May 17, 2021 - A blend of Pinot Noir (59%) and Chardonnay (41%). Aged sur lattes for a minimum of 3 years before disgorgement. 12,5% alcohol. Tasted blind.
Pale yellow color. Moderately expressive nose with aromas of ripe citrus fruits, some evolved nutty tones, a little bit of juicy red apple and light toasty notes of oats'n'honey bar. The wine is ripe, moderately full-bodied and slightly evolved on the palate with flavors of red apple, some autolytic notes of honey'n'oats, a little bit of spice, light evolved waxy tones, a hint of stony minerality and a touch of sweetness from the dosage. Moderately high acidity with a rich but gentle and silky mousse. The finish is fresh, lively and medium in length with flavors of mealy red apple, some red-toned fruit character, a little bit of toasty autolysis, light honeyed notes and a hint of ripe citrus fruits.
A sophisticated Oregon fizz that is still surprisingly youthful for its age, showing relatively little evolution. One wouldn't confuse this for a Champagne, but stylistically this is not that different and quality-wise this is at least on par with good entry-level Champagnes. Nice, although nothing particularly thrilling. Most likely will continue to improve for at least a handful of years. Priced according to its quality at 31€.
January 2, 2021 - Last of a number of bottles of this. Consistent notes of apple, and citrus with enough acidity to keep things fresh still. Solid qpr.
September 15, 2020 - Well stored bottle. Usual notes of apple, citrus and brioche. Plenty of bubbles and acidity to keep things fresh. Holding up pretty well.
May 5, 2020 - Served chilled. Only a few bottles left from case purchased a number of years ago, stored in cold cellar. Still crisp and clean with green apple, white stone fruits, a little brioche, and a flinty finish. A little more yellow in color and slightly more developed than some bottles. Always solid, and a great everyday sparkler that doesn't make you mind ($) opening them freely.
December 4, 2019 - Another solid showing for this Oregon sparkler. The usual apple, pear, and brioche on nose and palate. Crisp and clean with enough acidity to keep things vibrant. Lots of bubbles still, and based on this bottle, plenty of time left. Solid qpr.
November 5, 2019 - Served very chilled. Just a delicious Oregon sparkler. Nose and notes of apple, pear, and a bit of citrus, with toasty brioche on the finish. I've been drinking these Argyle vintage bruts for a lot of years and they never disappoint. This and the '11 are two of the best. The bottle did seem to be just starting to lose a little bit of fizz, but might have just been the serving temp. Solid qpr.
July 5, 2019 - This is the very last bottle that I have of this wine that I purchased a half a dozen years or so ago now. They have all been fantastic and this is no exception: pear and peach with considerable mineral notes, this is one of the best domestic sparklers at this price point. Sad to see them go.... thedrunkencyclist.com
February 12, 2019 - Consistent notes.
November 24, 2018 - I can't remember exactly when I jumped on the Argyle bandwagon, but it was a while ago. I had an in at the winery that got me the "good stuff" for relatively cheap. For instance, I picked up these 2009 Sparklers for less than half of the suggested retail. Yeah. I know. It has been a while since I have popped one and I remember the previous iterations to be characterized by an abundance of green apple. Well, no longer as it seems to have evolved into more of a pear and even peach nose with plenty of yeasty goodness. The palate is simply delightful with a vibrant sparkle, great flavors, and a near searing acidity. Nearly a decade out and this is beautiful. thedrunkencyclist.com
February 24, 2018 - For a 20$ bottle of bubbly, not too bad. Not enough acid for me , a little too smooth/ creamy perhaps. Not too aromatic, small bubbles that disappear quickly. A little yeast and lemon on the palate, not much else stood out