Depressing or what?

[tomstevenson]

How depressing that no one has made a post on Pacific Northwest wines since March. That's right, March! Don't you guys like these wines? Does it take a Brit to drum up a little enthusiasm? What's up, Bucko? Washington is your home state: are you asleep? The most exciting wines I've had from the great winemaking regions of the northwest over the last year have all been from Argyle in Dundee, Oregon. Here's a sneak preview from my annual fizz guide due out in October (I won't name it because I'm trying to promote the wines, not the book):

My scores are in <> and it should be noted that I tend to mark much, much lower than US critics.

<88>
Argyle 1996 Brut
If not for the 1995, this light, ripe, elegant sparkling wine would be Argyle's best ever vintage. The fruit is elevated, making it very yummy, but detracting from the standard set by the 1995.
Now-2002 <££>

<91>
Argyle 1995 Knudsen Vineyard Brut
Absolutely classic!
Now-2002 <£££>

<89>
Argyle 1988 Extended Tirage
The re-release of this old vintage is disgorged on demand (stated on front label), but the sample I tasted had a further 12 months post-disgorgement ageing and I have to admit that I was amazed. I tasted this and the 1989 at the winery a year ago it was nothing special, although not as bad as the 1989, which I could not get past my nose. I still cannot get the 1989 past my nose, but the 1988 has aged beautifully over the last year. The wine is now dominated by Chardonnay, which represents only 30% of the blend, but packs a peachy punch of fruit on both the nose and the palate.
Now-2001 <£££>

<87>
Argyle 1996 Knudsen Vineyard Brut
Although not quite so elevated as it is in Argyle's basic 1996 vintage, there is a noticeable touch of VA-lifted fruit, which detracts from the class of this otherwise fresh and delicious sparkling wine.
Now-2002 <£££>

<90>
Argyle 1995 Brut
This exceptional sparkling wine is still extremely fresh with very slow development of post-disgorgement aromas since it was released 18 months ago.
Now-2002 <££>

<90>
Argyle, Knudsen Vineyard 1996 Julia Lee's Block, Blanc de Blancs
Barrique aromas add to this wine's complexity, giving it the edge over the classic Brut Knudsen Vineyard.
Now-2003 <£££>