Argyle’s 2009 Chardonnay Nuthouse exhibits aromas of ripe pear, melon, baking spices, and hazelnuts. In the glass it displays excellent acidity, savory flavors, and a voluptuous personality. Nicely balanced and lengthy, it will provide pleasure over the next 5-6 years if not longer. I tasted a range of older Chardonnays during my Argyle visit and it seems clear that my aging estimate is on the conservative side. As usual, Argyle’s sparkling wine offerings are among the best made in the USA.Tel. (503) 538-8520; www.argylewinery.com

One white wine, the 2008 Nut House Chardonnay was presented. Medium straw-colored, it offers up aromas of buttered popcorn, mineral, pear, apple, and hazel nuts. Round and mouth-filling on the palate with lively acidity to balance the fruit, this nicely balanced offering may well evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2015. 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