Spotlight on Washington & Oregon
Oregon’s cool climate and distinctive soils produce Pinot Noir that can go toe-to-toe with many global bottlings. Washington is consistently producing focused and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. Try some of our staff’s red and white picks from the two Pacific Northwestern states.
Montinore “Borealis” Edelzwicker Blend, Willamette Valley $14.96
Styled on the old-style Alsace blend, this slightly off-dry white blend from Oregon is bright, fresh, and aromatic, making it the perfect match for spicy Thai or Mexican food. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Half-Bottle of Maison Noir, “P-Oui” Pinot Noir $18.96
Is it picnic season yet? Well, you’ll be ready for it with a couple of these little guys in your basket. Sourced from vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley, “P-Oui” (“pee -wee,” get it? ha!) will bring a very berry jam session to wherever you may roam when the weather gets nice. Light-to-medium bodied crunchy cranberry and cherry flavors will impress and play nice with cheeses, chips, and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Owen Roe, “Ex Umbris” Syrah $24.96
A rich Syrah from Yakima Valley in Washington. Pleasant on the nose with notes of cranberries and leather, big on the palate with flavors of blueberry, pepper, and a gentle smokiness. The tannins are well balanced. Exactly what you would expect from a great bottle of Syrah! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Lemelson “Thea’s Selection” Pinot Noir $26.96
The Willamette Valley may be the most Old Worldly wine region in the New World. Lemelson manages to create a wine that features an opulent, silky texture with abundant fruit flavors of red berries and plum. However, no character is overtly dominant as balance and harmony are in each sniff and sip. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Gramercy Cellars “Lower East,” Syrah $26.99
Located in the “Lower East” corner of Washington State, Gramercy Cellars is crafting some of the most delicious and distinctive Syrah found anywhere in the world. Greg Harrington has created this particular cuvée to display world class Syrah at an affordable price, and he did just that! Layers of blackberries, olives, herbs, and spices await your senses. – Alex Malecki, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
The Eyrie Vineyards, Trousseau $42.99
Always the pioneer, Eyrie Vineyards’ Jason Lett was the first to plant Trousseau, a grape from the Jura in France that is almost universally beloved among the wine nerds, in the Willamette Valley. And while he only started bottling the wine in 2015, it’s consistently one I’d happily pour alongside the French classics. It shows a pale red with notes of hazy blood orange, tart strawberries, dried rose petals, bay leaf, heaps of spice, and a loamy, mushroom-y note that comes alive on the nose. – Jon Miner, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Lavinea “Temperance Hill” Pinot Noir $67.96
Lavinea’s Isabelle Meunier and Greg Ralston are terroir expressionists and their single vineyard wines have developed a following over the years. “Temperance Hill” is a robust and rugged Pinot Noir that remains polished. It’s a uniquely American wine. The palate has notes of wild blackberries, dried herbs, cloves, and flint. – Teddy Daly, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant