At the point of release 2015 ranked as the Willamette Valley's warmest viticultural vintage on record. The wines are appropriately robust, but have a liveliness and purity to them that belies the heat. Now, (8/ 2024) these wines are starting to come out of their “dumb phase”, and while still in early maturity, a decant or some time being open can offer tremendous current enjoyment with the promise of plenty of upside in the decade ahead.
The Whistling Ridge, is layered and just a great bottle of wine. Decanting or patience after opening is recommended and the wine will certainly continue to improve with cellaring time, however, if you are looking for a great early look at this vintage as it is aging, or just want a fantastic bottle of wine that has put on density of age, filled in around some of the tannins, and yet still holds a youthful liveliness to the fruit, this one is an excellent choice. Drink 2024-2035. (Tasted 8/2024)
The Durant vineyard has opened up and is showing the richness, weight, and spice of a ripe vintage Dundee Hills pinot Noir. The old vines(43 years old) give it a subtlety and balance lacking in many ripe character wines, but it has considerable robustness.
Fir Crest, opened several hours ahead of time is really beginning to show the class of the site. There was great layering in the blue and black fruits with a beautiful violet expression layered in. Acids were integrated and tannins gave a savory structure but were a lovely counterpoint to the natural power of the wine.
The Heritage Wines are still a bit closed right now, the high levels of whole cluster tying up the fruit and giving them another year or two to a more open phase. If you have any of the single vineyards we would suggest continuing to hold the Heritage Bottlings at least a few years longer. There is certainly enjoyment to be had (especially with the Heritage No.5 (Durant) and, after a decant and some hours open, the Heritage No.4 (Whistling Ridge) and Heritage No.6 (Fir Crest) but they will continue to improve and evolve with cellaring time.
The Deux Vert Syrah is in a great spot for opening. Delicious, elegant, with thyme and purple fruits on the nose. I like this now, it’s very fine, shows layers of flavor. Very much in an open phase, this wine is firing on all cylinders and there is no penalty for opening the wine but continued time in the cellar will likely not come at a cost. It’s in the plateau and probably a long time to any drop off.
The 2015 Chardonnays are in the zone and this is a good time to consume them. The Durant is richer with dense aromatics of the sea, yellow orchard fruits, and wheat/grain fields. The Richard's has a smokey nose, notes of black tea, beautiful fruit and saline notes dominate, and it’s both tranquil and slightly sumptuous. Drink now to 2028.
The Whistling Ridge Blanc will hold on a while, but it’s in a beautiful place.