Dec 30, 2022
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Sokol Blosser Winery
| Owner(s) | Alex Sokol Blosser, Alison Sokol Blosser, Bill Sokol Blosser, Susan Sokol Blosser |
| Web site | www.sokolblosser.com |
| Link to this site |
Sokol Blosser Winery is one of Oregon's oldest and largest wineries, founded by Bill and Susan Sokol Blosser in 1977. The Sokol Blossers first planted grapes in the Dundee Hills in 1971. They borrowed equipment and started with five acres.
The winery, vineyards and tasting room are located off Highway 99W in the Dundee Hills appellation of the Willamette Valley. The winery has been a leader in research into vineyard cover crops, crop load, canopy management, and sustainable vineyard and winery practices. Their barrel cellar was the first winery building in the country to attain LEED certification.
Since 2008, second-generation siblings, Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser, are now at the helm. Alex became vineyard manager in 2006 when his mother retired and the head winemaker in 2014. Winemaker Russ Rosner, who had been at the winery 15 years retired. Alex draws from a 125-acre certified organic estate vineyard in the Dundee Hills appellation. Alison is the head of sales and marketing. Production was about 62,000 cases in 2014, with a projected increase to 88,000 cases for 2015.
Sokol Blosser also produces an accessibly-priced Evolution brand ($15-$19) which is set to be re-branded in 2015. Evolution White will be changed to Evolution Lucky No. 9, and Evolution Red will become Evolution Big Time Red Blend. In addition, an Evolution Pinot Noir will be launched.
Sokol Blosser features a walk-through showcase vineyard for visitors including a self-guided tour. There are beautiful views of the Willamette Valley from the deck and picnic grounds. Wines are available online.
Articles About Sokol Blosser Winery
List of Willamette Valley Old Vine Pinot Noir Reviewed Wines (12.29 6/5/2022)
Mining Oregon’s Willamette Valley for Good Pinot Noir Priced at or Less Than $30 (11.37 1/17/2019)
Oregon Pinot Noir Starts Here: A Sampling of Entry Level Wines (10.36 8/29/2016)
Pinot Briefs (9.28 8/14/2013)
Pinot Briefs (9.39 3/29/2014)
Recent Sips of Other Interesting Whites (9.40 4/17/2014)
Recently Tasted 2013 Oregon Pinot Noir (10.36 8/29/2016)
Supermarket Pinot (11.11 10/8/2017)
Tastes of World of Pinot Noir (10.7 4/6/2015)
Willamette Valley’s 50th Anniversary: A New Look at the Old Guard (10.18 9/29/2015)
Reviewed Wines
NV Sokol Blosser Winery Evolution American White Wine
12.0% alc., residual sugar 1.2%, $15.
A blend of 9 white varietals including Pinot Gris, White Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Müller-
Thurgau, Semillon, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner and Chardonnay. 17th edition. Fermented in 100%
stainless steel, fff dry.
·
A unique wine that offers no special varietal correctness. The aromas are
complex and include lemon, dried mango, honeysuckle, pastry cream and roasted almonds. On the
palate, the delicately flavored wine is bright and easy to like, with tastes of pineapple, pear eau de vie,
spice and citrus infused with bright, refreshing acidity and a very slight finishing sweetness. Very
versatile at the table, and can shine with Thai curry, Tandoori chicken, spicy tune rolls or baked sole with lemon
butter.
Score: 88.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2018 Sokol Blosser Old Vineyard Block Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 500 cases, $60. This wine
celebrates 50 years,1971-2001, as well as a tribute to the
founders.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Initially
reserved nose, opening beautifully over time to reveal enticing
aromas of dark red cherry, dark strawberry, baking spices and
sandalwood. Very elegant with tender power in a mid-weight
style offering flavors of dark red cherry, raspberry and
strawberry fruits. Firm, supportive tannins with a sexy, silky
texture. The finish is extraordinarily long and generous. A
superb wine in every way and a fitting tribute to 50 years.
Score: 96.
Reviewed May 28, 2022
ARTICLE »
2018 Sokol Blosser Twelve Row Block Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc. 400 cases, $85. A
section of the vineyard planted to 11 rows of Pinot Noir and 1 row of Riesling, Expanded to 36 rows in 2007.
Martini clone.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A chameleon in the glass with a range of aromas
including boysenberry, plum, mocha java, tilled earth, and terra cotta. Gentle richness on entry with layers of
purple and black fruits that are vivid and juicy. Impeccable harmony with modest supportive tannins and oak,
and a sleek, persistent finish that goes on and on. Still pumping out considerable fruit goodness when tasted
the following day from a previously opened bottle.
Score: 95.
Reviewed May 28, 2022
ARTICLE »
2018 Sokol Blosser Watershed Block Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
14..2% alc., 350 cases, $85.
Pommard and Wädenswil clones. Aged 30 months in French oak barrels.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass.
Aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, muddy earth, and toasty oak. A robust wine in a mid-weight plus style
donating a big mouthful of beautiful boysenberry, blackberry and black raspberry fruit flavors backed by plenty
of winter Wassail spice and a noticeable compliment of oak. Very silky on the palate with a lengthy finish. A
sense of alcohol peeks out as the wine warms in the glass. When tasted the following day from a previously
opened bottle, more rustic oak was evident in the background.
Score: 91.
Reviewed May 28, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., RS 4 g/L, 21,100 cases, $20. Produced by
Sokol Blosser Winery. 100% Willamette Valley AVA grapes. Fermented with proprietary yeasts and
both fermented and aged in stainless steel. A small amount of oak staves was submerged in the
stainless steel tanks for 2-3 months during aging to develop structure, enhance mouthfeel and
stabilize the color.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of confected black cherry, cola,
spice and sandalwood. This wine delivers a lot of black cherry flavor in a mid weight style with
matched tannins. Slight oak and savory herbs ply the background. A good everyday Pinot.
Score: 88.
Reviewed January 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2014 Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 6,300 cases, $20. From Sokol Blosser Winery.
100% Pinot Noir, aged 85% in stainless steel and 15% in neutral oak for 5 months. Produced to be easy to
drink now at a young age. Some French oak staves are added to the stainless steel tanks for 2-3 months
during aging to enhance mouthfeel and structure.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The pleasing
aroma of black cherry is tempered by scents of tobacco and weed (marijuana). The mid weight core of black
cherry fruit is infused with oak driven notes of spice, tobacco and herbs. Silky in the mouth with minimal tannins
and a modest berry fruited finish. Forward and easy drinking. The wine was delivered to my wine locker on a
day in which the temperature reached 96ºF, but there was no sign of seepage or other heat damage.
Score: 86.
Reviewed August 29, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $31.99 -$9.60. Produced and bottled by Sokol Blosser
Winery, Dundee, OR.
·
Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Upon opening, there is delicate aromas of red
cherry, cranberry and rose petal but with time in the glass aromas of tobacco, toast and stinky barnyard take over.
Light and elegant in style, with a core of red fruits accent with piney oak. Easygoing with balanced tannins and
some Dundee Hills typicality but lacks interest.
Score: 86.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 9,700 cases, $38. Made with 100%
organic grapes, and an Oregon Department of Agriculture Organic Certified Wine. Estate grown, 100% Pinot
Noir. A portion is vinified with limited skin contact and another portion undergoes a lengthy post fermentation
maceration. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 31% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. Initial aromas of black cherry, pipe smoke and rose petal give way to more oak influence over time in the
glass. Soft in the mouth with gentle tannins, featuring light to mid weight flavors of black raspberry and black
cherry and a thread of dried herbs in the background. The brief finish offers notes of oak kissed maraschino
cherry.
Score: 87.
Reviewed August 29, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Sokol Blosser Orchard Block Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 400 cases, $70. Made
with 100% organic grapes, and an Oregon Department of Agriculture Organic Certified Wine. Estate grown,
100% Pinot Noir. From a 6.4-acre block replanted with clone 777 in 2000 in Jory soil. 25 days in fermenter
including 16 days of post fermentation maceration, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 38% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of cherry, spice and red rose petal. Elegantly
crafted, with a middleweight charge of black cherry and black raspberry fruits accented with baking spice and
truffle. Very clean and silky, finishing a bit shallow and oak-charged. When tasted the following day, there was
still considerable oak overlay and I am not convinced that this wine will relegate the oak over time.
Score: 88.
Reviewed August 29, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $38. Extended maceration and
16 months of barrel aging.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Bright cherry aromas with generous oak
overlay. Generous and forward, with a charge of ripe cherry fruit on the mid palate, holding on through a fruitdriven
finish. Better oak integration on the palate.
Score: 88-89.
Reviewed April 4, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.52, 7,600 cases,
$38. The winery’s flagship wine made from organic grapes. It is distributed around the world. Aged 16 months
in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An oak-dominated
nose leads to a mid weight core of juicy black cherry fruit that lacks some Pinot character because of a strong
tug of tobacco-laced oak. The wine finishes with some delicate fruit, somewhat vigorous tannins, and a hint of
alcoholic warmth.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 29, 2015
ARTICLE »
1999 Sokol Blosser Winery
This Salud cuvee consisted of 12 cases of Pinot Noir. Delicate crimson in color. Cherries and spice are featured in the aromas and flavors with a slightly tart finish. Holding up beautifully with brightness and vigor. Tasted November 7, 2008.
Reviewed --/--/--
NV Sokol Blosser Winery Evolution American White Wine
12.0% alc., residual sugar 1.2%, $15. A blend of 9 white varietals including Pinot Gris, White Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Müller- Thurgau, Semillon, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner and Chardonnay. 17th edition. Fermented in 100% stainless steel, fff dry. · A unique wine that offers no special varietal correctness. The aromas are complex and include lemon, dried mango, honeysuckle, pastry cream and roasted almonds. On the palate, the delicately flavored wine is bright and easy to like, with tastes of pineapple, pear eau de vie, spice and citrus infused with bright, refreshing acidity and a very slight finishing sweetness. Very versatile at the table, and can shine with Thai curry, Tandoori chicken, spicy tune rolls or baked sole with lemon butter. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2018 Sokol Blosser Old Vineyard Block Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 500 cases, $60. This wine celebrates 50 years,1971-2001, as well as a tribute to the founders. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Initially reserved nose, opening beautifully over time to reveal enticing aromas of dark red cherry, dark strawberry, baking spices and sandalwood. Very elegant with tender power in a mid-weight style offering flavors of dark red cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruits. Firm, supportive tannins with a sexy, silky texture. The finish is extraordinarily long and generous. A superb wine in every way and a fitting tribute to 50 years. Score: 96. Reviewed May 28, 2022 ARTICLE »
2018 Sokol Blosser Twelve Row Block Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc. 400 cases, $85. A section of the vineyard planted to 11 rows of Pinot Noir and 1 row of Riesling, Expanded to 36 rows in 2007. Martini clone. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A chameleon in the glass with a range of aromas including boysenberry, plum, mocha java, tilled earth, and terra cotta. Gentle richness on entry with layers of purple and black fruits that are vivid and juicy. Impeccable harmony with modest supportive tannins and oak, and a sleek, persistent finish that goes on and on. Still pumping out considerable fruit goodness when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed May 28, 2022 ARTICLE »
2018 Sokol Blosser Watershed Block Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
14..2% alc., 350 cases, $85. Pommard and Wädenswil clones. Aged 30 months in French oak barrels. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, muddy earth, and toasty oak. A robust wine in a mid-weight plus style donating a big mouthful of beautiful boysenberry, blackberry and black raspberry fruit flavors backed by plenty of winter Wassail spice and a noticeable compliment of oak. Very silky on the palate with a lengthy finish. A sense of alcohol peeks out as the wine warms in the glass. When tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, more rustic oak was evident in the background. Score: 91. Reviewed May 28, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., RS 4 g/L, 21,100 cases, $20. Produced by Sokol Blosser Winery. 100% Willamette Valley AVA grapes. Fermented with proprietary yeasts and both fermented and aged in stainless steel. A small amount of oak staves was submerged in the stainless steel tanks for 2-3 months during aging to develop structure, enhance mouthfeel and stabilize the color. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of confected black cherry, cola, spice and sandalwood. This wine delivers a lot of black cherry flavor in a mid weight style with matched tannins. Slight oak and savory herbs ply the background. A good everyday Pinot. Score: 88. Reviewed January 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2014 Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 6,300 cases, $20. From Sokol Blosser Winery. 100% Pinot Noir, aged 85% in stainless steel and 15% in neutral oak for 5 months. Produced to be easy to drink now at a young age. Some French oak staves are added to the stainless steel tanks for 2-3 months during aging to enhance mouthfeel and structure. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The pleasing aroma of black cherry is tempered by scents of tobacco and weed (marijuana). The mid weight core of black cherry fruit is infused with oak driven notes of spice, tobacco and herbs. Silky in the mouth with minimal tannins and a modest berry fruited finish. Forward and easy drinking. The wine was delivered to my wine locker on a day in which the temperature reached 96ºF, but there was no sign of seepage or other heat damage. Score: 86. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $31.99 -$9.60. Produced and bottled by Sokol Blosser Winery, Dundee, OR. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Upon opening, there is delicate aromas of red cherry, cranberry and rose petal but with time in the glass aromas of tobacco, toast and stinky barnyard take over. Light and elegant in style, with a core of red fruits accent with piney oak. Easygoing with balanced tannins and some Dundee Hills typicality but lacks interest. Score: 86. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 9,700 cases, $38. Made with 100% organic grapes, and an Oregon Department of Agriculture Organic Certified Wine. Estate grown, 100% Pinot Noir. A portion is vinified with limited skin contact and another portion undergoes a lengthy post fermentation maceration. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 31% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Initial aromas of black cherry, pipe smoke and rose petal give way to more oak influence over time in the glass. Soft in the mouth with gentle tannins, featuring light to mid weight flavors of black raspberry and black cherry and a thread of dried herbs in the background. The brief finish offers notes of oak kissed maraschino cherry. Score: 87. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Sokol Blosser Orchard Block Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 400 cases, $70. Made with 100% organic grapes, and an Oregon Department of Agriculture Organic Certified Wine. Estate grown, 100% Pinot Noir. From a 6.4-acre block replanted with clone 777 in 2000 in Jory soil. 25 days in fermenter including 16 days of post fermentation maceration, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 38% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of cherry, spice and red rose petal. Elegantly crafted, with a middleweight charge of black cherry and black raspberry fruits accented with baking spice and truffle. Very clean and silky, finishing a bit shallow and oak-charged. When tasted the following day, there was still considerable oak overlay and I am not convinced that this wine will relegate the oak over time. Score: 88. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $38. Extended maceration and 16 months of barrel aging. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Bright cherry aromas with generous oak overlay. Generous and forward, with a charge of ripe cherry fruit on the mid palate, holding on through a fruitdriven finish. Better oak integration on the palate. Score: 88-89. Reviewed April 4, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.52, 7,600 cases, $38. The winery’s flagship wine made from organic grapes. It is distributed around the world. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An oak-dominated nose leads to a mid weight core of juicy black cherry fruit that lacks some Pinot character because of a strong tug of tobacco-laced oak. The wine finishes with some delicate fruit, somewhat vigorous tannins, and a hint of alcoholic warmth. Score: 87. Reviewed September 29, 2015 ARTICLE »
1999 Sokol Blosser Winery
This Salud cuvee consisted of 12 cases of Pinot Noir. Delicate crimson in color. Cherries and spice are featured in the aromas and flavors with a slightly tart finish. Holding up beautifully with brightness and vigor. Tasted November 7, 2008. Reviewed --/--/--