North American Saké

The Northwest is a center for North American Saké:

1976 South Block Reserve – The Eyrie Vineyards

By now it is a well worn tale to Oregon wine aficionados: how in 1979 a pinot noir from The Eyrie Vineyards bested all but one red Burgundy in a GaultMillau tasting in Paris, thereby attracting the interest of Robert Drouhin to Oregon and sparking the legitimation of Willamette Valley pinot. What hasn’t been fully appreciated is that the winning wine, vintage 1975 South Block Reserve, was never sold on the open market. Indeed, The Eyrie South Block Reserve wines were made in vintages from 1970 to 2007—but only two vintages were ever released for sale. “The more Dad liked a wine,” explained son Jason Lett, “the more he wouldn’t sell it!” Winemaker, legend, and…

Crayelle Cellars, Washington

  2009 Dry Riesling, Washington $15

Tantalus, British Columbia

2008 Old Vines Riesling, Okanagan Valley VQA

Dusted Valley Vintners, Washington

2010 Pinot Gris, Boomtown, Washington State

Tre Nova, Oregon

2010 Rosato, Dry Sangiovese Rosé, Columbia Valley, Washington

St. Innocent Winery, Oregon

2008 Pinot Noir, Temperance Hill Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills

Anam Cara Cellars, Oregon

2008 Pinot Noir, Heather’s Vineyard, Nicholas Estate, Chehalem Mountains

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington

2010 Riesling, Columbia Valley Off-dry.

Van Duzer Vineyards, Oregon

2010 Pinot Gris, Estate, Willamette Valley