90 Pinot Noir 2008

Willamette Valley $20

Dark and spicy, this is silky in texture and fragrant with smoke, toast and mineral overtones as the cherry fruit character rolls nicely through the long finish. Drink now through 2016.—

H.S.

89 Pinot Noir 2008

Best Buy

coming soon

89 Pinot Noir 2008

Wine Enthusiast Rating

No description yet. Hot off the press!

Pinot Noir 2008

Picked up by: The Tennessean, Lasing State Journal & Daily comet.com

Aroma: The nose suggested coffee, burnt sugar, flat cola, black tea, menthol and mocha cherry cheesecake.

Palate: The Spindrift was lean in the mouth (not overly fruity), with more acidity, green herb flavors, bright fruit and acids.

Verdict: The Spindrift tasted more like a Burgundy than the others. It tied for first.

Riesling 2009

Subtitle

Those of you following this column know that I really admire this winery and what it does to traditional varietals such as pinot noir, gewerztraminer and riesling. The 2009 riesling is impressive on every level. I love both the gewerztraminer and the riesling for their terrific freshness, clarity of varietal, length of finish and varietral nuances which are important for light, complex white wines. It is impossible to mask a poorly made riesling, everything is open to see, smell and taste and Spindrift wines have never disappointed on any level. This is a very professional winery giving the consumer the best bang for the buck. About $20 per luscious bottle.

87 Pinot Gris 2009

Wine Enthusiast Rating

91 Pinot Noir Reserve 2006

(Willamette Valley); $38

"Spindrift’s 2006 Reserve Pinot steps it up considerably from the pleasant but unspectacular 2005, beginning with generous aromas of spiced cranberry, cinnamon and earth. On come fruit flavors of cranberry and apple, accents of cola and earth, a mix of scents and flavor impressions that dances across all levels of the palate. This is an especially lovely and generous Pinot Noir. "

90 Pinot Noir Reserve 2006

"Lithe, supple and distinctive for its delicate raspberry, orange peel and fresh sage aromas and flavors, lingering against fine tannins on the light, appealing finish. Drink now through 2013. 175 cases made. –HS"

88 Pinot Noir 2007

Spindrift Cellars wines have an especially light touch, a delicate sensibility that stands apart from many of their Oregon peers. They have done especially well in this difficult vintage, and this softly herbal Pinot Noir outshines many pricier offerings. Berry, pine needle, a pat of butter; somehow all combine into a pleasing whole. - P.G. (12/15/2009) - 88

91 Pinot Blanc 2007

2007

Spindrift is the little winery that could, and makes excellent wines at consumer-friendly prices, from a variety of grapes that showcase all the strengths of Oregon. This lovely bottle is spicy and tart, yet full-flavored with a mix of lime, lemon, pineapple, pear and rind that gracefully runs into a midpalate that is full and spicy. The sharp acids keep it lively and refreshing, and the finish is nothing short of remarkable in a wine at this price.

90 Pinot Gris 2007

2007

90 Pinot Gris 2006

Loaded with flavors of fresh Bartlett pears, this excellent Pinot Gris has both flavor and texture to spare. It’s a fine expression of the Oregon style; clean and fruit-driven, forward and juicy, with a broad midpalate and crisp natural acids. - P.G. (2008-01-10)

89 Pinot Noir 2006

"Bright and lively, with raspberry and cherry flavors at the core, shaded by cream and milk chocolate notes. Polished on the finish. Drink now through 2011. 860 cases made. –HS"

88 Chardonnay 2006

"This elegant blend of stainless- and barrel-aged lots captures the fresh fruit flavors of red apples, kiwi and lime, letting just a hint of barrel toast creep into the finish. It’s leesy and bracing, finished at 14.8% alcohol but tasting much lighter."

89 Pinot Noir 2005

"Bright and lively, with raspberry and cherry flavors at the core, shaded by cream and milk chocolate notes. Polished on the finish. Drink now through 2011. 860 cases made. –HS"

87 Pinot Noir 2005

This zippy, fruit-forward wine opens with bright raspberry and pungent spice aromas, adding in milk chocolate streaks through a supple, medium-weight middle. The finish gets a little tight, with some plastic flavors creeping in. - P.G. (4/1/2008) - 87

88 Pinot Noir Reserve 2005

"Spindrift’s reserve bottling does not seem substantially different from its regular 2005 Pinot, except that it extends its flavors through a much longer and smoother finish. Bright red fruit flavors mix raspberry and blueberry with milk chocolate. An impression of spun sugar wraps up the finish. - P.G. (4/1/2008)"

89 Pinot Noir 2004

Fresh, light and open-textured, with a rain-on-slate aromatic edge to the blackberry and floral flavors. The finish lingers well against lively acidity, with minimal tannins. Drink now through 2010. 400 cases made. –HS