Wine Enthusiast – October 2019

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91

Eberle 2018 Côtes-du-Rôbles Blanc (Paso

Robles). This blend of 55% Grenache Blanc,

30% Roussanne and 15% Viognier starts with aro-

mas of peach, mango and tuberose. The palate sizzles

on citrus at first, then comes a richer nectarine fla-

vor, with a finish full of savory salt. —M.K.

abv: 13.5% Price: $24

91

Elk Cove 2018 Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette

Valley). Tones of lemon, lime and green

apple penetrate deeply on the nose and palate. It’s

tart and juicy, with a bright profile that will please

many. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.

abv: 13% Price: $19

91

Grosgrain 2018 Kiona Vineyard Pét-Nat Old

Vine Lemberger (Red Mountain). An inaugu-

ral release from this winery, this wine comes from

the original blocks planted on Red Mountain in

1975. Aromas of strawberry, apple and baked bread
      lead to light, bright and mouthwatering fruit fla-
      vors. Aromatics, body, acid structure and, best of
      all, enjoyment—this wine ticks all the boxes. Edi-
      tors’ Choice. —S.S.
      abv: 11.3% Price: $26

91

King Estate 2017 Backbone Pinot Gris (Wil-

lamette Valley). This wine is a blend of top

barrels from diverse sites. It’s layered in citrus,

pear and peach flavors, showing a lovely texture

and overall balance. Drink through 2024. Editors’

Choice. —P.G.

abv: 13.5% Price: $28

91

King Estate 2017 Croft Sauvignon Blanc (Wil-

lamette Valley). This vineyard-designate

wine is beautifully defined and proportioned. It

deftly mixes the grape’s grassy and citrusy side with

a ripe stone-fruit flavor that yields a full-bodied,

almost fleshy mouthfeel. The finish is textural and

dotted with cinnamon spice. —P.G.

abv: 14.2% Price: $28

91

King Estate 2017 Quail Run 70% Gold Vineyard

30% Roussanne-Marsanne (Rogue Valley). A

foray south into Rhône-style white blends, this is a

tasty, fruit-powered wine. Ripe peach, apricot and

melon flavors coat the palate, with floral highlights

and a burst of buttery caramel that lingers on the

finish. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.

abv: 13.9% Price: $28

91

L’Ecole No. 41 2016 Perigee Seven Hills Vine-

yard Estate Grown Red (Walla Walla Valley).

This wine is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Mer-

lot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 7%

Malbec. Aromas of leafy green herb, cherry cordial,

wood and vanilla intertwine with lavender and

orange peel accents. The fruit flavors are elegant

and highly structured, brightened by tart acidity.

Best after 2024. Cellar Selection. —S.S.

abv: 14.5% Price: $54

91

McKinney 2015 Napoleon’s Secret (Santa

Ynez Valley). The emperor’s apparent secret

was that he allowed Syrah to be in Bordeaux blends.

This mix of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Syrah,

13% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc and

2% Petit Verdot offers cedar and baked black-plum

aromas on the nose. The palate boasts black cur-

rant and blueberry flavors, with a slight hoisin spice

note. —M.K.

abv: 13.9% Price: $75

91

Pike Road 2018 Chardonnay (Willamette Val-

ley). This is a richly fruity wine, with apple,

pear and kiwi flavors in abundance. It softens up on

the midpalate, with a spicy cinnamon kick through

the finish. The length, balance and big fruit flavors

are impressive. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.

abv: 13% Price: $18