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IN A GLASS OF ITS OWN
Sorry, California loyalists, but some of the best Burgundy-style wines outside of Burgundy are made in Oregon. And the best Burgundian wines in Oregon are made, quite possibly, by the husband-and-wife team at Walter Scott. ("Walter Scott" isn't a real person; the name refers to two people important to the couple.) Every time we try branching out to other contenders, we always find ourselves coming back to this tried-and-true institution. They're that good.
We'll be pouring four of their modern classics—two Pinots, two Chards. (As we said: Burgundian.) You'll start with the La Combe Verte—absolutely mind-boggling that these are the base offerings—then graduate to the higher-end counterparts from the Freedom Hill Vineyard. The Chardonnay is the real showstopper. A few vintages ago, it got 98 points from Wine Advocate, and we'd argue that this latest vintage is even better. (“Weightless power” was used to describe the '19 vintage and holds true for the '22.) A combination of charred Meyer lemon peel and ginger leads to a too-good-to-be true chalky, mineral, and salty finish that lasts for days.
But! The Pinot might be our sneaky favorite. The tongue salivates just thinking about its deep, mysterious power. It’s almost reddish-blue, with tannins like satin that achieve a balance that would rival a young Clos de la Roche. By the end of the lineup, you'll be as convinced as we are that Walter Scott is in a class—a glass!—of its own.
The Lineup
Walter Scott La Combe Verte Chardonnay - $44
Walter Scott La Combe Verte Pinot Noir - $44
Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay - $90
Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir - $90
