Walter Scott Wines

Articles About Walter Scott Wines

Reviewed Wines

2017 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $ Sold out. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of white peach and shaved oak. The essence of lemon shines through and is complimented by a grounded earthy component. Tremendous lemony grip on the very long finish. Exquisite balance and very gracious acidity. This wine goes down like mother’s milk. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Sequitur Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $ sold out. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Classic Pinot Noir aromatic profile of crushed cherry, rose petal, exotic spice and congenial oak. Delicious cherry core, even hypnotizing. No hard edges in this wine with balanced tannins, invigorating acidity and a captivating finish flush with cherry goodness. It is easy to find superlatives for this beauty. Score: 94. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Temperance Hill Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $ sold out. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Really nice aromas of red cherry, cranberry and spice. A cherry bombast in the mouth with supportive oak. The tannins are quite modest and there is a good bolt of acidity. The flavors build in intensity over time in the glass. A tame, less ripe interpretation of this vineyard in this vintage. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Cuvée Anne Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $40. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is quite reductive with aromas of matchstick, Bartlett pear, butter and a hint of toast. Slightly viscous and soothing in the mouth, with a lemon-lime core accented with toasty oak and a bit of flint. The lemon-driven finish has some length. Score: 89. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Dubay Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $55. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, rose petal and refined oak. Mid weight plus in style, with flavors of black cherry and purple berry. A little dark chocolate chimes in with the boisterous, dark fruits. There is some umami at play as well. This wine grabs your attention by virtue of its excellent balance, joyous tannic backbone and harmony. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $55. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of dark cherry, ripe strawberry, Prada leather coat and toasty oak. Engaging and giving with a mid weight plus core of dark red and purple fruits with an earthy undertone. Slightly gruff but not intrusive tannins, a sleek texture and a very intense and lingering finish The fruit flavor really brings the taste buds to attention. Score: 94. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $55. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Shy and reductive nose. Very good richness of lemon, pineapple, spice, graphite, flint and dirty oak flavors with a touch of matchstick. Very suave in the mouth, with a trace of tannins and some length to the refreshing finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Sojourner Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $55. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The aromas really draw you into the glass with a perfume of rose petal, muddled cherry, pomegranate and spice. Highly pleasurable from start to finish, offering mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and spice. Impeccable balance, with a dry, black cherry infused, bombastic finish. Wow! Score: 95. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $65. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, iron and flint. Graceful and satisfying, offering the essence of lemon complimented by bashful oak. Bright acidity propels the wine to a long, lemony finish that has a hint of graphite. This wine has a regal quality and is as comforting as silk sheets. Score: 94. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $65. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dusty rose, red cherry and sous-bois. Lighter in style but packs a wallop of flavor. Dark red cherry and cranberry fruits really grab hold of the mid palate and finish juicy and strong. Gracious oak, with modest tannins and a welcome backbone of acidity in a very elegant package. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott X Novo Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $65. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. An array of citrus fruit aromas are shadowed with a hint of flint. Rich and full on the palate, with fresh, juicy flavors of lemon, pineapple, tarte tatin and graphite. A sophisticated offering with a pleasing arrow of acidity and a lip smacking finish that seems to go on and on and on. A very special wine. Score: 95. Reviewed July 8, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., 340 cases, $28 (sold out). Released September 2017. Sourced from Clos des Oiseaux, Freedom Hill, Sojourner, X Novo, Vojtilla and Witness Tree vineyards. Lightly fined and filtered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, grilled peach, grapefruit and slate. Attacking flavors of green apple, lemon-lime, grapefruit and nectarine in a bright, lifted styled wine with a slightly creamy mouthfeel and a citric finish that never gives up. A superb Willamette Valley cuvée. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 1,350 cases, $28. Released September 2017. Primarily sourced from Eola-Amity Hills sources (Hope Well, Justice and Sojourner vineyards) with barrels of Vojtilla and Freedom Hill vineyards added. 15% whole cluster, ambient yeast fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers its pleasures over time in the glass, showing aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, and spice. More expressive on the palate, with a real mouthful of luscious purple and black fruits dressed in matched tannins. The seductively silky texture is embraceable. Well-crafted, with some finishing intensity. Score: 91. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Cuvée Anne Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.1% alc., 390 cases, $40. A blend of the winery’s best vineyard sites, including Freedom Hill, X Novo, Sojourner and Vojtilla vineyards. It is a reserve blend that reflects the winemaker’s vision of a Willamette Valley Chardonnay. Fermented with ambient yeast with minimal lees stirring and aging in a mix of new and neutral 500L and 350L French oak barrels for 12 months. The wine was racked and blended to stainless steel for an additional 3 months prior to bottling. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. A complex nose proves interesting over time, offering aromas of lemon peel, grilled peach, honey, toasty brioche, vanillin, nutty oak and a little reductive flint. The flavors replicate the aromas, with added notes of yellow grapefruit, yellow peach, pear and yeast with a subtle backdrop of toasty oak. The wine improves as it warms in the glass. The sleek, seamless texture appeals, as does the juicy, flinty finish. Score: 91. Reviewed May 12, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Cuvée Ruth Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 350 cases, $40. Released September 2017. This wine is dedicated to the memory of Ruth and Irv Kantor, the winery’s partner’s parents showing a tribute to partners Sue and Andy who helped Ken and Erica realize their dreams. A combination of select barrels from exceptional vineyards including Seven Springs, Sojourner and Temperance Hill. Grapes from Lewman Vineyard, a site adjacent to the winery, were also added in. A blend of Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon clones. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of red and purple berries with a whiff of spice. Mid weight plus in style, offering vivid flavors of boysenberry and pomegranate that flood the mouth with goodness. Silky and sleek in the mouth with cashmere tannins and laudatory oak input, finishing with class. This wine wows the palate with virility. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Dubay Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 75 cases, $55. This is a steep, rocky vineyard farmed organically by Ryan Hannaford. Sourced from a 1-acre block yielding 1.2 tons per acre. Ambient yeast fermentation, 30% whole cluster, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Plenty of nuance on the nose, offering aromas of black cherry, baking spice, tobacco, earth and forest . Mid weight plus in size, featuring flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, black grape and a riff of spice. Boldly fruited with a healthy tannic backbone, but with good energy, and a long and voluptuous finish. This wine has impressive ripeness of flavor at a modest alcohol level. Score: 93. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay

176 cases, $55. The vineyard owners have been growing Chardonnay here since 1981. Vineyard is farmed sustainably and moving toward organic options. Fermented with ambient yeast and minimal lees stirring. Aged in one new 500L puncheon, a once-filled puncheon and a neutral puncheon for 12 months. The was racked and blended to stainless steel for an additional 3 months before bottling. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. A social wine with lingering aromas of lemon, poached pear, and toasted bread. The flavors of lemon-lime, green apple, honey, pear and field greens are bright and clear and married with sensible oak. The wine’s notable “minerality” gives the wine a crystalline character. Slightly creamy in the mouth, with a hint of tannin, and a very dry and mouthwatering finish of some length. Score: 93. Reviewed May 12, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 225 cases, $55, silver wax cap. Vineyard planted in 1982 and farmed by the owners, Dan and Helen Dusschee and their son Dustin. Soils are Bellpine loam. Ambient yeast fermentation, 15% whole cluster, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of black raspberry, spice and compost. Very classy, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and intense spice. A subtle pine, forest and floral note plays alongside the core of delicious fruit. The texture is enticingly silken, and the tannins are unusually tame for this vineyard. Overall, a highly nuanced wine with impeccable balance and an intensely aromatic and spicy finish that captivates. Score: 95. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Sequitur Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 75 cases, $55. This property is adjacent Beaux Frères’ Upper Terrace Vineyard. 12 acres with 17 clones of planted Pinot Noir surrounded by a forest of Douglas Fir trees on three sides. Farmed with organic and biodynamic principles. Marine sedimentary soils. Ambient yeast fermentation, 25% whole cluster, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Vivacious aromas of blackberry jam, blueberry croissant, cookies-in-the-oven, fertile earth and slate. Mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and spice supported by cohesive and fine-honed tannins. The satiny texture appeals, as does the intensely aromatic and tenacious finish. Score: 93. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Sojourner Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 450 cases, $55. This 15-acre vineyard sits at 650 feet elevation. Clones are 115, Pommard and Wädenswil. Soils are rocky, volcanic clay with many stones littered throughout the hillside. Vineyard is farmed sustainably moving toward organic options. Ambient yeast fermentation, 30% whole cluster, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Earth-kissed aromas of blueberry and pomegranate with a hint of oak. Refined and suave in the mouth, with earth-dusted flavors of blueberry and black cherry. Beautifully composed, with excellent balance, and a stylish finish. Score: 93. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 125 cases, $55. This vineyard is on the crown of the Eola-Amity Hills at elevations of 600 to 900 feet. The site is exposed to cool afternoon marine breezes that contribute to late ripening. Dai Crisp has farmed the vineyard organically since 2000. 26-year-old vines. Fruit 100% de-stemmed and aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Flamboyant aromas of black cherry, exotic spices and sassafras. Stunning and succulent on the palate with far-reaching dark red cherry and berry fruit flavors. Harmonious, with a deft touch of oak, and a long, long, long finish. Ridiculous! Score: 95. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 225 cases, $65. One of the few wineries to obtain grapes from this iconic vineyard. Sourced from Block B, a mixed clonal block planted selection massale in 2007. Farming is done using biodynamic practices. Ambient yeast fermentation, 20% whole cluster, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal aromas of fresh crushed berries, cherry, spice and earthy flora. The lightest and most elegant wine in the 2016 lineup, with delicate flavors of blueberry, cherry and raspberry. The wine picks up a little depth over time in the glass but never sheds a green thread. The tannins are fine grain, there is good acidity, and the wine finishes with modest intensity. Tasted repeatedly over a two-day period with no change. Score: 90. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott X Novo Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

275 cases, $65. Craig and Robin Williams began planting this vineyard in 2010. Remarkably, the vineyard contains a plethora of different clones, and the block that Walter Scott works with has at least fifteen clones planted. It is a very unique site farmed impeccably by Stirling Fox. Fermented with ambient yeast and minimal lees stirring. Aged in a mix of new and neutral 500L and 350L French oak barrels for 12 months. Finally, the wine is racked and blended to stainless steel for an additional 3 months prior to bottling. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. This wine offers most everything you could want in a Chardonnay. Bright aromas of green apple, lemon, baking spice, bread in the oven and waffle. There is a little more body here, a little more creaminess in the texture, and a little more seductive flavors of lemon, pear, spice, and toast. The sprightliness of the fruit, the impeccably integrated acidity, the viscous palate feel, and the remarkable finish that hangs around for encores combine to produce a sensual wine that demands contemplation. Score: 95. Reviewed May 12, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 125 cases, $ 65 (sold out). Sourced from one acre of the original 1983 plants of un-grafted Pinot Noir vines found in the lower half of the vineyard. Walter Scott is one of the few wineries to get fruit from this vineyard outside of the estate holder, Evening Land. Fermented with ambient yeasts and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is very open and giving, offering soaring aromas of cherry, strawberry and spice. Redder fruit is profiled in this mid weight wine with superb harmony. More open at this young age, sporting regal spiced fruit and a juicy finish filled with black cherry delight. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the quenching finish and invigorating acidity stood out. Score: 94-95. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Cuvée Anne Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

13.2% alc., 490 cases, $40. A blend from the winery’s best Chardonnay sites, including Freedom Hill, X Novo and Gibson vineyards. The wine is a reserve blend that represents the winery’s vision of Oregon Chardonnay. The juice was fermented and aged in a new puncheon and four neutral barrels for 11 months with 100% native yeast fermentation and minimal lees stirring. The wine was blended and finished in stainleess steel for an additional 3 months. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Captivating steely, stony, flinty aromas matched to fruit aromas of citrus, white peach and pear. Highly mineral-driven, with flavors of lemon-lime, pear and green apple offering a toned and trim impression, finishing with a quenching, steely attitude. A slight bit of tannin adds structure and the slightly creamy mouthfeel adds comfort. Remarkable poise and immense charm. Score: 95. Reviewed May 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Clos des Oiseaux Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 275 cases, $50. Walter Scott began leasing this 2.8-acre vineyard in 2011. Today the land is owned by Kecia and John Keller who farm the vineyard organically, with Ken doing most of the tractor work, sprays and helping with the hand work under the direction of viticulturist Ryan Hannaford. Fermented with ambient yeasts and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Reductive upon opening with aromas of flinty oak, resolving over time as elevating blackberry aromas arise. Luscious by Oregon standards, with a mid weight plus core of blackberry and Marionberry fruit flavors that offer intense sappiness. Despite the concentration, the wine is streamlined and balanced with a wonderful fruited finish. More giving the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with an extraordinary fruit-filled finish. With this richness of fruit you might think Syrah, but this wine is Pinot at heart all the way. I sense that this wine is still a bit tight so patience will be rewarded. Score: 92-93. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Dubay Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 125 cases, $50. This small vineyard is located on a steep, rocky hillside and is farmed by viticulturist Ryan Hannaford. Yields were 1.6 tons in 2014. Fermented with ambient yeasts and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of well-ripened blackberry, cassis, Asian spices, nut oil and vanilla in a moderately rich styled wine with impressive balance and a fulfilling finish replete with exuberant blackberry, blueberry and pomegranate fruit. Somewhat unyielding at this young age, but the charm and pedigree is evident. Considerably better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, with aromas of exotic spices, lush fruit flavors, and good cut on the juicy finish. Score: 93-94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

13.2% alc., 150 cases, $50. Vineyard farmed by the Dusschee family. The wine was fermented and aged in a new puncheon and four neutral barrels for 11 months with 100% native yeast fermentation and minimal lees stirring. The wine was blended and finished in stainless steel for an additional 3 months. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. A highly distinctive wine offering appealing aromas of pear, cut apple, spice, buttery brioche, nuts and a touch of vanillin. Bright, clean and crisp with bracing, steely acidity, offering flavors of Honeycrisp apple, subtle citrus fruits and complimentary oak notes. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the lovely apple aromas and flavors were even more inviting, the acidity had moderated and integrated. A unique, apple-fruited joy. Score: 94. Reviewed May 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 325 cases, $50. Vineyard planted in 1982 by Dan and Helen Dusschee who own and farm the vineyard sustainably with their son Dustin. The vineyard is located in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range and vines are planted on Bellpine loam soils. The wines are typically structured and powerful. Fermented with ambient yeasts and aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is reserved but alluring with wafting aromas of cherry blossom, raspberry coulis and tobacco and an earthy underpinning. Unctuous on the palate with perfectly ripened fruit flavors of strawberry, cherry and raspberry. As typical with this vineyard, the tannins are a bit imposing but are not drying, and they smooth out over time in the glass. Wines from this vineyard can be a bit gruff, but that quality is not evident in this wine. I remained infatuated when I tasted this wine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This one will stay the long course. Score: 96-97. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Sojourner Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 300 cases, $50. This vineyard is located at the southern end of the Eola-Amity Hills, facing west towards the Coast Range at 650 feet elevation. 16 acres planted to Dijon 115, Pommard and Wädenswil Pinot Noir clones and 3.26 acres of Chardonnay. Soils are rocky, volcanic clay. Clones were co-fermented with ambient yeasts and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Slight flinty reduction upon pulling the cork, yielding to aromas of purple and black fruits over time in the glass. Very tight, with a reductive nature, offering mid weight black fruits back by toasty oak and elevated by juicy acidity. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose remained subdued but pleasant, but the wine was more expressive on the palate with layers of well-spiced black raspberry fruit, resolution of the flinty reduction, and a lengthy finish. Cellar for a year or two. Score: 91-92. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 100 cases, $50. This iconic vineyard sits on the crown of the Eola-Amity hills at elevations of 600 to 900 feet. The site, farmed by owner Dai Crisp, is exposed to cool afternoon marine breezes that define the wines and contribute to late ripening. Sourced from a block containing 24-year-old vines. Fermented with ambient yeasts and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. I was at a loss of words in describing this joyful nose offering aromas of dark berries, spice and underbrush with a feral tone. One can really taste the Temperance Hill terroir in this wine, with its structured sense and its typically vigorous black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors. The wine is in perfect harmony, with a silky mouthfeel, gracious acidity, fine-grain tannins, and a lasting finish. Still an overwhelming experience when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Pinot Noirs from this vineyard are consistently captivating. Score: 96-97. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott X Novo Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 200 cases, $50. Vineyard planted by Craig and Robin Williams of California Cabernet fame. Sourced from a block that is planted to fifteen different clones of Chardonnay making it one of the most unique sites on the West Coast. The wine was fermented and aged in a new puncheon, a second fill puncheon, and a few neutral barrels for 11 months with 100% native yeast fermentation and minimal lees stirring. The wine was blended and finished in stainless steel for an additional 3 months. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of slate, steel, oak and lemon oil lead off. Good richness of citrus and creme caramel flavors with a subtle flinty note, showing admirable harmony, a slightly viscous texture, and a juicy, lemon-driven finish. Still gloriously fresh when the tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, with all reductive notes resolved. A high-collared, seductive wine that defies adequate descriptors. Score: 96. Reviewed May 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Walter Scott Cuvée Anne Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

13.25% alc., pH 3.24, 250 cases, $40 (sold out). Mostly Dijon 76 and 95 with 30% X Novo blend of clones. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Wonderful aromas of fresh lemon, white peach, and complimentary brioche and nutty oak. Delicious and vivacious flavors of lemon curd, pear, honeycomb, and toffee. The mouthfeel is satiny smooth in this wine of immense charm that offers a vivid infusion of flavors on the attack and mid palate, carrying through to a vibrant finish that urges another sip. This is a shining example of Oregon’s potential for Chardonnay. Score: 95. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

13.2% alc., pH 3.21, 100 cases, $45 (sold out). Dijon clone 95. Inaugural wine from this vineyard. Native fermentation. Fermented and aged in a new puncheon and four neutral barrels for 11 months, finished in stainless steel for three months. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of wet stones, graphite, lemon waver, vanilla and slight nutty oak. Slightly viscous and moderately weighty, with flavors of lemon and baked pear, finishing with good cut and a little salinity. Score: 93. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Walter Scott X Novo Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Chardonnay

13.45% alc., pH 3.24, 150 cases, $45 (sold out). Close to 15 different clones. Native fermentation. Fermented and aged in a new puncheon, second fill puncheon, and a few neutral oak barrels for 11 months, finished in stainless steel for three months. · Light golden yellow color and clear. Very appealing aromas of lemon oil, apple, brioche, pain grille and the slightest flint. Sleek and balanced on the palate, with impressive focus and crispness, featuring flavors of citrus, yellow apple, yellow peach, subtle nutty oak, and garrigue. The fruit saturates the mid palate and really hangs on through the clean finish. Score: 94. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Walter Scott Clos Des Oiseaux Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 300 cases, $40. Released March 2014. Vineyard owned by Marek and Maureen Waligora. 2.8-acres farmed by Sterling Fox. Clones co-fermented with native yeasts and aged 15 months in 40% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose never comes alive in the glass over considerable time. Shy aromas of cassis, black plum and blackberry with an echo of oak. Mid weight, straight forward array of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruits with a modest oak sheen. Smoothly textured, with plenty of dry tannins on the finish. Could benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 87. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $23. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Primarily aromas of charred oak and barnyard upon opening, revealing shy black cherry fruit over time in the glass. Mid weight core of darker red cherries and raspberries and pomegranates with firm tannins taking over the finish. Endowed with bright acidity. Noticeable oak in the background. This wine is out of sorts now with too much acidity, tannins and oak in the limelight. Perhaps more bottle aging will be beneficial but the balance is suspect. Decent. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »