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2026 Method Oregon Report
Method Oregon showcases some of the great talents in Oregon wine. Today it is my pleasure to release the first comprehensive Method Oregon Report. A non-profit organization dedicated to establishing Oregon as a world-class sparkling wine region, Method Oregon champions Oregon’s fast-growing traditional method sparkling wine movement. Wines from Method Oregon must be made in Oregon, spend at least 24 months en tirage, and by 2029 they must be sustainably farmed and show the disgorgement date. I’ve been enjoying Oregon Sparkling wines from my personal collection since roughly 2002 and fondly recall the amazing Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ bottlings from the late 1990s. These were some of the wines that put Oregon Sparkling Wine on the world stage. Legendary producer Rollin Soles started this movement and continues today to impress with his namesake ROCO label. Today Kate Payne Browne continues this movement for Argyle. Wines for this report come from a range of vintages, generally spanning f
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Koehler Family Wines
Gorgeous photo of the Koehler Estate Vineyard. It is my pleasure to share the great wines of Koehler.. Derek Koehler grew up on the estate and spent a semester in France studying international practices within the wine industry. Today he is in charge of the operations of the family winery. I have been really impressed with these wines. Wines are made by Trace Brueske and were seriously good across the board. I love the new 2025 Koehler Rose (OB, 91) which is pretty and neatly textured.. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://www.koehlerwinery.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Koehler Family Wines. 2025 Koehler ‘Magia Bianca’ White Wine- A blend of 50% Chardonnay with the remainder Viognier and Grenahe Blanc, this offers nutty notes on the nose with salted peach and sourdough bread notes. The palate is wonderfully salty with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2031- 92 2025 Koehler ‘Kick On Ranch’ Riesling- The 2025 ‘Kick On Ranch’ Riesling is bone-dry and shows rea
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L'Ecole No. 41
Here is the outstanding new releases by L’Ecole No. 41. It is my pleasure to share the great wines of L’Ecole No. 41 which is one of Walla Walla’s oldest wineries. This was one of the first wineries I tasted at more than 25 years ago. While the perform exceedingly well at the entry level, their higher end wines continue to soar and have been particularly impressive over the past seven years. They are sourcing from one of the most electric sites in the entire Pacific Northwest, the ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ which is sent on fractured basalt soils. Wines from this site are unlike anything else in the Northwest. I am so impressed with the latest set of new wines. I adored the 2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine (OB, 98) which has insanely good terroir and shows sensational aging potential. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://lecole.com/ Here are the great new wines by L’Ecole No. 41. 2025 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Luminesce’ White Wine - The outstanding 2025 L’Ecole No.
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Cayuse Vineyards 'Bionic Froggette' Grenache
Here is the show-stopping 2024 ‘Bionic Froggette’ by Cayuse Vineyards. The Bionic Frog has found its soulmate. The iconic Bionic Frog has now found his person — Bionic Froggette. This inaugural release of the ‘Bionic Frogette’ comes from Christophe Baron’s cobblestone-laden vineyards outside the town of Milton-Freewater. It is an extremely limited edition wine that is dense, dark and decadent Grenache. It is quite different than the famed God Only Knows. The wine is extremely mineral-laden and concentrated. It is a flat out fabulous bottling that is unforgettable and totally different than anything you will taste in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more at https://cayusevineyards.com/static/ and here is my review of the inaugural vintage of the ‘Bionic Froggette’ Grenache. 2024 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Froggette’ Grenache- A brand new wine from Cayuse Vineyards, the inaugural 2024 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Froggette’ Grenache is a stunning bottling from the stony terroir of Milton-Freewater
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Abloom
Great photo of Abloom winemakers Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth and Sally Johnson Blum One of the outstanding Rose wines made from Napa, Abloom is a 100% Grenache Rose project by three famed female winemakers:Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth and Sally Johnson Blum. The wine is inspired by the great Grenache based rose wines of Provence and comes from a high elevation site atop the Napa Valley. The wine is made in a very textural style, offering a very Domaine Tempier v Napa feel. It is pretty and complex wine that is gonna be astoundingly good at the Thanksgiving table or any Tuesday night. The 2025 Abloom (OB, 93) is a standout wine that is drinking marvelously right now. Filled with verve and texture, this beauty shows off the pretty character of Grenache. Learn more at https://www.abloomwine.com/ and her is my review of the inaugural release of Abloom Rose. 2025 Abloom Rose - The 2025 Abloom Rose is composed of all Grenache from the Paras Vineyard, set on Mount Veeder. Made by three female
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Gainey
Gainey produces an outstanding range of wines from the Santa Ynez Valley. Today we share the wines of Dan and Diane Gainey. Their family winery is located in the Santa Ynez Valley and the story began when Dan’s grandfather and father, Dan J. Gainey, acquired 1,800 acres of undeveloped land. Named the ‘Home Ranch’ they ran cattle and horses while growing 600 acres of fruit, vegetables, flowers and hay. In 1984, Dan’s father converted 50 acres to grapevines and Gainey Vineyard was born. Now in its fourth generation, Gainey wines have been producing some outstanding new releases. I love the 2024 Evan’s Ranch ‘Caitlin’s’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is viscous and delicious with excellent salty tones.. Learn more about this great Santa Barbara County house at https://gaineyvineyard.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Gainey 2024 Gainey Sauvignon Blanc- Th 2024 Sauvignon Blanc delivers citrus blossom, peach and lychee on the nose. The palate is neatly-textured with excellent viscos
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White Rose Estate
Here are the great new wines by White Rose Estate. A winery with a great history in Oregon wine, White Rose Estate began all the way back in 2001. This winery is now celebrating 25 years in Oregon wine this year. Located in the Dundee Hills Ava, founder Greg Sanders began his winery journey by buying a 10-acre vineyard in 2000, with vines dating all the way back to the late 1970s. In Jesus Guillén was appointed head winemaker and made some glorious wines which I enjoyed in my personal collection for years. He sadly passed away and left and indelible mark on the Oregon wine industry. Winemaker Greg Urmini formerly worked for Paul Hobbs and their Argentinian winery Vina Cobos before coming to White Rose. The new wines that he made were exceptionally good. I love the 2023 White Rose ‘Collector’s Classic’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is very earthy with its truffle notes and soft mouthfeel. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://whiteroseestate.com/ and here are my reviews of the
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Smith-Madrone
Here is the outstanding new Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) by Smith-Madrone. One of the unique wineries in Napa, Smith-Madrone produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling wines. The source from their dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. The soil is mostly deep-red Aiken Stoney Clay loam, and is primarily volcanic-based, well-drained and deep for mountain soils. The estate is a 200 acre ranch, partly planted as vineyard over a century ago. California black bears and other wildlife once thrived here as did 120-year-old Picholine olive trees which frame a path and view down to the floor of the Napa Valley. Check out the outstanding
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Gorman
Chris Gorman crafts some incredible wines for his namesake winery. One of the outstanding wineries of Washington, Gorman is founded by Chris Gorman who began his winery shortly after graduating from college in 1991. He has a world-palate as a former Italian importer and has travelled extensively in the wine areas of Italy, Spain and Germany. He finally started his winery in 2002. The winery has been a small operation, crafting consistently good wines from the Columbia Valley. Chris focuses on the terroir from Red Mountain and works with great vineyards such as Kiona, Shaw and many others. They make world-class Chardonnay called their ‘Big Sissy’ and also under his Ashan label. This label has Chardonnays that showcase some of the state’s top vineyards. He makes world-class Chardonnay under the Ashan label. The best Chardonnay yet from him, the 2025 Gorman ‘Big Sissy’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) is heavily-weighted and is a massive uppercut of tropical fruits and melon in the glass. It is not fo
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Januik, Novelty Hill and Andrew Januik
Mike (L) and Andrew Januik are crafting some incredible wines for Januik, Novelty Hill and Andrew Januik wines. A gorgeous winery in Woodinville, Januik and Novelty Hill is a must-visit or any lover of Washington wine. Winemaker Andrew Januik trained under his father, Washington wine icon Mike Januik, who was formerly head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle and Col Solare before starting his own winery. Mike is a master of crafting great wines from literally any varietal. For years I have admired his Chardonnay wines that show insanely good aging potential — even from hot sites like the Cold Creek Vineyard. These guys are also crafting some of the greatest values wines in the state. My family loves visiting this gorgeous facility in Woodinville. The food quality at Januik just keeps on getting better. I had such a nice visit with Andrew and Mike, as we talked Washington wine and the state of the industry. They have been doing really well despite the economic downturn in wine. I love th
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Brooks
Claire Jarreau has crafted a beautiful range of wines for Brooks. Today we share one of the great producers of Riesling on the West Coast. Jimi Brooks, a Portland native who came to wine through his passion for history and philosophy. Jimi previously worked in Beaujolais, and eventually returned to Oregon to focus on crafting great Riesling and Pinot Noir. Brooks farms twenty acres in the Eola-Amity Hills, a sub-region of the Willamette Valley characterized by higher altitudes and the ocean winds that blow through the Van Duzer Corridor. Claire Jarreau serves as head winemaker. She has done an amazing job with the latest round of releases. Do not miss out on the 2019 Brooks ‘Extended Tirage’ Riesling Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is a world-class wine with sensational flavor range. I adore the 2024 Brooks ‘Ara’ Riesling (OB, 94), which is very nervy and dense. Learn about this fantastic new lineup at https://www.brookswine.com/ Here are the outstanding new wines by Brooks. 2019 B
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Upchurch Vineyard
It was an amazing afternoon tasting with Chis Upchurch and sampling his outstanding new lineup. It is my pleasure to share the incredible wines of Chris Upchurch and Upchurch Vineyard. This is one of the greats on Red Mountain and really one of the most gorgeous spots to taste in all of the Pacific Northwest. Chris Upchurch is a legendary winemaker, having crafted an incredible range of wines for DeLille Cellars before starting his first outpost more than a decade ago. He now has an outpost in Woodinvlle that is right in the town center, near the new Somm Hotel. I tasted there with him for several hours and we chatted wine and soccer. He is one of the icons of Washington wine. I adore the new 2025 Upchurch Vineyard Rose (OB, 93) which is one of the best Rose wines from Washington that I have tasted this year. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://upchurchvineyard.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Upchurch Vineyard. 2025 Upchurch Vineyard Rose- The incredible 2025 Upch
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Founding of Academie Wines
Great logo for Academie Wines. Founding of Academie Wines We have some big news out of the Willamette Valley today with the founding of Academie Wines. This is a really enticing project founded by legends Thomas Savre of Lingua Franca fame, as well Dominique Lafon and Bertrand de Villaine. The idea is not to make Oregon wines just like Burgundy wines. They will have two levels of wines -- one that is more for the collector (Academie) and the other for everyday consumption (Ostia Tempore). Their top wine will be named La Grande Comète which is in homage to the comet, Tsuchinshan‑ATLAS, that graced the Willamette Valley skies in October 2024. Having followed Savre's career for more than a decade, I am thrilled to check out these wines and see what is produced by this new electric project. Learn more at academiewine.us Cheers, Owen
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Pinstripe
Great photo of Pinstripe founders Jeri (L) and Amy Andrews. Sitting with Amy Andrews, we talked about her brand and emotional story about her inspiring uncle. It was only fitting that I shared mine of my uncle, eye surgeon Dr. Brian Lueth, who is suffering from Parkinson’s. We both shared this incredible connection about our uncles who have suffered tragedy — yet we look back at their lives with peace and an adoration of their accomplishments. Pinstripe Wines is a story about persevering through tragedy. The story honors co-founder Amy Andrews’s uncle, an artist, who was diagnosed with AIDS in the beginning of the crisis and he used blood lines to make his art. His partner was a doctor and he had to give blood regularly. He would come home and over his art he put his bloodlines across each piece of his art. He did that to show how his life was affected by diseases and facing death — going through a hard time. It was obvious that this became a pinstriped type of art. This beautifu
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Domaine Roy & Fils
Great new 2024 wines by Domaine Roy & Fils. An exciting Willamette Valley house, Domaine Roy & Fils was founded in 2012 by Marc-Andre Roy and Jared Etzel, sons of the pioneering winegrowers who established the renowned Beaux Frères. The estate spans 42 acres across two acclaimed sites in the Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton appellations. Thirty-two acres are planted to Pinot Noir and ten to Chardonnay, with each block cultivated and harvested with an exacting approach. In 2023 Domaine Roy & Fils was purchased by the Frescobaldi family—whose winemaking legacy dates back over seven centuries. I love the new wines which were remarkably consistent. Check out the very salty and stony 2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Quartz Acorn’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is neatly texture and has a wonderful sense of tension. Learn more at https://domaineroy.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Domaine Roy & Fils wines. 2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Incline’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Incline’ comes from a range of locat
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Goldeneye Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting
Here is the gorgeous range from 2019-2023 of Goldeneye Pinot Noir. I have loved the Pinot Noirs by Goldeneye for years. A Duckhorn venture located in Philo, California, Goldeneye is. led by winemaker Kristin McMcMahan. Originally from California's Central Valley, in 2012, Kristen moved to Sonoma County to dedicate herself to wine full time. In addition to joining the winemaking team at Korbel, where she spent six years honing her skills working with sparkling wine and Pinot Noir, she began studying at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree in enology. Kristen also gained invaluable experience with cool-climate Pinot Noir working for Joseph Phelps’s Freestone Winery on the Sonoma Coast. I had a chance to taste vintages 2019-2023. The vintages are very different but I was most surprised with the 20202 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which was a wine that came off very clean and rich. No reason to cellar this beauty. The 2019 ‘Anderson Valley’ (OB
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Gran Moraine
Here is the gorgeous vineyard location for Gran Moraine. Today we share the wines from an outstanding Oregon house. Gran Moraine is named after the cataclysmic floods that descended on the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon during the last ice age. As the flood waters receded, they impacted the region, leaving small indentations or mini valleys (moraines), similar to those in the the Côte ’Or in Burgundy. Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Gran Moraine has 220 acres planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Shane Moore is an Idaho native who has been at the helm for years. In 2011 Shane began working for Jackson Family Wines winemaking team as an enologist, crafting cool climate California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Shane helped build the Gran Moraine winemaking team and was named winemaker in 2016. A killer value is the 2023 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has loads of texture and flavor range. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://www.granmoraine.com Here
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Kopke
Here are the gorgeous hillsides of Kopke. Today we share the new 2024 release from the oldest Port house on the planet. Kopke has declared that they have made a vintage port from 2024. The year was a warm vintage in the Douro with cool nights, with a milder September allowed for a steady ripening period. Master Blender Carlos Alves has created a world-class vintage port here. It is hard to resist this wine now but it really does need another five to ten years in the cellar to fully evolve. Learn more at https://kopke1638.com/store/category/port-wines/ and here is my review of the 2024 vintage Port by Kopke. 2024 Kopke Port- Jet black in the glass, this 2024 vintage Port delivers heady black plum and Hoisin sauce on the nose alongside molten chocolate. Silky and refined with a terrific texture and bright acidity, enjoy this beauty after about five plus more years of bottle age. Drink 2033-2055- 96
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Continuum
The Mondavis have been innovators in the Napa Valley for more than 100 years. A great winery in Napa, Continuum is the Mondavi family vision to produce world-class Cabernet as they have for decades. The Mondavis have a storied past in Napa. Cesare Mondavi brought the family to America, to wine, and to the Napa Valley. His son Robert, a visionary, possessed a passion for excellence and tireless ambition which transformed not only his family but the entire world of wine. Tim Mondavi, a virtuoso, from a young age came into the family business and blazed trails globally, developing wines of world-class quality. Now, he and his sister Marcia Mondavi Borger, along with their adult children, have created Continuum, They now produce a new wine, their ‘Sentium’ is a Sauvignon Blanc that is inspired by the Mondavi Fume Blanc. Winegrower, Chiara Mondavi, is leading this fourth-generation wine project. The wines were really good. I love the 2024 ‘Sentium’ (OB, 94) which is dense and heady with ser
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Echolands
Here are the outstanding new wines by Echolands. Today we share the wines founded by Doug Frost MW. Frost is remarkably one of three individuals in the world to hold simultaneously the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles, achieving his MS in 1991 and MW in 1993. He also authored ‘The Spanish Wine Guide (third edition 2009’) and is a contributing editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails. I loved the wines made by Brian Rudin when he was at Canvasback. He has wines that captivate the senses with a beginning, middle and an end with a great focus on texture. These were wines that beautifully personified Red Mountain. The wines are getting better and better. This is a fun, playful, yet very serious lineup. The wines are made with a ton of intention and background. I love the 2025 Echolands Rose of Grenache (OB, 92) which is very pretty and nuanced, with outstanding flavor range. Learn more about this fantastic new project at echolandswinery.com Here are my reviews
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Duckhorn 'Three Palms Vineyard' Vertical Tasting
It was a magical tasting of ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Merlot and Cabernet by Duckhorn. Today we share the famed wines from the Three Palms Vineyard by Duckhorn. One of Napa’s historic vineyards, the Three Palms Vineyard is a 73-acre estate in Calistoga. Named for the three palm trees planted in the 1890s, the site was planted in 1967 by Sloan Upton and his brother. The location is set on rocky, volcanic stone soils and the inaugural release from this site was Duckhorn’s Merlot from the 1978 vintage. At the time no other wineries were making single vineyard Merlots but Dan and Margaret Duckhorn saw this vision to create single site wines from a single vintage in Napa. Today Duckhorn has Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon primarily planted at this location. I have loved these wines over the years. They are typically dense and opulent but have good poise and rocky/loamy soil character. Three Palms Merlot is typically aged in 50% or more new French oak. The oak character in the wine gently caresse
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Review: The Lindy Renaissance Charleston -- Disappointment After Disappointment
Here is the hallway near check-in at The Lindy Renaissance Charleston I don’t always expect a four star hotel delivering four star quality. But my stay at The Lindy Charleston was closer to a two star than a four star for a hotel that unfortunately advertises as a four star hotel. Service was not good. We had one day where they failed to clean our room even when we called down and asked several times. You leave this place feeling like you were ripped off, considering its price tag. Somehow this place is getting 4.3 stars on TripAdvisor.com The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel is a supposedly upscale, 166-room hotel located at 68 Wentworth Street in the heart of Charleston, SC. It was chosen by me because of its saltwater outdoor pool, as well as on-site dining at Lenoir Restaurant. It is steps away from King Street. I chose the hotel for one main reason — so my 3 year old would have a pool to play in. Other four star hotels in the are do not have pools. I had a special surprise waiti
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Trisaetum
Here are the beautiful new wines by Trisaetum. Today we share one of the outstanding producers of the Willamette Valley. Trisaetum utilizes the talents of fellow Arsenal supporter James Frey. Wines are well-balanced and speak to the AVAs. I love the wines by Frey. He has a tremendous range of wines that he produces and they are all of exceedingly good quality. The new Trisaetum lineup was amazing. I love the 2024 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot noir (OB, 95) which is another gorgeous rendition of this wine from a warm vintage. Learn more about this fantastic Willamette Valley winery at http://www.trisaetum.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Trisaetum. 2024 Trisaetum ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir - A great edition of this wine, the 2024 Trisaetum ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir comes off forward and juicy on the palate. Soft on the mouth, with lively acidity, this offers guava and red raspberry notes alongside shades of dried herbs on the palate. Gorgeous now, enjoy o
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Fidelitas
Here are the outstanding new wines by Fidelitas. Today we share the great wines of Fidelitas and founder Charlie Hoppes. Former winemaker at both Col Solare and Chateau Ste. Michelle, Hoppes has been crafting his own wines on Red Mountain for nearly two decades. I love how he has attention to detail on white wines from Red Mountain. Do not miss out on the sensational 2023 ‘Red Mountain’ Semillon (OB, 93) which has to be one of the best wines of its kind that you will taste in Washington. Learn more about the great Fidelitas lineup at http://www.fidelitaswines.com/ Here are the great new wine releases from Fidelitas. 2023 Fidelitas ‘Red Mountain’ Semillon- The 2023 Fidelitas ‘Red Mountain’ Semillon shows off a great core of macadamia nut, lychee and green melon on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with excellent volume and underlying verve, enjoy now and over the next eight years. This will build nutty and earthy nuances as it ages gracefully. Drink 2026-2034 - 93 2023 Fidelitas ‘Red M