About Explore 4
True to its name, our most popular subscription is a journey through the world of wine, four bottles at a time. Each month, we select wines based on a chosen theme and explain how each bottle fits that theme—it’s wine education and enjoyment in equal measure!
Although vines were first planted in the Willamette Valley in the mid 1800s, it wasn’t until the late 1960’s and ‘70’s that you could count more than a dozen wineries in the entire state of Oregon. Today there are 23 distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) that stretch from
the Columbia Gorge on the northern border, to Snake River Valley in the east and Rogue River
that touches California to the south, and nearly 1000 wineries. This state is no longer on the rise, it has clearly arrived as a top tier destination for high quality wine. So come on and join us on the Oregon trail!
Bow & Arrow, Time Machine White MV
All natural Chenin Blanc, with a little help from some friends, showcasing that Oregon is more
than just Pinot and Chardonnay.
The Chenin really shines through here, with notes of just-ripe orchard fruit, lanolin, wildflower honey, beeswax, and lemon-lime zest. The Sauvignon Blanc adds a bit of aromatic complexity in the form of green peppercorn and fresh herbs, while the Melon rounds out the wine with added minerality and crisp, sunny acidity. This is a truly refreshing, unique take on Oregon white wine!
Salem Wine Co, Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021
Sourced entirely from the iconic Seven Springs Vineyard, this is a fresh, light-touch Chardonnay that punches way above its class.
Serve this classic and classy Chardonnay in a large Burgundy bowl, at a cool 50 degrees or so, and you’ll notice ripe yellow and green apples, hazelnut, lemon zest, white flowers, and a touch of marzipan. The body is medium and has an excellent balance of fruit and acidity, with a finish that is full of classic Oregon minerality. Grab some King crab
legs and go to town!
Yamhill Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2022
Elegant, earthy, old-school, and age-worthy Pinot Noir from a standard-bearer estate that has been a part of the Willamette Valley ascendancy for 40 years.
The brilliant, garnet red hue opens up quickly after decanting, with aromas of ripe cherries, wild strawberries, black currants, dried rose petals, porcini, cocoa powder, earth, and damp pine. The tannins are silky and integrated, though just firm enough that when added to the lovely, bright acidity they suggest that this wine will easily improve for another five to ten years.
Freja Cellars, Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2018
A touch of bottle age adds depth and complexity to this textbook bottle of Pinot from the Chehalem Mountains.
A few years of bottle age have added additional depth and savory complexity to this medium-full bodied Pinot. The nose leads with notes of black raspberry, Morello cherry, and kirsch that is followed by sagebrush, cocoa powder, baking spice, and earthy porcini. The ripe tannins are perfectly integrated, leading to a long, silky finish.
What does it mean to “Drink Like a Somm?” It’s about the enhanced enjoyment that comes with deeper understanding.
