Owen Bargreen

Home
United States
Everett, WA
Owen Bargreen

An expert's guide to Washington, Oregon and California wines. I write about wines that inspire me.

Wine critic Owen Bargreen offers independent expert coverage on Washington, Oregon and California wines, wineries and will share in-depth written interviews and video interviews on his website, Facebook and Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/owenbargreen/
Owen has a special focus on wines of Spain and Sauternes.

11/09/2024

Unforgettable meal, Christophe Baron & Todd Alexander dinner for Grenache Fest here at the Walla Walla Steak Company. Amazing times and beautiful wines from their cellars 🥩 🍷

11/07/2024

Vigneron Christophe Baron appoints Karin Gasparotti as Resident Vigneronne of his Walla Walla Valley-based Bionic Wines Portfolio

We have some huge news out of Walla Walla today.
Christophe Baron, the French Vigneron behind acclaimed Cayuse Vineyards and Bionic Wines, is pleased to announce that he is promoting Karin Gasparotti to Resident Vigneronne of Bionic Wines, where she will oversee year-round operations in the wine cellar.
In 2021, Gasparotti joined the team as Assistant Vigneronne for Baron’s Bionic Wines U.S. portfolio, which comprises critically acclaimed Cayuse Vineyards, Horsepower Vineyards, Hors Catégorie, and the aptly named No Girls Wines—wines that champion female wine professionals making great wines.
“Women create some of the best wines in the world. Karin is an incredible talent and has consistently demonstrated her sophisticated palate, ambitious nature, and intuitive winemaking skills since joining the team,” says Baron, who will continue to oversee Bionic Wines’ portfolio while devoting time to his eponymous brand Champagne Christophe Baron.
“In recognition of her dedication and accomplishments during the past four vintages, I’m thrilled to formally announce Karin as Resident Vigneronne of Bionic Wines.”
Gasparotti, an Idaho native, is a dedicated wine creator with over 18 years of experience. She completed Washington State University’s program for Viticulture and Enology and then worked at a winery in Walla Walla, where she helped craft Bordeaux blends for 11 years—a depth of knowledge and experience that she is pouring into her work at Bionic Wines.
“The philosophy behind Bionic Wines is to be true to ourselves and the terroir by creating distinctive, low-intervention wines that express every unique vintage,” explains Gasparotti.
“I've been working with Cabernet and Merlot to create blends that are a little larger and more structured than what we've released previously. I’m excited to share them with the wine world, especially those who have supported the evolution of Bionic Wines over the decades.”
Current Resident Vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier, after being a mother for the second time, has decided to take a break to spend more time with her partner and two young children.
“I’m really proud of what I have accomplished in my career while being a mother and showing what women in the wine industry can achieve.”
“I am extremely grateful to Christophe, Trevor, and the entire team for their support and companionship in my years here at Bionic Wines.. It’s exciting to see Karin, another skilled female winemaker, step into this position and I am excited for what the future holds.”
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Elizabeth for the last 16 years, she will be missed, and we wish her all the best” says Baron.
“I want to thank Elizabeth for her wisdom and knowledge. It’s been wonderful and educational to work alongside her.” adds Gasparotti.
Karin looks forward to working with Christophe to continue this tradition, leveraging her passion and position to encourage women to join the industry and mentor emerging local winemaking talent.
“In the wine world, all eyes are on Walla Walla. The region has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, which I thrive on,” says Gasparotti.
“I’m extremely excited for what’s ahead. My professional goal has always been to become Resident Vigneronne. After four incredible vintages at Bionic Wines, I’m ready to take on more challenges.”

11/07/2024

Argyle: The Art of Sparkling

Today we present one of the famed houses in Oregon and a leading bubbles producer in the North America. More than 20 yeas ago I took notice that Argyle was steadily gaining a sterling reputation for sparkling wines under their guidance of Oregon legendary winemaker Rollin Soles. For anyone who has visited the Willamette Valley, Argyle is always an awesome stop as they offer a really cool flight of bubbles and also produce not only one of the consistently great ‘Brut’ sparkling wines that you will find, but also their famed ‘Extended Tirage’ which has been one of the top sparkling wines made in North America. They have a modern tasting room that is an amazing spot to taste wine at. Nate Klostermans has now been at the helm here for many years and is doing a terrific job with so many sparkling wine SKUs and his fabulous entry level bottling.
A few years back Argyle launched ‘The Art of Sparkling’ which is an amazing project that support the talents of student artists. A collaboration with the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), every year three PNCA student artists are selected to receive the Argyle scholarship. The students then immerse themselves in the Argyle story by visiting the vineyards, winery and Tasting House. This experience serves as inspiration for their artwork. The three pieces of art are then turned into labels for the Art of Sparkling 3-bottle set. This is just an amazing program that helps support the arts and includes three bottles of their glorious new 2021 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which overdelivers for the price. Learn more at argylewinery.com and here is my review of the new 2021 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine.

2021 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 ‘Brut’ by Argyle is beautifully-textured stuff that deftly captures the heat of the vintage. The weight you pick up really shines when this is served on the warmer side. Challah bread and cantaloupe tones combine with salty minerals and shades of ginger on the palate. A gorgeous new wine, this is such a killer value at around 30 dollars USD.. Drink 2024-2032 92

11/07/2024

Saviah Cellars

Today we share one of the outstanding Walla Walla houses that somehow manages to fly under the radar. Saviah Cellars was founded back in 2000, starting with only 300 cases produced. Today they particularly gain fame from their Syrah wines that are sourced from their two estate vineyards in the Walla Walla Rocks District. Saviah was started by winemaker Richard Funk and his wife, Anita, who are both natives of Montana who moved to Walla Walla in 1991 and later planted their first vineyard in 2001. Saviah is a family name from Anita’s great-grandmother, a schoolteacher, artist and author, who settled in western Montana in the early 1900s.
Richard is one of the great people in Washington wine. I had such a nice visit with him before he did a little pre-harvest trip to Italy. Rich makes some truly outstanding wines. With him I toured his two great estate vineyards, ‘The Stones Speak’ and ‘The Funk Estate’ vineyards. With a foundation in microbiology, Richard previously worked as the Environmental Health Specialist with the Walla Walla County Health Department and is a self-taught winemaker. Richard has assisted several wineries with their start-up processes and served as the winemaker for Watermill Winery from 2006-2009, àMaurice winery from 2005-2006 and also has served as a consulting winemaker for several new wineries.
I love the new wines across the board. Check out the 2023 The Jack Red Wine (OB, 91) which is a total steal for the price. I adored the new 2022 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah (OB, 96) which is very stony and savory with a terrific mouthfeel. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://www.saviahcellars.com/ Here are the outstanding new wines by Saviah.

2023 The Jack Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 The Jack Sauvignon Blanc has 14% Viognier blended in. This is smooth with copious minerals on the palate showing melon and gooseberry notes. Enjoy this outstanding value now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028- 91

2023 The Jack Red Wine The 2023 The Jack Red Wine is mainly Merlot (77%) with the remained Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Toasty oak combine with a smooth mouthfeel and rich black and red fruits, with pencil lead and chocolate notes. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2029- 91

2023 Saviah Chardonnay- The brilliant 2023 Saviah Chardonnay comes from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Vanilla cream and pie crust mark the palate alongside Meyer lemon zest and shades of baked apple. Beautifully balanced and big on the mouth, don’t serve this beauty too cold! Drink 2024-2032- 93

2023 Saviah Viognier- Sourced from the Saviah Estate Vineyard, this brilliant 2023 Viognier offers peach and honeysuckle on the nose with star jasmine and shades of ripe Japanese pear. The palate shows a smooth mouthfeel and is loaded with tension. Delicious now, watch this evolve over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2022 Sarah Barbera- The 2022 Barbera comes from the Dugger Creek Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. Medium-bodied and very red fruit-driven, this offers bright strawberry and red cherry flavors that mingle well with damp earth and shades of Earl Grey tea. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2021 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak’ Tempranillo- The 2021 ‘The Stones Speak’ Tempranillo has 10% Syrah blended in. Oyster sauce and red currants parade with shades of charcuterie and red cherry on the palate. Showing a soft mouthfeel and good tension, enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2021 Saviah ‘The Funk Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% varietal, the 2021 ‘The Funk Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this 10 acre site littered by large cobblestones in the Rocks District. This is dense and delicious stuff, showing savory herbs and coppa meat flavors alongside Hoisin sauce, creme de violette, tar and smoldering stone on the palate. Very complex and delicious, enjoy this nicely evolved stuff now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2022 Saviah ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The really good 2022 Saviah ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah is another great release from this beautiful producer of Rhone varietals. Smoked brisket, boysenberry cordial and rich chocolate flavors mark the palate alongside violets and tar notes. Enjoy now and over the next seven years. Drink 2024-2031- 93

2022 Saviah ‘Reserve’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Reseve’ comes from the Stones Speak and Funk Estate as well as the Watermill Estate and Waterstone Estate Vineyards. The nose is stunning with iodine and charcuterie notes alongside shades of black cherry compote, soy sauce and shades of wet stone. The palate is plush and seamless with great weight and texture. A gorgeous wine to enjoy now, savor this over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 95

2021 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah- A great showing in 2021, the Saviah ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah really shines in its depth, concentration and stony essence. Salty herbs and Oyster sauce notes combine with seaweed, violets, tar and shades of black currant jelly on the palate. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2024-2032- 95

2022 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ Syrah- Another world-class release, the 2022 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this slightly cooler year in The Rocks District. This edition has 4% Viognier blended in. The beautiful white florals from the Viognier are singing now as wet rock and prosciutto aromatics combine with red currants, orange peel and shades of smoked brisket. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth mouthfeel and generous sense of weight. A total stunner, this is amongst the finest editions of this wine from Saviah that I have tasted. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2020 Saviah ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2020 ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this Columbia Valley site set at 1250 feet. Jet black in the glass, this delivers loads of dense dark fruits with chocolate fudge, tar, anise and Cuban cigar notes. Complex and delicious, no reason to cellar this beauty. Cheers to Rich Funk and his team for making a world-class wine in this more than difficult vintage. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2022 Saviah ‘Une Vallee’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Une Vallee’ combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Green herbs and shades of black currants combine with blackberry compote and creme de violette on the nose. The palate is fresh and polished with a smooth texture. Medium-bodied and soft, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2022 Saviah Malbec- The 2022 Saviah Malbec was sourced from the Anna Marie and Summit View Vineyards. Stored in mainly new wood, this shows off its inky core in the glass, offering violets and chocolate on the nose alongside shades of cassis and black licorice. The palate is deep and concentrated with firm tannins that frame a brilliant core of black and blue fruit flavors, with spice box and milk chocolate undertones. Gorgeous to consume now, watch this evolve over the next twelve years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 94

11/06/2024

Cellar Selection: 2014 Bodega LAN ‘A Mano’ Rioja

Today we share one of the jewels of Spain. A great winery to visit in La Rioja, Bodegas LAN was founded in 1972. LAN is an acronym based on the initials of each of the three provinces that form the D.O.C. Rioja: Logroño (currently part of La Rioja), Alava and Navarra. Their oak program is particularly interesting as French, American, Russian and hybrid barrels (American staves and French oak heads built in the same barrel) are utilized in the blending. Bodegas LAN’s estate Viña Lanciano Vineyard parallels the Ebro river and is set on 72 hectares. Having visited the property a few years back it is hard to describe the beauty of the land. Grapes for their premium bottlings, the Viña Lanciano, the LAN A Mano and the Culmen. The vineyard has 24 plots, and is planted to Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha vines, aged on average up to 60 years. During harvest grapes are hand-harvested and once in the winery, bunches and grains are individually selected by hand prior to fermentation.
Their top wine is the ‘A Mano’ which is a barrel selection wine that is powerful and dense. It is an unabashedly modern style of Rioja. I love the 2014 ‘A Mano’ (OB, 95) which is dense and chewy with gobs of dense dark fruits. Learn more about Bodegas LAN at http://www.bodegaslan.com Here is my review of the Bodegas LAN ‘A Mano’ from 2014.

2014 Bodega LAN ‘A Mano’ Rioja- The 2014 ‘A Mano’ is a masterpiece from this challenging vintage in La Rioja. Now at the ten year mark this beauty is right at its peak — and still has a long way to go. A lush mouthfeel and beautiful tension greets you upon entry, showing dense boysenberry and black currant fruit flavors, with hints of menthol and milk chocolate. Broad-shouldered and generous, consume this beauty over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 95

11/06/2024

Clarice Wine Company

Today we share the brilliant wines of Adam Lee and Clarice Wine Company. Adam Lee has been making Pinot Noir for 25 years from Oregon to the Santa Rita Hills. A unique winery project, Clarice Wine Company has a membership of over 600 people. As part of their community members have the chance to interact with each other, sharing wine opinions and wine list guidance, as well as recommendations for wine travel, restaurants, hotels, events and more.
Lee caught the wine bug while in Texas working in wine sales in the 1990s. Fast forward to 1994 he and his wife founded Siduri which became one of the state’s top producers of Pinot Noir. Their brand grew from 107 cases in 1994 to 25,000 cases in 2015 when they sold to Jackson Family Wines.
Clarice Wine Company is named after Lee’s grandmother who was his closest friend growing up. The wines are sourced from top sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Check out the world-class 2023 Clarice Wine Company ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is dense and salty with serious underlying tension. Learn more about this outstanding wine project at https://claricewinecompany.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Clarice and winemaker Adam Lee.

2023 Clarice Wine Company ‘Santa Lucia Highlands’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Santa Lucia Highlands’ comes from the famed Rosella’s and Gary’s Vineyards, as this was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels before bottling. Deeply colored in the glass, this delivers red florals alongside damp soils, black cherry compote and shades of cloves on the nose. The palate is fresh with serious verve that combines with the rich mouthfeel. A generous and layered Pinot Noir, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2023 Clarice Wine Company ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The astonishingly good 2023 Clarice Wine Company ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this 50 acre site set on the benchlands of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Owners Gary and Rosella Franscioni planted the vineyard in 1996. This is concentrated and flavorful Pinot Noir that is delightful to consume in its tension-laden youth. Cola and red currants combine with shades of red licorice and sandy soils on the nose. The palate is big and rich with serious verve. A delight to savor now, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2024-2038- 96

2023 Clarice Wine Company ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Clarice Wine Company ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this nearly 30 year old, 50+ acre vineyard that was named after partners Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni. Deeply fragrant, this shows off lavender and loganberry notes on the nose alongside shades of diatomaceous soils. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and generous core of red and black fruits. Salty and very savory, this is a world-class Pinot Noir that is built to age. Drink 2024-2038- 96

11/06/2024

Moret-Brealynn

Today we share the great new wines of Moret-Bealynn. This is a new brand which was founded back in 2021. Moret Brealynn is a California born Mexican-American who started in hospitality at the tasting rooms of Silver Oak Cellars and Twomey. She then took a marketing position at Kosta Browne where she organized all winemaker and principal involvement in national and local events. She spent the next five years at HALL Family Wines and managed the Hall's book, A Perfect Score. Morét managed multiple departments and companies to propel the book to the New York Times Bestsellers List ( #11, so good it got number one twice) along with 40+ events for the book tour. Through that role, she formed a strong connection with Vintner Kathryn Walt Hall and at the end of the project, became Kathryn's Executive Assistant. Morét became the Happy Hour Show Producer for the company's multiple social channels. This role expanded to being able to meet and work with A-List talent from Tina Fey, the cast of Schitt's Creek, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Martin Short, countless athletes, musicians, and other inspiring individuals. In that group, Morét met Adam Lee, co-founder of Siduri Wines and owner and winemaker for Clarice and Beau Marchais. Adam was impressed with the professionalism and organization of the show and after further discussions, Morét joined him as his General Manager. Morét's exposure to the production side of the wine industry grew and her passion for making her own wine.
Through Adam, Morét met Jim Pratt, who manages vineyards around Sonoma County, including Lakeview Vineyard in Russian River Valley. Jim offered her the opportunity to source four tons of Pinot Noir for her first vintage in 2021. Morét Brealynn now produces Pinot Noir from this vineyard, along with two Appellation Pinot Noirs. Morét is also a Board Member of Wine Women, a non profit focused on connecting women in the wine industry. Her new wines were really good. I love the 2023 Moret-Brealynn ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is fresh with plenty of texture. Learn more at https://moretbrealynnwines.com/morét-brealynn and here are my reviews of the new Moret-Brealynn wines.

2023 Moret-Brealynn ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this site that neighbors the Pacific Ocean, the 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir opens with a bouquet of salty red fruits and orange rind alongside bergamot and white truffle shavings. The palate is fresh and delicious with a smooth texture. Generous and wonderfully salty, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2023 Moret-Brealynn ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- Packed full of flavor, the 2023 Moret-Brealynn ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir offers juicy cranberry and cola notes on the palate with allspice and dried herbal accents. Medium to full-bodied and full of life, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 91

2023 Moret-Brealynn ‘Lakeview Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Lakeview Vineyard’ comes from two different clonal selections, as this underwent a small portion of whole cluster fermentation before bottling. Rich and generous on the mouth, this offers black cherry and black raspberry flavors with freshly tilled salty soils on the palate. Delicious and showing a soft texture and good underlying finesse, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

11/06/2024

Lachini Vineyards

Today we share the great wines of Lachini. It was 2001 when Ron and Marianne Lachini decided to take the plunge and locate in the Chehalem Mountains AVA to showcase wines from this special, terroir-driven location. Lachini produces a wide range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that show wonderful terroir and poise. Ron Lachini is one of the great personalities in Oregon wine. A down to earth guy, he is passionate about producing great Pinot Noir from his vineyard. Lachini has tasting rooms in both Oregon and Woodinville. The wines that they have made from Washington are also seriously good.
They rely on the winemaking talents of Florent Merlier who has been at the helm since 2022. I adored the 2021 Lachini Vineyards ‘Prima’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is a world-class wine from this warm vintage. Learn more about this great Oregon winery at https://www.lachinivineyards.com Here are the great new release wines by Lachini Vineyards.

2019 Lachini Brut Rose Sparkling Wine- The 2019 Brut Rose has the faintest salmon hue. A soft mousse and effervescence, this leads with pastry crust and banana with macadamia nut notes on the nose alongside shades of red raspberry. The palate is big and round with a generous mouthfeel and beautiful sense of tension. Salty and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2023 Lachini ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- Coming from their estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, the 2023 Chardonnay offers poached pear and shades of ripe pineapple on the nose with vanilla cream. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture and good sense of minerality. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2031- 92

2022 Lachini ‘Cuvee Giselle’ Pinot Noir- The excellent 2022 ‘Cuvee Giselle’ was sourced from the Chehalem Mountain AVA. This comes off soft and generous with rich Bing cherry and red raspberry flavors that combine with salty minerals, orange peel and suggestions of fresh sage. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2023 Lachini ‘Le Sorelilni’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Lachini ‘Le Sorelilni’ Pinot Noir is sourced from Swan, Wadenswil and Dijon clonal selections throughout the Willamette Valley. Stored in 60% new French oak, this offers a generous mouthfeel. Loaded with bright red fruits, to***co leaf and salty minerals, this is a beautiful and bright, mineral-driven Pinot Noir that will satisfy for at least another decade. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2022 Lachini ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- A gorgeous follow up to the dazzling 2021, the 2022 'Estate’ Pinot Noir combines Pommard, Wädenswil, Dijon 113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and a 'suitcase clone' (L.T.) This is lithe and polished stuff with a smooth mouthfeel. Generous red fruits mingle well with orange zest and shades of black truffle. The salty soil nuance adds to the enjoyment as this outstanding bottling is best consumed now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 94

2023 Lachini ‘La Cruz Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘La Cruz’ Pinot Nor comes from this site in the Sonoma Coast AVA that neighbors the Pacific Ocean. Salty pomegranate seed and kumquat zest flavors combine with crushed wet rock and shades of Yakima cherry on the palate. Rich and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Lachini ‘Prima’ Pinot Noir- A limited production bottling, the 2021 ‘Prima’ is a world-class bottling that is up there with the finest wines made from this estate. The Pinot Noir combines Dijon clone 115, Dijon clone 116, Pommard clone and Waidenswil selections. This is bold and seamless wine that offers a great core of black and red fruits, with volcanic earth and gobs of salty character. Full-bodied, beautifully speaking to the vintage, with herbal undertones, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 95

2022 Lachini ‘La Bestia’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Made from vines sourced from the Quintessence, Red Willow and Boushey Vineyards, this was stored in a combination of American and French oak before bottling. This is deep and concentrated stuff with dark licorice, black currants, and shades of Black Forest cake flavors. Showing good tension and a smooth mouthfeel, with pencil lead accents, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2024-2039- 93

2022 Lachini ‘La Contrada’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘La Contrada’ combines 50% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder equal parts Merlot and Malbec. This is big and bold stuff with a terrific sense of richness, tension and flavor density. Rich dark fruits parade with shades of dark chocolate shavings and creme de violette with tar accents. Full-bodied, this is absolutely ready to be enjoyed now. Drink 2024-2036- 93

11/05/2024

Colene Clemens

In his youth Joe Stark had ambitions of someday owning his own business. He worked in his father's small cabinet shop and learned about business from his father. In 1980 his wife Vicki and he were able to fulfill his dream by founding Colene Clemens, named after Vicki’s mother. Colene Clemens was created right in their own backyard, as their property had the correct aspect (south facing), elevations (350ft to 650 ft) and an array of high quality, proven Pinot Noir soils to start their winery.
Winemaker Steve Goff is originally from Philadelphia and moved to San Francisco. Steve became fascinated with winemaking, eventually graduating from the Enology and Viticulture program at Fresno State University and he worked his way to the position of Assistant Winemaker at Beaux Frères. After working six vintages at Beaux Frères, he joined Joe and Vicki Stark in 2008 as the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager for Colene Clemens. Steve’s new wines from the 2021vintage are really outstanding across the board. I love the new 2021 Colene Clemens ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is a killer value with plenty of depth. Even better is the fantastic 2021 Colene Clemens ‘Adriane’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which shows outstanding flavor range right now. Learn more about these outstanding wines at coleneclemens.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Colene Clemens and winemaker Steve Goff.

2021 Colene Clemens ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 ‘Margo’ offers dense red raspberry and ash notes alongside black tea and shades of Linzer torte. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and good sense of length. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2021 Colene Clemens ‘Victoria’ Pinot Noir-The 2021 ‘Victoria’ is a gorgeous bottling that is drinking beautifully right now. Kirsch and black raspberry notes combine with salty and stony accents on the nose. The palate is soft and initing with a smooth mouthfeel. Showing beautifully right now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Colene Clemens ‘Adriane’ Pinot Noir-Coming form the Chehalem Mountains AVA, the 2021 Colene Clemens ‘Adriane’ Pinot Noir shows beautiful depth, tension and richness from this warm vintage. Wet stone and damp earthy accents mark this wine that shows a gorgeous core of red and black fruit flavors with excellent verve.Drink 2024-2034- 93

2022 Colene Clemens ‘Dopp Creek’ Pinot Noir- A stunning wine from their Chehalem Mountains estate, the 2022 ‘Dopp Creek’ offers pretty red rose petals that mingle well with allspice dusted red cherry and pomegranate seed notes. The palate is soft and inviting with good verve and a smooth texture. Finishing long with copious minerals and rich red fruits with orange peel, this is a beautiful effort that is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2036- 93

11/04/2024

Chateau Pichon Baron

Today we share one of the outstanding houses on the Left Bank. Château Pichon Longueville Baron was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the original 1855 Bordeaux wine classification. Pichon Baron was once part of a larger estate, owned by Pierre de Rauzan and alongside Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. The estate was then divided in 1850 into the two current Pichon estates. While quality remained not as strong as its neighbor, a big change came in 1987 when the estate was bought by a French insurance company AXA which transformed the quality of the wines. Jean-Michel Causes of Chateau Lynch-Bages became the winery administrator which greatly improved quality of this historic estate.
The winery has 73 hectares which are largely planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%) with smaller portions Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with average vine age at 30 years. The vineyard is situated at the southern end of the commune of Pauillac near border with the Saint-Julien-Beychevelle appellation. Current winemaker, Alexandra Lebossé, joined Château Pichon Baron in 1999 as assistant technical director and then cellar master since 2007, she became winemaker in 2017.
I have been enchanted by these wines, particularly those from the mid-90s and on. I love where the 2016 Chateau Pichon Baron (OB, 96) is at right now. This beauty has at least 20 years of life left. Check out the 2023 Chateau Pichon Baron ‘Les Griffins de Pichon Baron, Grand Vin Sec White Wine (OB, 92) which is a beautiful Bordeaux blanc with a smooth mouthfeel and great underling tension. Learn more about this famed chateau at https://www.pichonbaron.com Here are my reviews of the recently Chateau Pichon Baron wines.

2023 Chateau Pichon Baron ‘Les Griffins de Pichon Baron, Grand Vin Sec White wine- This is a new wine by Pichon Baron that is 100% Semillon coming from estate vines set on a limestone bedrock. It is smooth and elegant on the mouth with gooseberry, toasted hazelnut and cantaloupe flavors alongside a soft texture. Inviting and round, with good underlying tension, enjoy now and over the next seven years. Drink 2024-2031- 92

2016 Chateau Pichon Baron- The 2016 Chateau Pichon Baron is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot. Green herbs combine with black currants, black raspberry and stony soils on the palate. The tannins have softened since I have last tasted this beauty. Medium to full-bodied and impeccably balanced, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twenty years. Give this at least an hour of air if enjoying now. Drink 2025-2045- 96

Address

2808 Colby Avenue Suite B
Everett, WA
98201

Telephone

+14253030201

Website

http://www.owenbargreen.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Owen Bargreen posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Owen Bargreen:

Videos

Unforgettable meal, Christophe Baron & Todd Alexander dinner for Grenache Fest here at the Walla Walla Steak Company. Amazing times and beautiful wines from their cellars 🥩 🍷

Ran through this older Beaucastel. Plenty of marvelous push-pull between primary and secondary notes. A total stunner 🍷🔥🇫🇷

Unforgettable event yesterday as I hosted famed vigneron Christophe Baron and his 100 point Grenache wines at Hotel 1000 in Seattle. Here are some of the highlights 🐸🍷💥

Shortcuts

Our Story

This blog is dedicated to gaining a better appreciation and understanding for the world of wine. While the blog has a special focus on Washington wines, domestic and international wines will also be rated and discussed. How are wines rated? Wines are rated on a scale of 0-100. Essentially no wines that are currently made receive a score under 70. Here is how the ratings are determined: 96-100: An extraordinary or superlative wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety. Wines of this pedigree are typically worth a special effort to find, purchase, and consume. 90 - 95: An outstanding wine of exemplary complexity and character. In short, these are terrific wines but fall short of being superlative. 80 - 89: A slightly above average to very good wine displaying various degrees of complexity and flavor with few or no major flaws. 70 - 79: An average wine with few distinctions except that it is adequately made. A simple wine with little character. 60 - 69: A lesser than average wine containing considerable flaws. 50 - 59: A unacceptably made wine with major flaws.