SOKOL-BLOSSER
WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON
Why Buy: Sokol Blosser is a proudly, defiantly grassroots operation, and a stirring stand for the romance of wine. Consider its founding – Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser lit across the country in a VW bus to plant 5 acres of vines in Oregon, in 1971, two hippies in pursuit of the American dream and the American west. They were among the first families of wine in Oregon, and helped to put the Willamette Valley on the world map. This remains a family-run operation, and much of its staying power over 5 decades still comes down to the beauty and soul of its wines, which are expressive and proportional – nothing out of balance, and with an elegance that stays with you. The quartet we bring you today, from the 2021 and 2022 vintages, is a testament to that original, poetical vision.
What They're Saying: Decanter lauded the 93-point Orchard Block Pinot Noir 2021 for its "powerful floral aromatics," with "violets introduc[ing] deep blue fruits, forest floor, and a note of iodine," its "lushly fruited" palate, "its elegant and long-lived" finish, and its "restrained power." Reviewing the Bluebird Cuvee Sparkling, Jeb Dunnuck hailed the 90-pointer for its pleasurable aromatics ("white peach, citrus blossoms, and fresh pastry dough"), "fresh acidity," and "dry finish."
The Story: Talk about early adopters. When Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser drove west to plant 5 acres of vines in the picturesque Dundee Hills, in 1971, there was literally no wine industry in Oregon. These days, there are nearly 800 producers, but Sokol Blosser retains its standing and allure as a family-owned and operated winery that is well into its second generation, with siblings Alex and Alison running the show and tending the vineyards, now expanded to 125 acres. The template remains much the same as it did when their parents were in charge: to produce wines sustainably, with certified organic farming, and to let the terroir of Dundee Hills come through in each varietal expression. Many, many estates followed in their wake, and it was this commitment to the land and to the character of the grapes that eventually built a wine culture in Oregon.
Our Tasting Notes: The Orchard Block Pinot Noir, made from hand-harvested grapes and aged for 16 months in French oak, is bright, earthy, and surprisingly deep, with a focus and delicacy that gives it an elegant charm. Its gentle acidity is a plus, sharpening its definition without compromising the rich, pleasurable finish. The Kalita Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir, drawn from a single-clone blend, is heftier, with more spice and a touch of swagger – and makes an excellent and versatile companion at the table. The Bluebird Cuvee Sparkling 2021 is vivid and well-expressed, with a controlled exuberance and a clarity and freshness that are welcome and winning. The Estate Riesling Dessert was born when the vines froze in April, a first in the history of the estate. The second buds came on, however, and their clusters, fewer but also larger, produced this engaging dessert wine, an elixir of delicate floral notes and rich, ripe stone fruit.
Fun Fact: Sokol Blosser is the first winery to be certified “Salmon-Safe," having received the designation from the Pacific Rivers Council for abstaining from the use of any pesticides that might eventually harm salmon.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer only valid in AZ, CA, FL, TX, & VA. This offer will expire on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024.