Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
july 2009 / the tasting panel / M W I N E R Y Argyle Winery is well known for its sparkling wine—distinguished as Oregon's single most highly sought- after Brut. "Our story started as bubbly," Chris Cullina tells us. Ar- gyle's Director of Sales and Marketing, Cullina talks about a 25-year history, starting with a grower-fi rst reputation. The wines are 100% sourced by owned properties throughout the Willamette Valley, including the Dundee Hills, Eola Hills and Ribbon Ridge. But Argyle excels in more than sparkling; its weighty 2006 Nuthouse Chardonnay expressively "and creamily " shows off its name- sake from cashews and almonds to hazelnut. Really! The Argyle 2007 Riesling (only 800 cases) from Eola Hills, off a German clone, is both lime-blossom lovely and chalky dry and crisp. But back to Nuthouse—and that 2005 Argyle Pinot Noir, grown in the Eola Hills. From grainy cinnamon on the tongue to coffee and nutmeg, this one delivers an even core of richness that becomes a fi eld of red fruits. Lion Nathan Argyle's extended tirage program comes from past vintages that are disgorged in small batches and held to sleep for a decade on the lees and disgorged on demand. The 1998 Argyle Brut (85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir) smells and tastes like its distant French cousin: honey-yeast nose, sun-bursting with fruit and extra-soft bubbles. Chris Cullina, Argyle's Director of Sales and Marketing, with Kim McClaskey-Dowdall, On-Premise District Manager for Odom-South- ern/Portland. We're crazy for the Argyle 2005 Nuthouse Pinot Noir. SRP $60. All wines are 100% Argyle- grown – the winery does all of its own farming. A r g y l e