Wine Enthusiast recently threw on their party hats and gave our wines a serious fist bump in their upcoming April issue (on sale March 26, 2024). Check out these rocking scores:
92 points Pet Matt 2022 Sunnyside Vineyard Riesling (Willamette Valley).
Matt Berson of Love & Squalor is a skilled Riesling practitioner, so I was excited to try his pétillant-naturel-style sekt. It did not disappoint. Green papaya, peach fuzz, hazelnuts and yeasty brioche aromas segue into flavors of a mineral-laden tonic water garnished with lemon. This wine is bone-dry and ready to dance. Editors’Choice. —M.A. buy here
91 points Pet Matt 2022 Sams Vineyard Sparkling Rosé of Cabernet Franc (Southern Oregon).
This pinkhued pétillant-naturel wine with brash acidity is more fun than we deserve. Crushed strawberries and sunflowers paint an aromatic picture made even more irresistible by notes of thyme and rose petals. Flavors of candied nectarines, saline and juniper berries rub up against a chalky texture. Hidden Gem. —M.A. buy here
94 points Love & Squalor 2019 Reserved Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley).
It’s always the quiet ones. The winemaker named this wine “Reserved” because he thinks it only hints at its potential. Trust me, it is already excellent. Dark raspberry, orange peel, basil and clove aromas lead to flavors of white tea and red cherries. Lemony acidity matches with brawny tannins. Drink now–2034. Cellar Selection. —M.A. buy here
91 points Garageland 2022 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley).
In Garageland, the wine is always a great value, and The Clash is always playing. The latest Garageland Pinot Noir offers dark raspberry and pine needle aromas accompanied by a trace of cranberry. Boisterous acidity backs flavors like cherry, dark chocolate, cedar and coriander. Best Buy. —M.A. buy here
95 points Love & Squalor 2022 Gamay Noir (Willamette Valley).
This is one of the best reds I tasted in 2023. It is a 100% whole cluster, partialcarbonic maceration wine that aged in neutral oak for 11 months. It’s Tootsie Roll and bergamot aromas remind me of the Terry’s Chocolate Orange I’d get in my stocking as a kid. Cranberry-orange and raspberry pastille flavors meld with green tea and thyme notes. Editors’ Choice. —M.A. buy here
91 points Love & Squalor 2021 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley).
While the wine’s aromas of ripe blackberries and freshly cut grass are nice, the show really begins with the first sip. Rich boysenberry sorbet and dark chocolate flavors glide on a palate as smooth as silk and the Fine Young Cannibals. This is a fuller-bodied Pinot Noir with gentle acidity and plush tannins. —M.A. buy here