Argyle Winery was founded in 1987 by friends Rollin Soles and Brian Croser of Australia ’s Petaluma Winery. Today, under Soles’ direction, Argyle produces 45,000 cases of world class barrel fermented Chardonnay and Pinot noir as well as méthode champenoise sparkling wine from low yielding vines on winery-farmed hillside slopes.

Argyle farms three vineyards which produce some of Oregon ’s finest Pinot noir and Chardonnay: Knudsen, Stoller and Lone Star with a total of 350 acres. Knudsen was planted from 1972-74, and includes several of the first Dijon clones in the country. To the south of Knudsen sits the famed Stoller Vineyard, planted in 1995. The following year, Argyle purchased Lone Star, a spectacular 160-acre vineyard on the southeastern slopes of the Eola Hills.

All Argyle fruit is hand harvested into small baskets and chilled overnight at the winery to 35° F before crushing. This additional, labor-intensive process preserves the ripe fruit characteristics and naturally limits oxidation while firming the grapes for gentler fruit pressing.

Rollin Soles was introduced to wine in 1978 by a former professor w hile pursuing a degree in microbiology at Texas A & M University. His first encounter with winemaking was as a “cellar rat” in Switzerland where the beautiful winegrowing region and refreshing wines piqued his interest. After returning to the US, he became the first Texan to complete a Master’s degree in Enology at UC Davis and spent the early days of his new career at Wente Brothers and Chateau Montelena. Rollin returned to Europe to hone his winemaking skills in Switzerland and France and also spent several vintages in Australia at Petaluma and Wirra Wirra wineries before finally settling in Oregon to start Argyle.

2006 Nuthouse Chardonnay
Suggested Retail Price: $35

Knudsen Vineyards
Willamette Valley AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Tasting Notes
This wine reminds me of what my 2002 Chardonnay would have tasted like if we'd had Dijon clones. The 2002 was a blockbuster wine and is still delicious. The aromas are very complex yet fruit forward. Look for fruit aromas of limetta and white peach with spices of cinnamon and high-elevation grown Sikotak clove. All this excitement is wrapped up with a hint of fresh baked pecan pie. The flavor is a great definition of power and grace. Ripe fruit of limetta blossom, pear, white-peach with a hint of green Spanish olive abound. The structure is classic cool, maritime late ripening mineral, rocky acidity, while the finish is a beautifully long essence of Anjou pear brioche.

Wine Scores and Reviews

Wine Spectator 90   ""Soft, supple and spicy, with a glowing core of pear at the center and hints of balsamic and cardamom around the edges. The finish lingers smoothly. Drink now through 2010." - HS

San Francisco Chronicle   TOP 100 WINES OF 2008   "Winemaker Rollin Soles sources his top Chardonnay from the Knudsen Vineyard, also the site of his single-vineyard sparkling wine. A richer style that models its Oregon elegance, with seamless oak that helps define the creamy texture. Bright and lively, with ripe pear, green apple skin, lemon peel and a mineral-driven finish."

San Francisco Chronicle   3 Stars (Excellent)   "2006 Argyle Nuthouse Reserve Series Willamette Valley Chardonnay ($30) Made from 100 percent Dijon clones, this wine is a richer-style Chardonnay that still retains its Oregon subtlety and elegance. The well-integrated oak provides creamy texture and lovely structure. Bright and lively, there's ripe pear, green apple skin, lemon peel and a mineral-driven finish."

In addition to Nuthouse, Argyle produces a Willamette Valley Chardonnay with stelvin closure.