Argyle

Owner(s)	Lion Nathan
Web site	www.argylewinery.com

Link to this site	How to link to an article or review about your winery..

Established in 1987, Argyle farms over 350 acres in both the Dundee Hills and Eola Hills-Amity District AVAs. The co-founders are Texan Rollin Soles and Australian Brian Croser. Rollin Soles earned a Master’s Degree in Enology at University of California Davis and met Croser while working in Australia. In 2000, Croser’s Petaluma Winery in Australia purchased Argyle, and then was taken over by drinks giant Lion Nathan in 2001. Soles is the general manager and winemaker at Argyle.

The winery’s focus is on farming vintage-driven wines from great sites. 500 acres of vineyards are currently under the direction of viticulturist Allen Holstein. The three major vineyards are the 120-acre Knudsen Vineyard planted in 1972-1974, the 8-acre Stoller Vineyard planted in 1995, and the 160-acre Lonestar Vineyard located 15 minutes south of Dunee and planted primarily to Dijon clones.

In most vintages there are four Pinot Noirs produced: Willamette Valley, Reserve, Nuthouse and Spirithouse. Nuthouse is a uniquely styled Pinot Noir (nutty if you will) that is intense and bold. It takes its name from the original winery which was housed in a previous hazelnut processing plant. The primary source of the Nuthouse Pinot Noir is the Lonestar Vineyard. Spirithouse is a more subtle and silky style. The name comes from the fact that the current tasting room is housed in the former Dundee City Hall which is said to be inhabited by the ghost of a troubled women (the full story is available on the website). A tasting room is located in Dundee, OR at 691 Hwy 99 W. The wines are sold on the website and through numerous retail channels. Soles is a champion of screwcaps (the sparkling wines are still closed with cork). 503-538-8520

Articles About Argyle

Argyle Winery (6.52 1/30/2008)
Dundee Hills (7.7 12/17/2008)
IPNC: Continuing Ed in Pinot Noirvana (6.35 8/6/2007)
Oregon Pinot Noir 2004 (6.15 2/12/2007)

Reviewed Wines

2006 Argyle Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 3,156 cases, $25, screw cap. Double-macerated on the skins - once before fermentation cold and then again after fermentation to extract flavor and produce a silky texture. On the label: “To open: Hold cap, then twist bottle.” · Light in color. Tutti-fruiti aromas of red cherry and strawberry and a hint of tropical fruits. Soft in texture, light in weight, featuring simple red fruits. A quaffer that is not meant for contemplation. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Argyle Spirithouse Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,360 cases, $85. This bottling from the Knudsen Vineyard in the Dundee Hills is Argyle’s top-of-the-line Pinot Noir. The winemaker is Rollin Soles. · Great core of dusty cherry fruit with notes of spice and roses and the right touch of acidity on the tangy finish. Plenty of structure to last. The silky texture is memorable. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Argyle Winery Spirithouse Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Argyle dates back to 1987 and now farms over 350 acres of vineyards in the Dundee hills and Eola Hills-Amity District AVAs. The focus of winemaker and owner Rollin Soles is on farming vintage-driven wines from great sites. Argyle is one of the few wineries still making sparkling wine in Oregon. · A ‘spirited’ wine with a memorable finish of ripe strawberries and raspberries. Just plain terrific. Reviewed August 6, 2007 ARTICLE »

2005 Argyle Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $35, 4,900 cases, screw cap. From 8 of the best vineyard blocks. · Hi-toned and bright black cherry and Xmas spice scents. Yummy cherry flavors with a little citrus tang. Velvety and rich in texture with cleansing acid on the finish. A little more hedonistic than the Nuthouse. Not terribly complex, but drinks beautifully. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Argyle Reserve Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 3156 cases, $29, screw cap. This Pinot Noir is produced entirely from estate fruit and is sourced from nine of the best vineyard blocks. Rollin Soles is the winemaker. · A Pinot that is very true to the Pinot Noir ideal, it is light in color, gentle, perfumed and ethereal in style. The nose has delicate cherry and floral notes. Spry red fruits, Asian spices, and dark chocolate highlight the complex flavors and the wine closes with bright acidity. The whole package is beautifully balanced. Not a blockbuster, just the right stuff. Reviewed February 12, 2007 ARTICLE »

2004 Argyle Nuthouse Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $45, screw cap. Primarily sourced from the Lonestar Vineyard. · Cherry driven on the nose and echoed in the flavors with a subtle oak and cranberry sidecar. A lighter style with silky tannins that is pretty good but a bit austere. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Argyle Spirithouse Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,810 cases, $65, screw cap. Sourced from the Knudsen Vineyard. · Cherry and herbs aromas up front with farmyard in the background. Flavors veer toward dark berries, soy and game. Plenty of fruit but still nicely proportioned and a delight to drink. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »

1999 Argyle Knudsen Vineyards Brut Willamette Valley Sparkling Wine

$35. 70% Pinot Noir. · More creamy than the above wine with brisk acidity and a touch of minerality. Excellent Reviewed August 6, 2007 ARTICLE »

1997 Argyle Extended Tirage Willamette Valley Sparkling Wine

Both this and the 1999 are from Knudsen Vineyards. 80% Pinot Noir. Both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are barrel fermented. · Crisp and lively with a hint of apple and plum. Reviewed August 6, 2007 ARTICLE »