangy fruit and crisp acidity. Lemon tart and sea shell undertones. Drink or hold.

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

EGW Chardonnay

2022

 

98 pts. International Wine Report

 

The 2022 00 Wines Chardonnay ‘EGW’ from the Willamette Valley pours a glowing lemon-gold core with a silvery rim, reflecting its radiant character. This vintage blends 65% fruit from Chehalem Mountain and 35% from Seven Springs Vineyard, delivering a beautiful expression of these renowned sites. On the nose, bright green apple, dried lemon citrus peel, and toasted hazelnuts lead the way, followed by delicate notes of dusty herbs, white flowers, and a hint of white pepper and saline. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity that adds lift and vibrancy. The finish is long and precise, lingering with a mineral-driven elegance that ties the wine together beautifully. 300 cases produced. Highly recommended.

2021

 

96 pts  James Suckling

 

Very floral with honeysuckle, orange peel, apple, and stone. Apricot. Violets. Full-bodied with layers of tannins that give you a velvety texture. Lovely texture with a lemon pie, meringue and light mango finish. So luscious and velvety textured.

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Seven Springs Chardonnay

2022

 

99 pts  International Wine Report 

 

The 2022 00 Wines Chardonnay ‘Seven Springs’ from Eola-Amity Hills showcases a glowing medium lemon-gold core with a bright yellow rim, highlighting the vibrancy of this stunning vintage. Sourced entirely from Chardonnay vines planted in 2013, this wine beautifully captures the essence of its terroir. Golden pears and sweet spice aromas intertwine with crushed wet volcanic rock and a fresh sea breeze, while hints of both fresh and dried white flowers add an aromatic complexity. On the palate, notes of lemony herbs, sweet white nectarine, and a smooch of toasted hazelnuts round out the generous and plush mouthfeel. This Chardonnay delivers a beautifully balanced and elegant finish, leaving a lasting impression. Absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. 325 cases crafted. Highly recommended and editor’s choice.

2021

 

98 pts  James Suckling 

 

Impressive aromas of dried apple, white truffle, toffee and crushed stone. Great aromas. Medium to full body with a precise and focused palate with superb complexity and intensity of flavor. Nuts. White truffle. Cedar. Dry and fresh fruit. Fantastic texture, too, with a light chewiness. Thought-provoking wine. The finish is something else. Best after 2025 but already a joy to taste.

 

2017

 

 

Chehalem Mountain Chardonnay

2021

95 pts  James Suckling 

 

Lemon rind, green apple, mineral and bread dough aromas. Lemon tart, too. Medium body. Very tangy and acid driven with a steely nature to it. Dried citrus throughout with some fresh lemongrass. Energetic and vivid at the end. This needs time to soften a little. Try after 2025.

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Richard Hermann Cuvée Chardonnay

2021

 

98 pts. James Suckling 

 

Very aromatic and lifted aromas of pie crust, dried apples, caramel, toffee and gun metal with gunpowder undertones. Complex and provocative. Full and very layered on the palate with dried fruits of apple, mango and apricot. Phenolic and textured with a slightly chewy sense. It goes on in the finish and delivers lots of flavor and diversity. Give this time to come together. Best after 2026.

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Freya Hermann Cuvée Chardonnay

2021

 

95 pts. James Suckling 

 

A crunchy and crisp chardonnay with sliced green apple, lemon, and hints of vanilla and cream. It’s tight and focused with a subtle palate of intense flavors. Very long and flavorful. Beautiful and poised finish. Drinkable, but a year or two more of bottle age will bring it out even more. Best after 2024.

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Kathryn Hermann Cuvée Chardonnay

2021

 

97 pts. James Suckling 

 

Lots of dried apple with apricot flesh and peel with some reduction giving it hints of flint on the nose. Full-bodied and powerful with a chewy texture that gives this fantastic structure. It’s layered and tannic. A wine for long term aging. Best after 2026.

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

VGR Pinot Noir

2022

 

96 pts  International Wine Report 

 

The 2022 00 Wines Pinot Noir ‘VGR’ from Willamette Valley pours a captivating medium ruby-blue core with a delicate light pink rim. Crafted from fruit typically destined for the Richard Hermann Cuvée, Chehalem Mountain Old Vines, and Hyland Old Vines, this blend offers a nuanced and layered expression for the vintage. On the nose, spicy pepper and forest herbs provide an inviting introduction, soon followed by flavors of red Bing cherries, mountain huckleberries, and bright orange zest. Earthy notes of damp soil and allspice, alongside an umami complexity, bring depth and intrigue to the palate. With sweet fine-grained tannins and moderate-plus acidity, this Pinot Noir exhibits excellent structure and balance, culminating in a truly refined and elegant finish. A little over 1000 cases made. Highly recommended.

2021

 

94 pts.  James Suckling 

 

Fresh strawberry with raspberry and floral aromas. Hints of stems. Gorgeous purity of fruit. Medium to full body with juicy fruit and fine tannins. Very layered and flavorful. Tightens up at the end. Drinkable but better in 2025.

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

Stardance Pinot Noir

2022

 

98 pts  International Wine Report 

The 2022 00 Wines Pinot Noir ‘Stardance’ from Yamhill-Carlton displays a medium neon ruby core with a vibrant fluorescent red rim. Sourced from vines planted in 2003, this Pinot’s terroir, rooted in pea vine sedimentary soils, brings a distinct earthy character. After some time to open up, the wine reveals complex aromas of dark cherries, blue plums, Blood orange, pink peppercorn, and dusty herbs, underscored by meaty and damp earth tones. The palate is marked by crunchy tannins, delivering an incredibly fruit-forward finish highlighted by layers of sweet spice and earthy undertones. It’s a wine that marries structure with vibrant fruit, offering a dynamic and evolving earth and spice note on the back of the palate. About 110 cases made. Highly recommended.

Shea Pinot Noir

2022

 

99 pts  International Wine Report

 

The 2022 00 Wines Pinot Noir ‘Shea’ from Yamhill-Carlton showcases fruit planted at 550 feet near the treeline in 2002, hand-destemmed and fermented in amphora. Its glowing neon medium ruby core is framed by a striking fluorescent red rim, hinting at the vibrancy within. The nose opens with spiced black cherries and mountain blueberries, complemented by forest herbs, toasted anise, and a savory umami note. On the palate, this Pinot is polished and radiant, with a perfect spine of acidity that balances its plush, rounded tannins. The wine glides effortlessly across the tongue, leading to a finish that lingers for minutes, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and depth. A beautifully structured wine that captures the essence of its unique terroir and vineyard. Only 135 cases crafted. Highly recommended and editor’s choice.

2021

 

95 pts.  James Suckling 

 

Lots of blue fruits, mushrooms, bark and black cherries. Minerals. Medium to full body, creamy and round tannins and a savory finish. It’s fresh and fine velvety textured. Juicy at the end with a terra-cotta undertone. Give it two or three years to open up. Try after 2025.

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

Hyland Pinot Noir

2021

 

97 pts  James Suckling 

 

This is very beautiful and subtle with sliced hibiscus, dried strawberry, raspberry and lemongrass. Some volcanic undertones. It’s medium-bodied with light fine tannins and a crunchy, crisp finish. Lightly chewy. A subtle and vivid wine with sophisticated character. Own-rooted vineyards, planted in 1972. Known as the Coury clone. Rather ethereal. Drink after 2025.

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

Chehalem Mountain Pinot Noir

2021

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

Richard Hermann Cuvée Pinot Noir

2021

 

95 pts. James Suckling 

 

Very expressive red with sliced strawberry and raspberry with orange peel and lemon rind. Some violets and other flowers, too. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a succulent and subtle fruity finish. Just a hint of chocolate and cedar. Drink after 2025.

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Burgundy Wines

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

97 pts

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

97  pts

Champagne Wines