2020 Argyle Rosé of Pinot Noir
by Andy Perdue
“This iconic brand based in downtown Dundee, Ore., works with several expressions of rosé — both still and sparkling — and the widely available white-labeled Grower Series is Nate Klostermann’s flagship example. While the American Viticultural Area on the bottle reads ‘Willamette Valley,’ this is entirely sourced from Spirit Hill Vineyard in the slightly cooler Eola-Amity Hills north of the state capital during the first week of October. Its charming pale-pink color leads to an elegant dusty nose of dried strawberry, quince and ground Korintje cinnamon. Classic flavors of strawberry-rhubarb compote and kiwi pick up a touch of cherry skins before a finishing layer of boysenberry juice, making it very versatile at the dining table or on the desk. Northwest-grown Rosé of Pinot Noir at this price is not common, yet in his effort to slake the thirst of rosé lovers Klostermann increased production by more than 60 percent. Rating: Excellent.”