The 2015 Penner-Ash Estate Vineyard pinot noir offers a boatload of potential for the patient. The nose boarders on hedonistic, and offers some killer aromas of iron, black strap molasses and bruised strawberry and blackberry, though it’s obvious that with some bottle age there will be more to come. The body is as full-throttled, and the tannin structure and acid suggest a minimum of 5-6 years is required for it to really come together, though I’d give it a decade to allow the full range of fruit and Earthy flavors to shine: Acai, pomegranate, raspberry, blackberry, tar, black tea and black pepper all duck and weave through a robust tannin structure and acid that will need to relax for this wine to show its best self. This will be an all-star if one can wait a solid decade. Penner-Ash’s Estate Vineyard has some cool stuff going on. 92 points, value A-.

A fine and silky red with strawberry, lemon and plum character. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish.

USA, Oregon: 2016 Vintage – Part Two Lynn Penner-Ash says, "In 2014 we really started to see the ratcheting up of growing degree days. It was both hotter and drier. It was the next really warm vintage after 2003." Pale to medium ruby in color with a hint of purple, the 2014 Pinot Noir has a lovely open nose of potpourri, pink peppercorn and violet over a core of warm red and black cherries and berries with touches of undergrowth—very spicy and perfumed! Light to medium-bodied, it offers good layers of black and red fruits, exotic spices and earth in the mouth. It’s got a strong frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness to lift all that flavor on the long finish. This is drinking beautifully right now.

A refined and very fine wine with medium, velvety tannins and dried strawberries. Medium body, a polished texture and a flavorful finish. Floral undertones.

In this much-celebrated well-ripened vintage, the Shea designate has a pleasingly soft entry. The lush persistent flavors of black-cherry and blackberry fruit are streaked with vanilla, tobacco and cola highlights. Drink now and over the next four to five years.

Aromas of plums and dried strawberries follow through to a medium to full body, fine and silky tannins and a subtle finish. Refined and very pretty. Hints of nuts.

The wine from this vineyard has a lightly smoky scent, more of the characteristic tobacco aromas, and a flavorful fruit mix of mulberry, blueberry and blackberry. It's spicy and chunky and generous, ready for near-term drinking.

This much-admired vineyard brings exotic scents of ripe black-cherry fruit soaked in Asian spices. The wine is compact and powerful, with strong tannins and a light whiff of tar. Drink 2018 through 2026.

Directly adjoining the famed Shea Vineyard, these grapes bring comparable quality. This is young, grapy and aromatic, with primary aromas focused on black-cherry fruit. There are streaks of licorice and cola, leading into a long, lemony, tobacco-laced finish.

Taut, focused and juicy, with mineral-accented black currant and blueberry flavors, finishing on a smoky note. Offers presence and a frame of fine tannins.

Deep red. Vibrant aromas of spicy red and dark berries are complicated by cola and vanilla notes. Silky and appealingly sweet, offering juicy black raspberry and floral pastille flavors with a touch of toasty oak. Finishes impressively long, sappy and smooth, with sneaky tannins building slowly and adding grip.

Vivid ruby-red. Suave, mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry scents are complemented by suggestions of musky herbs and potpourri. Seamless and concentrated on the palate, offering appealingly sweet dark berry and cherry compote flavors lifted and sharpened by a spine of juicy acidity. Rich yet energetic, finishing with excellent clarity and length and building tannins.

Lurid ruby-red. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of candied dark berries, cola and incense; a mocha nuance gains strength as the wine opens up. Plush blackberry and cherry cola flavors show a spicy edge of white pepper and very good energy for their heft. Seamless, sweet and expansive, in the style of the vintage, displaying a velvety texture and impressive finishing persistence.

USA, Oregon: 2016 Vintage – Part Two Pale to medium ruby-garnet in color, the 2008 Pinot Noir has a lovely nose of chocolate-covered cherries and warm blackberries with a spicy core of dried violets, potpourri, leather and warm earth. Light to medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with dark fruits and spices plus a wonderful streak of dried floral perfume. It offers a strong frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness to lift the long, layered finish. This is drinking beautifully right now.

It has been a while since I have tasted this wine, I guess I was in a state of denial since the winery has been sold since the last time I popped a Penner-Ash. Still youthful, even a decade out with dark cherry, blackberry, anise, and a smidge of tar. On the palate, this is fruity, but certainly complex—not as boisterous as the 2008s, but so refined. Delicious. Outstanding.

USA, Oregon: 2016 Vintage – Part Two Pale to medium garnet in color, the 2002 Pinot Noir is scented of stewed black tea leaves and black cherries with notes of leather, wet leaves and baker’s chocolate. Light to medium-bodied, it’s holding up beautifully in the mouth with lovely notes of chocolate and dark fruits plus suggestions of Bergamot, autumn leaves, bitter peel and tree bark. It has a frame of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to carry the long black cherry finish.

The nose is a dusty mint and sap imbued macerated plum and blossom notes earth and bark. The palate is a solid black fig, cocoa and plum with notes of espresso.

Dark garnet color in the glass. A serenade of cassis, white pepper and tobacco aromas lead off. Full-bodied and robust with hefty tannins. A man’s wine with plenty of delectable blackberry, boysenberry and black currant fruit accented with spice. Impressive length in the mouth with a persistent finish. This wine needs a big ribeye steak. I had my neighbors try this one since they like bigger wines and they went ga-ga over it.

Fermented entirely in stainless steel, this reliably excellent wine is once again deeply fruited with mixed citrus, honeysuckle and Bosc pear. A pleasing minerality underscores the zesty finish.

A lively expression of this variety, with bright aromas of white flowers, peach and spice, with popping acidity that keeps it on the fresh, lighter side. I like this as a solo drinker or a foil for salads or fish. This is a style that should be emulated in domestic production.

Always a strength in the winery’s white wine lineup, this is sourced from both Columbia Valley and Rogue Valley vineyards. It’s aged entirely in stainless steel and walks a tight rope between citrus zest and honeysuckle, botanical herb and leafy green flavors. It’s all in perfect proportion, and absolutely delicious lightly chilled.

Viognier is a particular strength at Penner-Ash, and here, once again, the challenge of balancing the grape's high-wire sensibility is met with ease. Firm and compact initially, it blooms with delicious flavors of lemon pastry, hints of mint, and lemongrass. It's full bodied, poised and steers clear of both bitterness and burn.

This captivating wine, from vines dating back to the early 1970s, will reward your patience. It must be decanted if you want it to burst open past the initial tart flavors of green apple and grapefruit. Once it does, it will delight with juicy citrus, ample acidity, and plenty of grip.