Wine with Bok - 9/10 stars

Pascal Bouley Volnay 1er Cru Robardelle 2014 versus Lange Pinot Noir Reserve 2021

Using a 1er cru from burgundy to pitch against the cheapest range of this Lange from Willamette Valley may not be a fair match, but we are trying to prove a point that we have sourced very good quality New World Wine to benefit our consumers, and also to stress that we quality assured our wines before we bring them in (i.e. we put them through stress test in blind tasting first.) If I’m the judge awarding the winner based upon the first sip, the vote would have gone to Lange as the Volnay was too dry and skinny on the fruits. However, we keep stressing in the past 1er Cru will need some time to open up, as time goes by, 1er Cru wines will evolve and morph into a different character. Thus, we gave a fair chance for Volnay till the 3rd glass, we did notice Volnay has opened up, and showed good finesse and elegance, however, it was dry and lacked fruits to go against the Lange. Lange, being a screw-cap wine, on a whiff may imply cheap wine, though the vanilla also implies oak infused, decent quality fruits. The fruits are really the hallmark of this Reserve as its richness, power and nuance keeps supressing the Volnay. It’s a one-sided match, as the Lange keeps playing offensive and Volnay being on the defensive side. I did further research and found that International Wine Report gave this Lange Reserve 95 points. Enough points to substantiate our claims of this good quality label.

Our Reserve series wines have a higher percentage of fruit from our Grand Cru vineyards, and in the case of the pinot noir, more time in oak barrels. These selections were carefully chosen over time and include fruit from Freedom Hill, Mistletoe, Durant, Yamill, Hirschy, Madrona Hill, and our Lange Estate vineyards. By blending barrels form multiple vineyards, father and son winemaking duo, Don and Jesse Lange, have translated the vintage into a single cuvee while showcasing all the versatility and range pinot noir is capable of expressing. A hallmark of this series is the smoothly honed tannins and lend shape to a wine with fantastic richness, power, and nuance.

International Wine Report - 95 points
I’m falling in love with the 2021 Pinot Noirs from Willamette Valley. After a few more difficult vintages, the 2021s are exploding out of the gate and are surprisingly ready to drink now. It will be interesting to see how these evolve over time. Visually this wine is stunning with a dark ruby-purple core and neon pink rim. Very well balanced on the nose and on the palate, it gifts notes of wild huckleberry, black cherry, tobacco leaf, mint chocolate, and just a smooch of graphite. The palate is perfectly balanced with red and blue fruit, savory earthiness, silky tannins, and a lovely mouthwatering finish. Enjoy this one over the next decade.

Owen Bargreen - 93 points
I’ve been tasting this wine back more than a decade and the 2021 ‘Reserve’ is up there with the finest renditions of this wine that I have tasted. A barrel selection wine, the ‘Reserve’ takes off with very pretty guava and red cherry notes that combine with garrigue accents and salty soils on the palate. Very fresh and fragrant, this thing is only starting to hit its stride. Considering the richness, flavor density and finesse, you have the feeling that this beauty will go another twenty years! Drink 2023-2038

Northwest Wine Report "Critic's Choice" - 93 points
The majority of this vintage comes from the winery’s estate vineyard and Freedom Hill. The aromas are immediately captivating, with notes of fresh berry, plum, flower, and tea leaves. There’s laser-focused purity to the palate, along with freshness and texture. A long finish only adds to the delight. It’s an understated stunner, with unabashed appeal.