Owen Bargreen: Argyle Sparkling Wine
January 25, 2022
Owen Bargreen.com
Over the years Argyle has helped put Oregon Sparkling Wine on the map. Easily one of the
great producers of sparkling wine in North America. I first visited this tasting room in 2002 and I
can testify that what was one a small, unpretentious cabin used for tasting is now one of the most
beautiful structures for tasting wine in Oregon. The talented Nate Klostermann took over for
eminent winemaker Rollin Soles when Rollin launched his own project. Nate has steadily been
producing some absolutely stunning wines as he began his career as a harvest intern at Argyle in
2005 and has served as winemaker since 2013. He has crafted some absolutely brilliant new
wines at Argyle.
Nate does a killer job with his still wines but I recently had the chance to check out his killer
range of sparkling wines. Each were serious wines that offer incredible value. I was enamored by
the 2018 Argyle ‘Brut’ Rose (OB, 93) which is a wine that really needs to be warmed up a bit
before enjoying. Look for a sensational range of flavors that combine with a silky mousse and
great veil of finesse. Here are the outstanding new wines by Argyle…
2018 Argyle Vintage Brut Rosé – 93 Points
“The very pale-colored 2018 ‘Brut’ Rose is a gorgeous warm vintage effort by Nate
Klostermann. A blend of 30% Pinot Noir, with equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this
exudes class with delicate red cherry, red raspberry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside
shades of Mandarin orange zest on the palate. With more air and at a warmer temperature this
becomes even more silky, with even more fabulous flavor range, displaying nutty and peat moss
tones. Complex and delicious to savor right now, this has at least another ten years of life ahead
of it. Drink 2022-2032.
2018 Argyle Blanc de Noirs – 93 Points
“The green-hued 2018 Argyle ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir and
50% Pinot Meunier that was largely stored in neutral oak (70% prior to disgorgement. Given
4G/L dosage, this delivers ripe starfruit with salted Challah bread and Japanese pear flavors on
the palate. The silky mousse and long finish add to the enjoyment, as this is sure to delight for
another decade. Savor this at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2022-2032.”
2017 Argyle Vintage Brut – 92 Points
“A downright killer value, the beautifully structured 2017 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine is a
blend of 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier that was given 5G/L dosage and
mainly aged in stainless steel (95%) prior to disgorgement. Bartlett pear and gooseberry tones
combine with a refined mousse and plenty of mid-palate weight. Seriously good now, this has
another decade to go. Drink 2022-2032.”
