Dundee Hills Passport Tour

Passport weekend is always a good chance to hit a good handful of wineries, and to try some wines that aren't regularly available in tasting rooms. This is my favorite Oregon AVA, and one of my favorite wine growing regions in the world, so I always love checking in on wineries that are new to me, as well as old favorites. I was able to cover a lot of ground on this trip, making for a fun and eye opening day.

I had never visited this tasting room, and realized that I had only tried their entry level wines in the past. While they hadn't done much for me, it doesn't make any sense to outright ignore the rest of their lineup on that narrow experience. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and the food truck was a cool addition, but the wines weren't really up my alley.

• 2007 Erath Pinot Gris 82 Points

  USA, Oregon

  On the nose I get pear skins, a bit of ginger and lime as well as a bit of heat. Light, simple, pears show on the palate, along with some apple flavors and the skins make an appearance toward the finish. It's easy drinking, but it doesn't grab my attention.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2005 Erath Pinot Noir Estate Selection Dundee Hills 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Some cherry scents show on the nose along with nice rhubarb notes. Some barnyard scents and light floral notes show as well. The cherry flavors deliver with a tart note on the mid palate that works well with the acidity. It feels gentle and straightforward on contact and is very easy going. The acid is good on the finish, but I'm also getting a little bit of something green mixed in with dark cherry flavors. 87-

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2007 Erath Gewürztraminer 84 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose has a sweet feel to it, but it has some good fruit going on as well, showing lychee notes, sweet grapes, and a bit of pear. It's clean and light on the palate with apples and green peels showing. Slow growing acidity sets in on the mid palate, and it becomes a bit awkward later. If you drink it quickly, this is less noticeable.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Erath Pinot Noir Estate Selection Willamette Valley 81 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Oregon funk shows on the nose along with some light cherry and red floral scents. Some heat shows later as well. The cherries show right away, and they're very straightforward. The acidity has a bit of an awkward feel to it. I really like the tart note that the acidity delivers on the mid palate. The oak is pretty even, but it doesn't feel too balanced with the fruit. It works, but the awkward feeling persists.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2006 Erath Pinot Noir Estate Selection Dundee Hills 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Funky forest floor shows on the nose along with leather, and dark cherry skins. The scents are pretty well balanced. The cherry fruit shows quickly on the palate, and it has a gentle and easy feel. As the mid palate sets in, the cherries take on a bit of a taffy flavor, and the tannins dry fully on the sides of the mouth as the experience progresses. The fruit linger decently, and the acidity is enjoyable. The oak is balanced, but the flavor of it distracts a bit. The oak and fruit may integrate some more over time.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

This is a location that I've driven by many times, always thinking, "I need to stop by there one of these days." Today was the day. The tasting room was friendly, as was the gentleman behind the counter. The environment, AND the wines were both straightforward and relaxing. The whole experience seemed to be urging me to settle down, pick a wine that I can enjoy at leisure, and to do just that! If it ever works out for them, I'd like to see them pour into bigger glassware, as I think the white wine tasting glasses were shortchanging the nose on the Pinot Noirs. That said, I think this is a worthwhile experience for anyone out tasting. These are honest wines that deliver an enjoyable experience.

• 2007 Maresh Pinot Noir Select Red Hills Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose is enjoyable, showing raspberry scents along with orange peels and cherry skins. Even strawberry flavors appear on the palate. Slow acidity is a bit light early on, but it works well on the finish. The cherry flavors are straightforward and everything works well together.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Maresh Pinot Noir Red Hills Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose is pretty light, with some dark cherry skins showing along with a bit of cherry candy. The fruit is round on the palate and the flavors are light to start out with. Some darker strawberry fruit fleshes out as the acidity rises up and the oak shows on the mid palate. Everything is clean, the acid lingers nicely, and I expect it will improve with more time for everything to integrate. 88- now

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Maresh Pinot Noir Reserve Red Hills Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Dark cherry and strawberry scents are mixed with some nutmeg and a bit of cinnamon on the nose. Full cherries with good structure show on the palate. The tannins are even, and the acidity is full and enjoyable. The cherries linger along with the acid on the finish. The flavors are straightforward, but everything works well together and is pretty enjoyable. 88+

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2007 Maresh Chardonnay Red Hills Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose is very clean, and it shows some light lime scents as well as a bit of pineapple. Crisp, enjoyable pear flavors show on the palate with some dusty character. The acidity is nice and a little bit of lime peel shows toward the finish. The flavors are straightforward, but this hits the price point pretty well.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

I had enjoyed some wines here during previous events, but today they set a new standard with my palate. Both the 2010 Rose and the 2009 Ana Vineyard Pinot Noir are outstanding bottles of wine, and I'm really looking forward to more tastings with them in the future.

• 2010 Winderlea Pinot Noir Rosé 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Wow! The nose on this wine is amazing! Limes, cherries, and strawberries are full, rich, and compelling on the nose alone! This is super clean on the palate, and the strawberry flavors pop right out on the palate. The acidity pops as well, and it lasts through the entire experience. Full cherry flavors show on the finish, and the linger long. It reminds me of a light Pinot Noir! It's a bit spendy for a Rose, but it delivers well. Honestly, if it were poured blind, I'm not sure that I could tell that this was a Rose!

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 Winderlea Chardonnay 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Full oak scents and round apples show on the nose. Apples deliver on the palate. The wine is rich and full, and a bit of earth shows itself as full oak rolls in on the finish. Enjoyable.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 Winderlea Pinot Noir Ana Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  This nose is full, complex, and inviting! Raspberries, oak, rhubarb, and blackberries are all present, and all balanced already. The nose is lovely! Great cherry flavors deliver right out of the gate. Good acidity shows, and the tannins are lovely despite the wine's youth! It's obviously dry, but it's smooth and gentle as well. The acid is slow to present it self, and the mouth waters as cherry flavors linger long. A bit of cherry skin works well on the finish. This is a lovely 2009 for now and to save!

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 Winderlea Pinot Noir Winderlea Vineyard 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Nice deep cherries present themselves on the nose, along with some grapefruit scents in the background. Full oak scents show as well, presenting nutmeg and vanilla. I'm enjoying it, but I'm sure that the oak contributions will be too much for some. The texture is lovely on the palate. Delicate cherries with floral notes show, and the oak is smooth while showing lots of vanilla. Currently, the oak obscures the extent of the fruit and texture, but I imagine this will balance out over time.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

This producer is well respected by everyone I talk to, and it's always exciting to check in on his wines. For this weekend, they had a full flight of 2009 Pinot Noir. He delivers a larger style, and they'll all benefit from some additional time in bottle, but the Brittan Vineyard really made an impression. It's big, but the acidity and minerality make it a really enjoyable and complex drink right now.

• 2009 Ayoub Pinot Noir Memoirs 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose carries lots of perfume mingled with strawberries and raspberries along with a faint note of sawdust. The fruit is gentle on the palate, but the grapefruit and raspberry flavors are still full. Nutmeg and oak show themselves on the mid palate and they linger out through the finish. The flavors linger well, and the acidity runs out enjoyably.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 Ayoub Pinot Noir Estate 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Pure cherries with skins show on the nose, while light oak gives an earthy component. The cherries remind me a bit of the scent of pie filling, and a faint bit of heat appears on the background. It's gentle all across the palate. The oak is full, but consistent, and the flavors it delivers are light and delicate. Cherries and strawberries make up the fruit expressions, while a bit of lime keeps things bright. The tannins are gentle, and the acid lingers well and dries nicely. The fruit fades before the structure does at this point. To me, this suggests some potential benefit from aging.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 Ayoub Pinot Noir Marsh Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton

  The nose delivers complexity immediately, with bright red and dark components showing themselves together. Red floral and strawberry scents mix with plums, cloves and a bit of earth. It's gentle on contact, and dark cherries with thick skins show quickly. Tannins carry earthy notes heavily into the mid palate while oak, acid, and plums linger. I'm struck by an immediate desire to age this to soften the tannins, and to let the earthy components integrate. If you like it big and burly, hit it now, but for my palate, a few years will bump this up significantly.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 Ayoub Pinot Noir Brittan Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, McMinnville

  The nose is intriguing with lots of spice. Orange peel and cloves blend with scents of dark cherries and a nice minerality. A suggestion of something grilled strikes on the palate, along with some great cherry and grapefruit flavors. The cherries are full and captivating, while blackberry flavors make an appearance late in the game. The acidity is full and it dries the palate out 110%; it's ripping! I dig it! The drying sensation lingers long, while gentle cherries continue to deliver flavor underneath it all. Delicious!

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Barrel Fence Cellars has an interesting project in producing Pinot Noir from both Oregon and New Zealand. The nose on both of these wines was powerfully funky. That's not so much up my alley, but I know that some people would love it. If you like intense, funky noses on your Pinot Noir, you should really check this winery out.

• 2007 Barrel Fence Cellars Pinot Noir 45 North 84 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  If you like barnyard on the nose, you will love this. Some raspberries show through as well, but the barnyard is more than I can really get behind. It's got a gentle touch on the palate, and some nice strawberry flavors deliver early on. The acidity is nice and full, and it runs out well. Some cherry flavors show as well, and the tannins are quite light. I like how the flavor and acidity linger long. This is solid on the palate, but to me, the nose really holds it back. If you dig the stinky Pinot Noir though, you will likely really enjoy this wine.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Barrel Fence Cellars Pinot Noir 45 South 85 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago

  The nose here shows some plum notes all rolled up in some heavy funk that reminds me of wood chips in the garden. It delivers some nice cherry flavors early, and I like the acidity on the mid palate here, but it ends up dominating the flavors a bit toward the finish. Everything is pretty straightforward, but the full acidity helps keep it tasty.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Crumbled Rock was kind enough to host a couple of other wineries on site for Passport Weekend. While the wines didn't really strike me, I am happy to see another producer putting some effort into older Riesling vines.

• 2009 Crumbled Rock Riesling 82 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  The nose is interesting, showing some faint red apples that have been slightly baked. Some scents of dusty earth show in the background as well. Even apples, with the peels intact, show on the palate along with some stony minerality. Some acidity rolls in toward the finish. It's on the simple side, but it still delivers some nice flavors. It's cool that this was made from 30 year old vines, and I do look forward to future vintages of this wine.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Crumbled Rock Pinot Noir Juliard 81 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose is nice, showing cherry and raspberry scents blended with full but even oak. Light cherries and some apple flavors show quickly on the palate, and some enjoyable plum notes come through on the finish. Everything is pretty straightforward, and some heat distracts me a bit, though I will admit that I'm usually pretty sensitive to that.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Cleo's Hill was a guest at Crumbled Rock winery, and they were showing some reasonably priced wines that delivered straightforward, but enjoyable flavor.

• 2009 Cleo's Hill Pinot Gris Murto Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  The nose here is light and fun, showing floral notes along with watermelons, pears, and something I can't put my finger on that suggests spring air. I dig it! Light pears show on the palate, with a bit of pear skin still intact. The flavors are simple, but balanced well, and the fruit has a good feel on the mid palate before fading into the distance. This delivers some solid QPR at the $17 price point listed.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Cleo's Hill Pinot Noir Murto Vineyard 85 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  This nose delivers an interesting combination of something romantic coupled with something rough. I get scents of roses and strawberries along with full strength leather. The flavors are even on contact, with full but balanced plums and cherries working well together. The acid is on the lighter side, and all of the flavors are direct, but they are enjoyable, and they work well together.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Dusky Goose was also a guest at Crumbled Rock. Their Pinot Noir seems to regularly deliver big flavors and big structure, and it has a pretty regular following. I like checking them out to see their expression of the different vintages, and to sometimes see how their wines evolve over a short period of time. It's not entirely my style of Pinot Noir, but even so, it's quite good. Those who prefer this style, would be very happy with any of these wines.

• 2007 Dusky Goose Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  The nose is full of fruit with tangy cranberries and raspberries showing fully, and some strawberry scents lurking in the background. The flavors are even and full on contact. The raspberry and strawberries from the nose deliver, and they're joined by some darker cherry skins. Even structure shows itself later. Overall, the experience is direct and to the point, but delivered with balance and enjoyable flavors.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2007 Dusky Goose Pinot Noir Rambouillet Vineyard 90 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  The nose here is quite enjoyable delivering dark cherries balanced with nice nutmeg scents and a bit of strawberry. The cherries touch down gently and enjoyably before they fade gently to the sides of the mouth. A touch of minerality and some dark tobacco show on the mid palate, and the plums and dark cherry skins show up on the finish. This has a lot going on already, and like many 08's, I see some good aging potential here.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Dusky Goose Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  The nose is big and savory showing dark cherries alongside toasted bread, salami, and mushrooms! That's awesome! It's like a plate of full flavors. The fruit has an excellent touch right out of the gate as dark cherries and tasty citrus work together well. The acidity is even, and never gets too big. I really like the flavors, but the tannins grow from the mid palate to dominate the experience later. While it's a bit much for me now, I think this has some great potential for aging. After those tannins smooth out a bit, the fruit really has the character to deliver something delicious. So, 89+ now, but it's almost guaranteed to go higher within as little as 6 months, and it's got lots of long term potential!

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Much like Winderlea, I've enjoyed Stoller wines in the past, but this trip brought them up a notch for me. The facility is gorgeous, and their staff is friendly and professional. The JV Estate Chardonnay is delivering killer QPR right now! It caught my attention, and I look forward to trying more Chardonnay from this winemaker!

• 2010 Stoller Chardonnay JV Estate 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Wow! The nose has a lot going on here. I get scents of honey, gooseberries, and full apples in the foreground, with hints of limes, and bananas showing themselves here and there. The apples are crisp and clean on the palate, and this wine is delivering delicious fruit right out of the gate. It's bright and fun, with great acidity lingering along with the fruit flavors, and apples hanging on long into the finish. 89+ and a great QPR. I look forward to more Chardonnay from Stoller.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Stoller Chardonnay SV Estate 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Full oak shows immediately on the nose along with rich fruit. Apples and grapes show like they're mixed into a fruit salad with plenty of cream. Despite the richness on the nose, some good acidity hits on the palate with a round touch. The fruit has a gentle and relaxed feeling. All components linger well on the finish while the oak makes an appearance while remaining in a background.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2010 Stoller Pinot Noir Rosé 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Nice strawberries show on the nose, mixed with something that reminds me of sun baked grass in a field and a faint note of honey! Cool stuff! It's even and round on the palate with friendly acid setting in later. Round strawberry flavors are direct and enjoyable. 87+

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Stoller Pinot Noir JV Estate 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Smoke and dark cherry skins make up most of the nose, with a bit of apple showing itself in the background. Clean cherries show quickly on the palate while the oak provides a good foundation to set the fruit on. The structure is balanced, and while they don't surprise me the acidity and tannins are balanced very well. To me, this is a textbook 88, and a nice representation of Oregon Pinot Noir.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2007 Stoller Pinot Noir SV Estate Dundee Hills 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Oak rolls out on the nose and the whole package has a dark character. The oak delivers chocolate scents, and full, dark cherries accompany it. The dark cherries show quite well on the palate, and they deliver a smooth character that I'm quite fond of. The acidity is full, and of good quality, which is a compliment I don't deliver lightly. Some light earth shows, as does some faint raspberry flavors in the background. The wine has a pleasant and friendly character to it, and I think it would be approachable to a good range of drinkers. 89-

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 Stoller Tempranillo 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  This has an incredibly dark nose, showing blackberries with maple surrounding them all sitting on a strip of hot asphalt. The oak is full on the palate, coupled with dark cherry flavors and apples. The apples and cherries are both showing fruit and skin character. The tannins here are full, but they stop short of becoming overbearing, which is nice to see in Oregon Tempranillo! The acidity contributes well. The overall experience is really big, but that's somewhat expected from this grape. I can see it benefiting from some age as well.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2010 Stoller Riesling

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  A round floral note rolls out immediately on the nose, accompanied by minerality and some light green apples. This nose is clean and inviting, and a hint of honey shows itself later, making it all the more appealing. Clean and crisp green apple flavors show themselves on the palate. Full acidity rips out on the finish while the fruit persists. I'm totally digging this, but I am a sucker for powerful acidity! Apparently I got distracted and failed to score this as well.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

This is a regular favorite of mine, and this weekend's visit delivered again on the things I really enjoy. Everyone in the tasting room is very friendly, and the wines typically deliver fantastic acidity and mouth feel. Jesus Guillen continues to make fantastic wines, and their offerings rotate regularly through various designates and single vineyard offerings. The combination of variety, quality, good atmosphere, and one of the best views in Oregon wine country always makes this a wonderful stop!

• 2008 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Appellation Series Dundee Hills 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Dark cherries show on the nose along with roses and ruby red grapefruit. I like it! Great cherries show on the palate while citrus flavors rise up on the mid palate as the acidity dries things out. Some great rhubarb flavors show up later when I sip this quickly.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Dragon's Bluff Durant Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Dark cherries on the nose have a gentle touch to them. Rose scents show as well along with nutmeg and some tangy orange peels. Full cherries with skins play with full citrus that evolves nicely on the mid palate. A bit of lemon appears with some baking spices later. The tannins have a firm feel to them and a little bit of heat shows through in the background.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Dragon's Bluff Vista Hills 90 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Saturday, April 16, 2011 - Deep, dark cherries and blackberries work with dark spicy notes on the nose, remaining gentle at all times. The mouth feel on the wine is great! Cherry fruit and skins show immediately, and they last long into the mid palate. Some great hibiscus flavors show on the mid palate as well. The tannins fill in slowly from the middle to dry things out fully on the finish while nice cherry fruit lingers on. The acidity never gets too big, but it keeps things nice and clean.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Elegant cherries on the palate run way out while dark raspberry flavors blend nicely with citrus notes on the mid palate. The fruit flavors blend together wonderfully. The structure is dominated by acidity now, which is fine by me. The tannins play their part politely, and they linger long on the palate. The fruit is gorgeous, and the full acidity keeps everything lively, clean, and delicious. 91+

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose is on the dark side with cloves showing with bread crust and dark cherries. A clean wash of cherries rolls across the palate, and oak flavors hit on the sides before acidity dries everything out. The balance is good, and some nice dark fruit lingers with the acidity on the finish. Yum!

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose is already round with cherries and strawberries resting on oak that provides support later. The mouth feel is excellent! It's soft early on and great full acidity clears things out later. Raspberry flavors show with some red tea and green apples that roll in with the acidity on the mid palate. The tannins grow underneath the acidity and the full structure dries the palate fully as the finish runs out. The cherries linger long out onto the finish. Solid sippin! 91-

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Whole Cluster White Rose Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Dark cherry and strawberry scents are lovely and supported by full earthy scents with damp wood and lovely nutmeg beneath. The range of character on the nose is incredible, showing bright and dark notes in full form. The fruit here is just killer with cherries, blackberries, and limes delivering flavor in spades! Just like the nose, the expressions of dark and light characters are fantastic and well integrated. Acidity braces the entire experience while tannins grow to dry everything out on the finish. Everything here lingers incredibly long with structure and fruit showing well after 30s out. Totally decadent!

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

De Ponte Cellars is another of my favorite stops, combining wonderful people, wine, and views into an irresistible package. I got caught up in conversation after the first wine, so I only have one note from this stop, but it's a great wine. Seriously, I think this Melon just gets better year after year as the vines mature!

• 2010 De Ponte Cellars Melon de Bourgogne D.F.B. 90 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  The nose is full and exciting with scents of asian pears and almonds working well together with citrus notes that make this enjoyable before you even taste a drop. I'd recommend a big glass for this, as a white wine glass would probably short-change the nose here. Excellent lime flavors show on the palate, and they're joined by balanced red and green apple flavors. The fruit is full, and a faint floral note appears on the palate as well. The acidity is wonderful, setting in slow and drying intensely on the finish while mouth watering lime flavors linger. The asian pear and apple flavors linger nicely as well. This wine is regularly a favorite, and this vintage is one of the best expressions I've tasted yet! 90

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Every stop was friendly and accessible, and I was really impressed with how well organized the wineries were for the crowds that were coming through. Winderlea, Ayoub, and Stoller all made an impression with wines that delivered at a new level with respect to my palate. Maresh was a friendly stop, both in regard to the atmosphere and wines at hand. DePonte Cellars and White Rose continued to deliver the excellence I associate with them. Every winery was welcoming, and overall the wines covered a good range of styles and flavors showcasing the variety available to wine makers in the Dundee Hills. With a mix of age worthy 2008's and friendly, approachable 2009's available at most of the stops, now is a great time to get out and hit some tasting rooms.