Argyle Winery
by Author Name
One of Oregon's best wineries, Argyle is both reasonably priced and highly rated. Its 99 Nuthouse PN received 93 points from Wine Spectator in June 2001, and its Chardonnay was rated Oregon's Best by Oregon Wine Report in May 2001. Argyle produces three types of vintage sparkling wines: Brut, Blanc de Blaney and Rose, hand riddled and disgorged to order. Still wines include Dry Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, all crafted by traditional methods in limited quantities.
Founded in 1987, Argyle Winery is a partnership of Australia's well-known vintner Brian Croser and winemaker Rollin Soles. Rolin, a Texan by birth, studied winemaking in Oregon before moving on to Australia, where he met and worked with Brian. He returned to Oregon in the Mid 80's and Argyle was founded in 1986. Croser's wonderful Petaluma Winery purchased Argyle in 2000.
The modern winery operations are housed in a former hazelnut processing plant in the small Willamette Valley community of Dundee. Argyle's parent company, The Dundee Wine Company, manages 250 acres of prime Oregon vineyards under the supervision of viticulturist Allen Holstein.
The winery handcrafts its wines, carefully hand picking its grapes into small baskets to preserve fruit quality. Hand sorting and gentle gravity feed methods are used to make the best wine possible.
