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Wine

Color

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2021

Schultz Glory Oaks

Majestic Tempranillo

Fragrant wild herbs and high-toned currant fruit mingle with brandied Morello cherries and a heady dose of candied rose petals. Medium-bodied, with fine-textured tannins and subtle nuances of sagebrush and bay laurel. Drink now with herb-crusted pork loin.

Red

2021

Schultz Glory Oaks

Rock Tempranillo

Planted on alluvial cobblestones and weathered granite in the shadows of the Siskiyou Mountains, these vines lie in the Applegate Valley—part of Southern Oregon’s larger Rogue Valley AVA. Sourced from the Glory Oaks Vineyard, this wine is native yeast fermented and medium-bodied, with a satiny texture. High-toned red berry fruit, vanilla, and cedarwood aromatics are balanced by savory notes of black olive, tobacco, and saddle leather on the palate.

Red

2021

Table Rock Vienyard

Estate Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir is in its perfect drinking window, having evolved beyond bright red cherry fruit into more savory territory—think red currant, tobacco leaf, and black tea–like tannins. All of that builds on the medium-bodied palate, layered with crunchy currant fruit, espresso bean nuances, bay laurel, and sage, leading to a long, satisfying, smoky-savor finish. If you’re drawn to Pinot in its secondary and tertiary phase, this one’s for you. I highly recommend enjoying it over the course of a meal—ideally, a couple of bottles at a time—now through 2030.

Red

2022

Agathodaemon

Egan Vineyard Malbec

Sourced from the Egan Vineyard in the Rogue Valley, this Malbec is yet another compelling reason why the region should hang its hat on the variety. Dark berry fruit mingles on the nose with a wonderfully expressive mix of dried wild herbs—a panoply of sage, thyme, rosemary, fennel, and straw. These savory elements build on the medium-bodied palate, framed by rose-petal-scented tannins that are firm yet graceful, resolving into chocolaty nuances and saline-mineral tension. A juicy spine of acidity ties it all together. A lovely wine, and a natural match for smoked or braised meats.

Red

2022

Agathodaemon

Viognier

From the Egan Vineyard, this 2022 Viognier is a stunning wine, offering lifted aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine, salted Marcona almonds, and a burst of expressive lemon-lime citrus, poached apple, and pear. There’s impressive mid-palate weight and fruit density, all balanced by zippy acid tension.

White

2022

DANCIN

Sorella Barbera

The Italian city of Alba is a sister city to Medford, Oregon, and Sorella—the Italian word for sister—honors that connection. This 100% Barbera Clone 6 was aged in 28% new French oak and delivers a bold, dark-fruited profile, laced with cherry, cherrywood, raspberry, and spiced plums. Robust, chocolaty tannins and tangy blood orange acidity carry through to the finish, giving this wine both power and vibrancy.

Red

2022

Del Rio Vineyard Estate

Estate Grown Sryah

The 2022 Del Rio Estate Syrah is bold and dark-fruited, with violet aromas and cherry-laced intensity. It shows impressive concentration, supported by a bulwark of velvety tannins that frame all that juicy fruit. Expressive and powerful, yet elegant, it finishes with tremendous length as the violet notes turn candied and are dusted with fragrant Indian spices. A long and deeply satisfying Syrah.

Red

2022

Irvine & Roberts Vineyards

Estate Chardonnay

Absolutely fantastic, this Chardonnay shows Chablis-like minerality and lemon-lime freshness with tremendous tension. Medium-bodied, it features a satiny core of apple and pear fruit layered with crushed almond, all leading to a long, saline-acid finish. Bright, fresh, and assertive—a standout. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that they work with 10 different clones of Chardonnay, most of which are planted on granitic soils. He prioritizes acidity at harvest, often doing multiple picks within the same block to build complexity and ensure he never needs to add acid. After settling overnight, the juice is racked to barrel and inoculated with native yeast in-barrel. The wine is aged for up to 15 months in one-third new French oak and goes through full malolactic fermentation. Lots are kept separate throughout aging, lees stirring is minimal, and blending occurs just before bottling. Of the three estate Chardonnays Winemaker Brian Gruber produces, Ascendance is the top cuvée and the first blend assembled—focused on precision and structure. Convergence follows, crafted for more roundness and ripeness, while the Estate Chardonnay is blended last, offering an expression that reflects the broader vineyard character.

White

2022

Irvine & Roberts Vineyards

Estate Pinot Noir

Total elegance—this Pinot Noir weaves conifer notes around bright red berry, cherry, and pomegranate fruit, accented by flinty minerality and gorgeous cedarwood. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers cherry, blood orange, and cranberry, all lifted by crunchy cranberry acidity. The tannins are fine, firm, and taut—beautifully elongated and persistent through the long, spicy finish. A superbly built and absolutely delicious Pinot Noir. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that this Pinot Noir is a blend of older plantings and newer vines established in 2018. Grapes are mostly destemmed, though select lots are fermented with whole clusters for blending flexibility. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with individual blocks vinified separately. After a short cold soak, native fermentations begin, accompanied by a regimen of pumpovers and punchdowns. Following primary fermentation, an extended maceration of up to 28 days builds mouthfeel, mid-palate weight, and structure. The wine is gently pressed, with primarily free-run juice selected for the final blend. It is aged in roughly one-third new French oak for up to 18 months before blending and bottling.

Red

2022

Irvine & Roberts Vineyards

Pinot Meunier

The nose is beautifully fragrant, with savory conifer and dried pine tips layered with incense and underbrush, interwoven with bright red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, framed by gentle tannins and lifted by vivid blood orange acidity. The long, lingering finish offers a delicate kiss of sweetness balanced by a subtle, amaro-like bitterness. Bright, vivid, and wonderfully complex. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that this Pinot Noir is a blend of older plantings and newer vines established in 2018. Grapes are mostly destemmed, though select lots are fermented with whole clusters for blending flexibility. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with individual blocks vinified separately. After a short cold soak, native fermentations begin, accompanied by a regimen of pumpovers and punchdowns. Following primary fermentation, an extended maceration of up to 28 days builds mouthfeel, mid-palate weight, and structure. The wine is gently pressed, with primarily free-run juice selected for the final blend. It is aged in roughly one-third new French oak for up to 18 months before blending and bottling.

Red

2022

Kriselle Cellars

Malbec

A blue-fruited, cherry-infused, cedarwood laced and wild herb dusted red wine with soaring tannins and white truffle charcuterire balanced by loamy earth notes, and crushed rusty red rocks mienralty through the bone dry finish. This is a zippy, zesty Malbec with good grip and demanding of salty braised meats or hard cheeses.

Red

2022

Kriselle Cellars

Sangiovese

This Sangiovese explodes out of the glass with tart cherry fruit interlaced with espresso bean and salted dark cacao. On the palate, it’s juicy and vibrant, with tart cherry framed by rustic tannins that build to a bold, dry finish. There’s plenty to love in the upfront juiciness, and with those powerful back-end tannins and soaring acid grip, you’ll want salty cheeses or cured meats alongside this expressive red.

Red

2022

Long Walk Vineyard

Grenache

A juicy, easy-drinkign Grenache that dlivers the goods as juicy red berry fruit, brown baking spices, a hint of sagebrush, and satiny tannins that bild on the dry finish.

Red

2022

Maren (Bybee Wine Co)

Octo Pinot Noir

Just like the MAREN White, the label on this OCTO Pinot Noir states that it’s a medium-bodied wine bursting with cherry, blackberry, and cocoa notes—and I’m happy to confirm my tasting aligns with that. Of course, I’ll add a few flourishes: enticing cedarwood notes weave around and beneath the cherry and blackberry fruit, joined by darker forest berries framed by firm, tense tannins. The finish offers a cool, wet-slate minerality and a crunchy apple-skin aftertaste.

Red

2022

Maren (Bybee Wine Co)

Otto Chardonnay

The nice thing about the OTTO Line is that the tasting notes are right there on the label. It’s a medium-bodied wine offering juicy pear, a squeeze of lemon zest, and crushed almonds—at least according to the front label, and I’d agree wholeheartedly, though I’d also add white flowers to the mix. There’s a touch of candied ginger and a wonderfully warm, saline mineral quality. The label also notes that the wine is made from sustainably grown grapes and contains no added sugar, which is perhaps more a nod to consumer misunderstanding—most wines are dry and don’t contain added sugar to begin with, but that’s a whole other conversation for another time.

White

2022

Nicolas-Jay

Momtazi Pinot Noir

A beautifully spicy, structured, earthy expression of a distinct place and time. Deftly balancing savory, dark cherry flavors with pepper and bramble notes, with a palate that is equal parts depth and nuance. This one should stand the test of time. – J.R.

Red

2022

Padigan

Estate Reserve Malbec

This Malbec is savory and muscular, with notes of black cherry, black truffle, and charcuterie layered with pressed wildflowers, dried thyme, and black olive. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate mirrors the aromatics, framed by velvety, fine-grained tannins. Crushed stone minerality anchors the finish, along with a touch of clove and smoky, loamy earth. Aged up to 28 months in 65% new French oak.

Red

2022

Padigan

Estate Reserve Viognier

A deliciously rich Viognier with excellent mid-palate density, offering ripe white and yellow peach, apricot, and lemon oil character. Crisp, mouthwatering acidity provides balance, leading to a long finish marked by pressed wildflowers and almonds. It’s the kind of white you’ll want alongside Dover sole in a caper butter sauce with mashed potatoes.

White

2022

Padigan

Estate Reserve Viognier

Full-bodied and voluptuous, this wine offers generous flavors of ripe apple, pear, and white peach. The palate is expressive and satiny, braced by excellent acid grip and finishing with layers of fruit and pressed wildflowers. Aged for 14 months in oak with native yeasts, including 11 to 12 months on the lees in 80% new French oak.

White

2022

Padigan

Malbec

Fragrant red berry fruit is tinged with bay laurel, spearmint, thyme, and cherry pit. Medium-bodied on the palate, with blood orange acidity and elegant cedarwood notes, complemented by dried fennel, espresso, and a kiss of red licorice. After a short cold soak, the wine was whole-berry fermented with native yeasts, received two punchdowns, then was pressed to tank, settled, and racked to barrel to complete fermentation. Malolactic fermentation followed, and the wine was aged for up to 22 months in 25–35% new French oak. Blending occurred halfway through the aging process.

Red

2022

Padigan

Tempranillo

Leads with paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, and a touch of dried dill, all building into a medium-bodied wine with rich texture and superfine tannins—firm, muscular, yet well integrated. It shows admirable restraint, with balanced acidity and intense red berry fruit driving a long, juicy finish.

Red

2022

Plaisance Ranch

Petite Sirah Papa Joe's Private Stash

A supple, juicy Petite Sirah with expressive notes of rose petal, blackberry, and black cherry, accented by black pepper. Medium-bodied on the palate, with soft plum-like tannins, bright red berry fruit, and baking spices, all wrapped in a salty, saline minerality on the medium-length finish. The tannic muscle of Petite Sirah is nicely tamed here.

Red

2022

Quady North

Mae's Vineyard Syrah

From Mae’s Vineyard—named for Margaux Mae, the owner’s daughter—this is a gorgeous Syrah, bursting with pure red cherry and blueberry fruit, interlaced with rose petal, violet, and a dusting of white pepper. The palate is all satin and silk, energized by tangy blood orange acidity and layered with hints of clove, mountain herbs, and wet stone minerality on a long, saline-acid finish. Simply spectacular.

Red

2022

Ryanrose

Tempranillo

A gentle giant of a Tempranillo. Red-toned fruit, cedarwood, and crushed cacao nibs rise on the nose and carry through the medium-bodied palate, where powerful, burly tannins build toward a towering finish. Give this a good decant and pair it with well-salted ribeyes. From Folin Vineyard, which has been ripped out. Fermented in bins, with twice daily punchdowns and pumpovers, and aged 24 months in 50% new French oak.

Red

2022

Somar

Estate Grown Syrah

The 2022 Syrah from Somar is a vivid, red-fruited expression with blue fruit nuances woven throughout, framed by velvety tannins and supple fruit layered with baking spices, a hint of vanilla, and crushed rock minerality with espresso bean and violet nuances. All too easy to drink.

Red

2022

Wanderlust

Viognier

One of the best wines I tasted from Wanderlust, this Viognier shows impressive mid-palate depth and fragrant, flinty minerality. Notes of quince and honeysuckle blossoms unfold gracefully, carrying through to a medium-length finish.

White

2023

Benmar

Above the Clouds Pinot Noir

A darker‑styled Pinot Noir from this producer, the 2023 Above the Clouds from Benmar opens with the juicy richness of black cherry and black raspberry, warmed by cedarwood spice and enlivened by tangerine peel and grapefruit zest. The nose deepens with crushed raspberry, wild cherry and pomegranate, offset by wild herbs, rose petal and forest‑floor. On the palate, sinewy, crisp tannins support a saline‑tinged core that pulses with redcurrant, cranberry and strawberry fruit. Intense minerality and a whisper of black tea anchor the mid‑palate, while the finish drifts into cocoa‑powder, conifer and lingering brine—a hauntingly savory, vibrant expression of high‑elevation Willamette Pinot.

Red

2023

DANCIN

Adagio Pinot Noir

Native fermented in 1.5-ton macro bins, this 100% Wädenswil 2A clone Pinot Noir was aged for 10 months in 25% new French oak. It’s an expressive and bright Pinot with vibrant blood orange acidity, fragrant cherry and rose petal nuances, and layers of crushed wild herbs. Dusty cocoa powder tannins frame the juicy, long, and spicy finish. Winemaker Chris Jiron believes this late-ripening clone is ideal for the region.

Red

2023

DANCIN

Allongé Chardonnay

Super zesty, with sea spray–infused wild herb minerality and bright straw aromatics. Medium-bodied, it delivers beautiful purity of orchard fruit on a complex mid-palate, with lemony acid tension and crushed almonds on the finish. Bright, energetic, and focused—a tremendous value at this price.

Red

2023

DANCIN

Capriccio Chardonnay

Dijon and Wente clones fermented and aged in neutral French oak barrels for six months. Bright and citrusy, with crunchy acidity and appealing notes of apple and pear. The finish is long, clean, and laced with baking spice—very lovely and beautifully balanced.

Red

1 2 3 Next

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2020

Producer

Name

Malbec is something Rogue Valley producers do exceptionally well, and in the right hands, it shows bright red and black-toned berry fruit with elegant baking spices and a stony mineral character—and this wine has that in spades. It’s not inky dark, but a beautiful deep ruby, framed by balanced tannins and acidity. The tannins are plump yet firm, and the acidity carries a saline edge with excellent grip—like a bite of crunchy sea salt on a juicy cut of beef. This is a dynamic and thoroughly satisfying Malbec from Peter William.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

From hillside vineyards, the Lot B-42 Syrah lifts out of the glass with blackberry fruit, dried rose petals, and white pepper, all enhanced by tobacco and beautifully long, rounded tannins that support the supple fruit. Fine oak adds a baking spice frame around this wonderfully juicy, dark-fruited Syrah—an elegant wine with just the right touch of hedonism.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

This Barbera comes from the Celestina Vineyard and was aged for 18 months in French oak. The nose is highly floral, with red berry fruit, tobacco, leather, and fresh cedar. On the palate, it shows richly sweet fruit, concentrated like brandied cherries, with a hint of walnut husk and blood orange acidity framing the finish. Serve slightly chilled and enjoy alongside sticky-sweet BBQ ribs.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

This wine showcases all the hallmarks of its two expressive grape varieties, with red berry fruit and violets on the nose. On the palate, it softens into a light- to medium-bodied expression, lacking some mid-palate depth and finishing a bit short. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy in the dark-toned, juicy fruit, soft tannins, and gentle acidity. Serve well chilled alongside hearty fare for best results.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

Ascendance, the top cuvée, offers a lovely creamy texture balanced by exceptional length, with spicy ginger and granitic minerality shining through. Gorgeously medium-bodied, it has a satiny palate feel and beautifully layered notes of Indian spices and ginger. A refined and elegant expression of site and craft. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that they work with 10 different clones of Chardonnay, most of which are planted on granitic soils. He prioritizes acidity at harvest, often doing multiple picks within the same block to build complexity and ensure he never needs to add acid. After settling overnight, the juice is racked to barrel and inoculated with native yeast in-barrel. The wine is aged for up to 15 months in one-third new French oak and goes through full malolactic fermentation. Lots are kept separate throughout aging, lees stirring is minimal, and blending occurs just before bottling. Of the three estate Chardonnays Winemaker Brian Gruber produces, Ascendance is the top cuvée and the first blend assembled—focused on precision and structure. Convergence follows, crafted for more roundness and ripeness, while the Estate Chardonnay is blended last, offering an expression that reflects the broader vineyard character.

White

2021

Producer

Name

Cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, and grapefruit zest lead the aromatic profile, accented by clove and fresh cherry blossoms. A hint of bergamot emerges on the palate, which is more structured, with firm and robust tannins that resolve beautifully. Chalky minerality and elegant cedarwood notes frame the wine, highlighting its brilliant purity of fruit and spice. Balanced textures and fabulous energy make this a striking and vibrant expression. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that this Pinot Noir is a blend of older plantings and newer vines established in 2018. Grapes are mostly destemmed, though select lots are fermented with whole clusters for blending flexibility. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with individual blocks vinified separately. After a short cold soak, native fermentations begin, accompanied by a regimen of pumpovers and punchdowns. Following primary fermentation, an extended maceration of up to 28 days builds mouthfeel, mid-palate weight, and structure. The wine is gently pressed, with primarily free-run juice selected for the final blend. It is aged in roughly one-third new French oak for up to 18 months before blending and bottling.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

Fragrant notes of honeysuckle and jasmine intermix with rich baking spices, apple tarte Tatin, pear, and a dollop of lemon oil—all finding balance on the palate. Candied ginger and a beautifully crisp, pure fruit profile are supported by crunchy acid tension and a touch more richness than the Estate bottling. Totally balanced. A vibrant and refined expression. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that they work with 10 different clones of Chardonnay, most of which are planted on granitic soils. He prioritizes acidity at harvest, often doing multiple picks within the same block to build complexity and ensure he never needs to add acid. After settling overnight, the juice is racked to barrel and inoculated with native yeast in-barrel. The wine is aged for up to 15 months in one-third new French oak and goes through full malolactic fermentation. Lots are kept separate throughout aging, lees stirring is minimal, and blending occurs just before bottling. Of the three estate Chardonnays Winemaker Brian Gruber produces, Ascendance is the top cuvée and the first blend assembled—focused on precision and structure. Convergence follows, crafted for more roundness and ripeness, while the Estate Chardonnay is blended last, offering an expression that reflects the broader vineyard character.

White

2021

Producer

Name

A touch more elegant and delicate, this Pinot Noir reveals savory notes of black tea and bergamot, with Earl Grey–like tannins framing the medium-bodied palate. Fabulous orange peel nuances carry through, supported by a long, spicy finish that highlights the character of the clone. Refined and beautifully detailed. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that this Pinot Noir is a blend of older plantings and newer vines established in 2018. Grapes are mostly destemmed, though select lots are fermented with whole clusters for blending flexibility. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with individual blocks vinified separately. After a short cold soak, native fermentations begin, accompanied by a regimen of pumpovers and punchdowns. Following primary fermentation, an extended maceration of up to 28 days builds mouthfeel, mid-palate weight, and structure. The wine is gently pressed, with primarily free-run juice selected for the final blend. It is aged in roughly one-third new French oak for up to 18 months before blending and bottling.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

Compelling and structured, this is a fabulous sparkling rosé made in the Méthode Champenoise style. It offers vibrant apple, pear, and cherry fruit alongside cherry pit, a hint of sea spray, and a touch of incense. The frothy, focused mousse leads to a grippy finish where oyster shell minerality takes center stage.

Rosé

2021

Producer

Name

Such an intriguing wine that really pulls you into the glass with its smoked paprika and cardmom notes, and walnut husk nuances with roasted coffee beans character. Medim bodied with dark loamy earth and dried currant and fig paste framed by soaring, powerful tannins that build on the bone dry finish.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 Extravagance almost belies its name—this wine is elegant and focused, with bold, ripe black currant fruit and toasty cedarwood. On the palate, suave tannins frame flavors of chocolate-covered black cherry, leading to a long, satisfying finish. Okay, maybe it is a bit extravagant in flavor—but with balanced alcohol at 13.7%, it’s easy to enjoy the whole bottle.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

A full-throttle, bright, and effusive red blend with cranberry, raspberry, and cherry fruit interlaced with clove spice and orange peel. Medium-bodied on the palate, with grainy tannins forming a solid foundation for all that juicy fruit. The tannins build toward a drying finish marked by brown spices and cedarwood.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

This Sangiovese-led red blend delivers heady aromatics of red cherry and rose petal. On the palate, it offers lovely suppleness, with saline-mineral-laced tannins and notes of mocha, black cherry, and espresso bean. It shows good length, balanced tension, and a satisfying, pleasantly lingering finish.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 Grenache is in its perfect drinking window. The bright, ripe red berry fruit has mellowed, giving way to savory notes of tobacco, currant leaf, and currant fruit, layered with expressive bay laurel and juniper. Black tea–like tannins grip the palate, while the juicy currant fruit carries through to a medium-length finish, infused with savory nuance. This is the kind of wine you’ll want to pair with hard, salty cheeses or truffle-infused charcuterie. The Grenache was sourced from the Jackson Vineyard in the middle of the Rogue Valley AVA.