Argyle Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Argyle Pinot Noir is an honest representation of the Willamette Valley. Fermented entirely in small 1.5 ton lots and plunged by hand, Argyle Pinot Noir is blended for purity. The nose leans towards dark cherry, red raspberry and spicy earth, while the middle palate is lush and graceful. On the back end, the wine builds density and focus as the silky yet, subtly firm tannins build into the long, energetic finish.
Wine Production Stats
AVA: Willamette Valley
Alcohol: 13.9%
Brix at Harvest: 23.5
Winemaker: Nate Klostermann
The 2015 growing season began with plenty of sunshine and warmth throughout the Spring, leading to an earlier than average bud break. As such, an early bloom kicked off 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 dry, though never getting too hot for too long. Harvest started early at Knudsen Vineyard in the Dundee Hills on August 24th and finished nearly one month later in the upper elevations of the Eola-Amity Hills at our Spirit Hill Vineyard on September 27th. This was our first growing season ever to be done picking before the month of October.
90 Points
Wine Spectator
Lithe, with a nice transparency to the polished texture and the tea leaf-accented cherry and herb flavors, sliding easily into a graceful finish.
- Harvey Steiman (2012 vintage)
90 Points - Smart Buy
Wine Spectator
Light in color and texture, this Pinot displays pretty watermelon and cherry flavors that ride smoothly over velvety tannins, hinting at mint as this lingers enticingly. Drink now through 2016.
- Harvey Steiman (2010 vintage)
89 Points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Argyle’s Pinot Noirs begin with the 2009 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley. It is a savory, straightforward effort with ripe flavors, a supple texture, a sense of elegance, and moderate length. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
- Jay Miller (2009 vintage)
89 Points
Wine Spectator
This silky red shows pretty strawberry fruit, with a hint of licorice lurking in the background, persisting nicely. Finishes with finesse. Drink now through 2015.
- Harvey Steiman (2009 vintage)
90 Points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, medium ruby red, it gives up an enticing nose of cedar, spice box, rose petals, cherry, and raspberry. This is followed by a medium-bodied, ripe, vibrant offering with ample spicy fruit flavors, good volume and intensity, and a medium-long finish. Drink it over the next 4-6 years.
- Jay Miller (2008 vintage)
90 Points
Wine Spectator
Light and easygoing, with a real transparency to its pretty cherry, currant and guava flavors, mingling effectively with cream and delicate spice notes. This just doesn't quit on the finish. Drink now through 2015.
- Harvey Steiman (2008 vintage)