Argyle Black Brut 2008

Seems like Florida’s summer began in early April but this week, we’ve had a reprise of early spring. Temps in the 70’s and low humidity mean wine time by the Koi pond is back! On top of this lovely and refreshing weather, I have some big things going on that I’m just bursting at the seams to tell you about. But, still waiting for things to be finalized, so until then I’ll just have to keep you on the edge of your seats and tell you about some of the great wines I’ve had recently. Oh and just in case anyone is thinking it, no, my big news does not involve children.

This week my husband and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary and we did it in style. We cracked up the third and final bottle of Argyle Black Brut 2008 which we shipped back from our honeymoon in Portland, OR.

Color is an amazing deep purple/garnet color. Looks like Pinot Noir but with bubbles. Aromas of black cherry bounce out of the glass. Flavors bursting of currant and blackberry are a delight. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the grapes are sourced from Knudsen Vineyards located in Willamette Valley AVA, Willamette Valley, OR.

Brian Croser and Rollin Soles saw the benefits the Willamette Valley could provide to their wines with its cooler temps. The region is known for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and in 1987 the duo began using these grapes to produce methode champenoise sparkling wine. Grapes are hand harvested and chilled overnight to 35F before crushing. Chilling the grapes helps to retain the fruit characteristics and limits oxidation.

While the Black Brut is not available nationwide in-store, it is available on the Argyle website for $30, and completely worth it. You can find Argyle Blanc de Blancs a 100% Dijon clone Chardonnay nationally at Total Wine priced at $27.

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