Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide – Dec. 2021
Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide
December 2021
Paul Gregutt
In the December issue of the Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide, Paul Gregutt writes that: “Argyle is the leader in releasing traditionally made Oregon sparkling wines with extra time en tirage,” and that the 2010 Argyle Extended Tirage Brut (94 Points) “shows exceptional complexity,” adding that “the freshness of the wine is impressive.” He wrote that the 2017 Argyle Brut Rosé (92 Points) has “lovely aromas,” the 2019 Argyle Nuthouse Chardonnay (92 Points) is “seductive,” “invigorating” and “delicious,” and the 2015 Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de Blancs (91 Points) has “vibrant acidity” and “will age indefinitely.”
2010 Argyle Extended Tirage Brut – 94 Points: Superb; a great achievement
“Argyle is the leader in releasing traditionally made Oregon sparkling wines with extra time en tirage. Disgorged at 10 years of age, this blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay already shows exceptional complexity, which will only increase with further bottle age. Golden raisins, figs, hints of honey and a suggestion of creamy caramel are in play, yet the freshness of the wine is impressive. In order to benefit from the extended tirage, more bottle age is recommended.”
2017 Argyle Brut Rosé – 92 PointsExcellent; highly recommended
“This is an even mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sourced from the Knudsen and Spirit Hill vineyards. A pale copper, it’s got a fine bead and lovely aromas of truffle, toast and spice. The fruit brings pastry flavors of strawberries and cherries accented with a touch of brioche.”
2019 Argyle Nuthouse Chardonnay – 92 Points: Excellent; highly recommended
“This is toasty and tart, hitting the palate with a sappy and seductive mix of sweet lemon, tangerine and grapefruit flavors. The mix of acidity and buttery toast from 18 months in 30% new French oak is lively and invigorating. Delicious already, this should age nicely over the next half decade.”
2015 Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de Blancs – 91 Points: Excellent; highly recommended
“This single vineyard, vintage-dated cuvée was fermented and aged in neutral barrels. Given the richness of the vintage overall, this has retained its vibrant acidity and remains fresh and even biting in the mouth. Clean and tight green apple fruit flavors along with lemon juice and rind suggest that this will age indefinitely. A bit of new barrel toast would be welcome, but take it as is for its power and zest.”
2019 Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir – 91 Points: Excellent; highly recommended
“This is drinking almost like a wine right out of the fermenter. It’s bright, tart, stiff and fresh, bursting with cranberry fruit. Tannins are hard and chewy, and there’s little doubt that another two or three years of bottle age would be very helpful. It was aged 18 months in 20% new French oak. Drink after 2023.”