Argyle Brut 2015

TASTING NOTES
The 2015 sparkling wine vintage in the Willamette Valley was impeccable, showcasing the enticing depth and focused precision the region has to offer. The Pinot Noir dominated blend provides impressive red-fruited dimension to the white peach, wild honey and toasted brioche. The middle palate is invigorated with dynamic acid backbone and edgy minerality, bringing balance and concentration to the long finish.

VINTAGE NOTES
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.

VINIFICATION NOTES
COMPOSITION 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier
HARVESTED Aug. 24 – Sept. 6, 2015
BRIX AT HARVEST: 19.2
ALCOHOL % by Vol. 12.5%
BARREL AGING 93% Stainless Steel, 7% Neutral Oak
DOSAGE 6 g/L
WINEMAKER NATE KLOSTERMANN
DISGORGED ON DEMAND

Expert Review

88 Points
60% Chardonnay; 40% Pinot Noir. So lively and bright that it could very easily pass for a Blanc de Blancs on the nose and then following with a very steady and confident mix of mildly citrusy fruit and fresh yeast running its length, this spry, finely bubbled effort earns high marks for its energy and very clean lines. It does not want for acidity, but it is crisp and cleansing without being stiff, and it is famously suited to service with shellfish, trout or delicate sole recipes.
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, Nov/2015