2016 Argyle Knudsen Vineyard Chardonnay Blanc De Blancs

Argyle was established in 1987 when Brian Croser and Rollin Soles started making wine in the Willamette Valley. The partners started with the 120-acre Knudsen Vineyards in the hills of Dundee, where they focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Argyle now also owns 160 acres in the Yamhill AVA, which is 15 miles south of the winery, as well as the Stoller and Spirit Hill Vineyards. Argyle produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and sparkling wines, which win special notice from reviewers. Robert M. Parker Jr. says that Argyle makes “some of the best sparkling wine made in the U.S.” The Pinot Noir also earns complimentary reviews.

Dundee Hills AVA is in Yamhill County, and it is entirely contained within the Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon’s best known appellation. Dundee Hills is about 30 miles southwest of Portland, and has 1,300 vineyard acres. It was awarded AVA status in 2004 and, like much of Oregon, is known for Pinot Noir. Several of Oregon’s 20th century wine pioneers established their vineyards and wineries in Dundee Hills, adding to its status as a region long-recognized for producing high quality, iconic Oregon wines. Eyrie Vineyards, Erath Winery and Sokol Blosser remain some of Oregon’s most celebrated producers, and all were founded in what is now Dundee Hills in the late 1960s and early 1970s.