Unparalleled Expression

As we’ve been emphasizing for the past couple of weeks, this marks the third offer in our series of gems sourced directly from their respective wineries. While the previous two offers may have caused some confusion regarding their origins in France, this one strikes the perfect balance between classic New World richness and power, all while maintaining an impeccable expression of the soil in which the vines are rooted. These wines elicit a double WOW from me: one for their warm, rich flavors that unmistakably speak to their American provenance, and another for the remarkable distinction between two vineyards located a mere 10 seconds apart. The true essence of single vineyard or appellation identity shines through in these wines, making them a true joy to taste side by side.

Rose & Arrow was founded by the late visionary, Mark Tarlov, whose legacy in Oregon remains stellar. It began with Seven Springs vineyard and Evening Land, which made waves across the Willamette Valley and quickly ascended to become one of Oregon’s most prominent players. While Tarlov later initiated other projects, Rose & Arrow stands out as his crowning achievement. He wisely assembled a team tasked with identifying critical vineyards yielding the finest fruit, and subsequently enlisted a winemaking dream team to translate that exceptional vineyard work into bottled perfection. Among his selections was none other than Louis Michel Liger-Belair to spearhead the project’s inception. Additionally, he enlisted the immensely talented Felipe Ramirez, who had previously collaborated with Liger-Belair at another Tarlov venture, Maison L’envoye. Although Liger-Belair has since departed, his expertise evidently resides within Ramirez, as the wines produced are off-the-charts amazing.

I was thrilled when they approached me with the selection we’re presenting below, as these wines are considerably closer to maturity than their current releases. With remarkable aging potential, the additional years spent in the bottle have significantly enhanced their allure. Make no mistake, these wines are among the most exciting offerings coming out of Oregon at present. They justify their pricing and, frankly, still have room to appreciate further. The Gathered Stones stands as a remarkable achievement in US Pinot Noir, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Having savored a bottle of the 2018 vintage over three days, I was astounded by how it continued to evolve and improve with each passing day. The Worden Hill exudes the most Burgundian qualities of today’s selection, reminiscent of a superb Volnay 1er Cru. Meanwhile, the Yamhill Close and Hopewell Hills both exemplify their respective appellations while delivering exceptional richness and texture.