The 2009 Pinot Noir Nuthouse is produced entirely from the Lonestar Vineyard. It sports an alluring nose of smoke, exotic spices, incense, and assorted red and black fruits. Elegant on the palate, it is a savory, elegant, spicy offering that has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. It will drink nicely through 2019. As usual, Argyle’s sparkling wine offerings are among the best made in the USA.Tel. (503) 538-8520; www.argylewinery.com

The 2008 Pinot Noir Nut House is scheduled for release in Spring, 2011. It sports an impressive aromatic array of wood smoke, Asian spices, incense, and assorted black fruits. Elegant on the palate, it manages to cram loads of spicy fruit into its medium-bodied frame. With outstanding volume, balance, and length, it merits 3-4 years of cellaring and will be in its prime from 2013 to 2023. Visiting with Rollin Sole, the head man at Argyle, is always a great learning experience. He is currently focused on Riesling, but that is a story for another day. As usual, the sparkling wine offerings are among the best made in the USA.www.argylewinery.com