Rollin Soles founded Argyle winery in 1987. Rollin had a pioneering spirit realizing the potential of crafting sparkling wine in Willamette Valley from exceptional block-by-block vineyards planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Argyle’s estate vineyards consist of more than 400 acres of vines located on four estate properties, including parcels in Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills AVAs. Today, winemaking is under the guidance of Nate Klostermann.

One of Argyle’s greatest innovations is their “Extebnded Triage” program which was inspired by legendary Bollinger Vintner Christian Bizot. He recommended that Rollin hold back a portion of Argyle’s Vintage Brut sparkling wine each year. This wine would then be aged on the lees in the bottle for an additional seven years before being disgorged. This “Extended Tirage” bottling is similar to Bollinger’s Grande Année Champagne. As a result of Argyle’s efforts, their wines have earned the highest scores for any sparkling wines made outside of Champagne.

This cuvee is composed of 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier and 10% Chardonnay. The base wine was aged for ten years before undergoing a second fermentation in the bottle for three years. The delicate ruby shadow of this sparkling wine underscores the beauty within. There are faint aromas of fresh baguettes and saline. The core is fruit-driven and is tightly packed with a vivid assortment of wild strawberries, red raspberries, red apple peels, dried apricots and orange blossoms. The fruit is bright and fresh with well- defined acidity and a whisper of minerality. It remains long and inviting on the palate.

By W Peter Hoyne
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