2012 Argyle Willamette Valley Brut Sparkling Wine

The 2012 Argyle Brut is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir from high elevation sites, partly from the Spirit Hill Vineyard. It has a lifted lime flower and white peach-scented bouquet, floral in style and very well defined. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry with squeezed lime and green apple notes, well-judged acidity and a zesty finish that is just the ticket on a warm summer's day. Recommended. I am often impressed how New World sparkling wine stacks up against much of Champagne, and Argyle is no exception. Nate Klosterman makes some of Oregon's best sparklers here, packed full of flavor and tension. While I am not quite as smitten by the dry whites, it's really the bubbles that count at this address and there is a lot of pleasure to be found, especially when sourced from the great Knudsen Vineyard. Sparkling wine will become an increasingly important part of the Oregon winemaking scene and I have no doubt that Argyle will remain at the forefront. (NM)