2018 provided a bounty of good grapes providing Argyle with a terrific base to work from in creating the 2018 Argyle Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley). Tasting brings out a vibrant range of black cherry, cranberry, and blueberry, a subtle layer of oak, and lively acidity. It’s average price point of $22, according to Wine-Searcher, provides a solid wine at a good value.
Grapes and the Wine
The 2018 growing season began with a relatively mild and dry winter and moderately cool spring, leading to bud break during the second and third weeks of April. Temperatures picked up in May and continued into a beautiful mid-June bloom. The rest of the summer continued to be warm and very dry, with no precipitation for nearly 3 months. Early September remained warm and dry through the beginning of the sparkling harvest, but then cooled down with a few days of precipitation in the middle of the month. In all, the 2018 harvest was very condensed, having started with Chardonnay at the lower elevations of Lone Star Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills on September 4th and finishing with Pinot Noir in the upper elevations of the Eola-Amity Hills at Spirit Hill Vineyard on October 2nd.
The wine itself is 100% Pinot Noir made from grapes in the Knudsen Vineyard in Dundee Hills at an elevation of 530 to 1000 feet, Lone Star Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills at an elevation of 200 to 400 feet, Spirit Hill Vineyard at an elevation of 700 to 850 feet and Giving Tree Vineyard at an elevation of 350 to 550 feet.
The 2018 Argyle Pinot Noir Tasting Review
A fragrant mix of black cherry, cranberry, and blueberry with a subtle layer of oak. Aroma has a nice balance, with fruit, oak, and fresh earth, with a hint of chocolate and roasted coffee.
Wine Enthusiast gives the 2018 Argyle Pinot Noir 90 points.
The Price of the 2018 Argyle Pinot Noir
Argyle Winery and wine.com show that this wine is not available on their sites, and tout the 2019 vintage for $26.99, however, Total Wine & More shows that it is available for $20.99
