The 2005 Pinot Noir “Spirithouse” is sourced from the Knudsen Vineyard. It is a more muscular version of the Reserve and slightly more austere in style. It will need 6-8 years to loosen up and show its full potential. The ingredients are present, but patience will be required.Argyle Winery, under the leadership of longtime winemaker Rollin Soles, produces 50,000 cases including 12,000 cases of some of the best sparkling wine made in the USA. Argyle’s first vintage was 1987 and they currently offer Riesling and Chardonnay in addition to sparkling wine and, of course, Pinot Noir.Tel. 1-888-4-ARGYLE; www.argylewinery.com. Also tasted: 2002 Argyle Brut (90), 1996 Extended Tirage (93), 1999 Julia Lee’s Block Blanc de Blancs (91), 1999 Knudsen Vineyard Brut (92), 2005 Chardonnay “Nuthouse” (84), 2005 Riesling (89), 2006 Riesling (90)

Argyle’s top Pinot Noir, the Spirithouse is a block selection of fruit from one of the oldest vineyards in Oregon. A complex play of ripe fruits – berries, plums, hints of orange rind and citrus – intermingles with baking spices, whiffs of smoke, and a slight impression of herb. It’s a big wine, but carries a lot of information on its substantial bones. Let it breathe. ——P.G.(10/1/2009)—— 91