Argyle Vintage Brut

The 2014 sparkling wine vintage in the Willamette Valley was pristine, showcasing the enticing generosity and focused definition the region has to offer. The Pinot Noir-dominated blend provides impressive red-fruited dimension to the ripe pear, fig and roast hazelnut. The middle palate is invigorated with dynamic acid backbone and edgy minerality, bringing balance and concentration to the long finish.

Wine Production Stats

Varietals: 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier
AVA: Willamette Valley (Lone Star & Knudsen Vineyards)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Brix at harvest: 19.5
ALCOHOL % by VOL. 12.5%
Barrel Aging: 90% Stainless Steel, 10% Neutral Oak
Dosage: 8 g/L
Winemaker: Nate Klostermann

Argyle Winery

The 2014 growing season began with plenty of sunshine and warmth throughout the Spring. About two weeks ahead of normal, the early June bloom continued with fantastic weather, leading to an above average fruit set. This required us to meticulously thin our vineyards in order to capture dense, vibrant fruit flavors.

The summer was quite warm, seeing a near record number of 90+ degree days. The Pinot Noir harvest started in the Dundee Hills on September 10th and finished nearly one month later in the upper elevations of the Eola-Amity Hills on October 7th.

90 Points

Wine Ethusiast
Clean, crisp and bright, this was fermented in stainless (with just 10% in neutral wood), and not put through malolactic. The blend is 60/40 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, yielding fresh fruit flavors of apple and melon that are focused and precise. A streak of ginger runs through racy acidity.
- Paul Gregutt (2012 vintage)

90 Points

Wine Spectator
Light and appealing, with an airy texture and smoky, toasty watermelon and floral flavors, finishing with expressiveness and length. Drink now. 13,750 cases made.
- Harvey Steiman (2011 vintage)

90 Points

Wine & Spirits
Benefiting from the cool vintage, this pinot noir-chardonnay blend has a mild pine-like scent overlaying ripe apple aromas. The leesy flavors drift into pear fruit, buoyed by a fine mousse, and bearing a touch of sweetness on the finish. It’s mouthwatering, a sparkler for escalivada-smoky, roasted vegetables, Catalan-style.
(2011 vintage)

91 Points - “Wine of the Day”

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Displays juicy lime, tangerine, grapefruit and apple, with citric and malic cut buffered by subtle creaminess, and with a fine mousse. There is an impressive balance between density on the one hand and levity and refreshment on the other... a long, vibrant finish. Enjoy this exceptional value over the next 2-3 years. ...in awe of and delighted with Argyle’s sparkling wines
- Jay Miller (2010 vintage)

90 Points

Wine Spectator
Bright and complex, with juicy acidity supporting the pear, tobacco and lime flavors, singing together in harmony on the lively finish. Drink now.
- Harvey Steiman (2009 vintage)

90 Points

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Brut spent 3 years sur lie and received a dosage of 12 g/l. It displays a bouquet of brioche, pear, apple, and white peach. Crisp, balanced, and lengthy, this excellent value is meant for drinking over the next several years. As usual, Argyle’s sparkling wine offerings are among the best made in the USA.
- Jay Miller (2008 vintage)

90 Points

Wine Spectator
Tight, spicy and distinctive for the lemon meringue and spice overtones to green apple and toast flavors.
- Harvey Steiman (2007 vintage)