Apr 3, 2023

Willamette Valley - mixed vineyards.
Light fragrant nose of red cherry, vanilla, suggestion of licorice, leather, and faint stems and earth. Concentrated cherry, strawberries, raspberries flow seamlessly, light on the palate with touch of spice. Ample structure, gentle acidity and integrated tannins. Soft, lingering, cool finish. Very approachable Pinot, great weeknight wine.

Price

32

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Score

91

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April 3, 2023

Today we share the great wines of the 2015 vintage in the Willamette Valley. What is considered by most to be a stunning vintage, 2015 in Oregon meant warmth and consistency. 2015 fell between two other warm vintages, 2014 and 2016. I fondly recall the bold flavors coming from this vintage, as wines seemed to push richness but also have good underlying acidity. Bud break came several weeks early and most of the Willamette Valley saw higher than average temperatures during spring. A consistently warm summer saw harvest evolve earlier than most vintages. Just like 2014, the 2015 vintage yielded a large fruit set and large crop of ripe fruit. Sometimes when Oregon Pinot Noir is released, they need several years in the bottle. I always felt that the 2015 Oregon Pinots were sensational and very expressive once released.

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Panther Creek

2015 Panther Creek ‘Carter Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-The ‘Carter Vineyard’ is located at the southern end of the Eola-Amity hills AVA and was planted all the way back in 1983. This comes off very bright and beautiful on the palate, showing nice richness and underlying tension. Beautiful red fruits collide with citrus blossom water and shades of salty volcanic earth. This finishes very long, as this beauty is already singing now at the eight year mark. Enjoy now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2015 Panther Creek ‘Red Stripe Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Red Stripe Cuvee’ is a wine club wine from a host of Willamette Valley Vineyards. It is very pretty and round on the palate, with red rose petals, red cherry, orange rind and salty soil flavors. This is already beautifully evolved so enjoy now and over the next several years. Only 50 cases made. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2015 Panther Creek ‘Lazy River Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2015 Yamhill-Carlton bottling comes from this site which is located west of the town of Yamhill. Quite translucent once in the glass, this opens with aromas of walnut and burnt orange alongside red cherry candy and enoki mushroom. The palate is very soft and approachable, with a smooth texture. Layers of ripe red raspberry, pomegranate and guava all meld together with allspice dusted orange rind, copious minerals and light peat moss undercurrents on the palate. Very lithe and polished, with good length, this is delicious lighter to medium-bodied Pinot Noir that is really starting to hit its stride. Drink 2023-2029- 92

Read Full Article Here

Josh Farrell, Wine Director of Wine Express, reviews our 2018 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir.  Wine Express is the Wine Channel Partner for Wine Enthusiast. He hosts tastings on their Youtube Channel.  

Panther Creek was founded by acclaimed winemaker Ken Wright and focuses on single vineyard designated wines. But not just any vineyards, this winery has maintained relationships with the finest vineyards in the Willamette Valley.

Aged in 50% French Oak, which adds a layer of complexity to the Pinot Noir. 

Josh describes this wine as, "nice balance of strawberry and raspberry notes, sweet like espresso, and has a great lift from the acidity." He says the berry flavors are beautiful, and hanging on to the finish. It drinks beautifully right now and probably will continue for many years to come.

Watch Josh's complete review on their Youtube Channel.

MAY 5, 2022 BY SNOB

Soft, restrained nose with primary notes of mild citrus and under-ripe peach. There is a prominent damp slightly mineral leather which dominates as soon as you begin swirling. White cherries linger.

Body is ever so slightly acidic, greeting with firm but restrained citrus. A viscous slightly weighted mouth feel counters this tension quite nicely. A buttery shortcake lingers in the background. Mineral leather carries over, rendering the palate slightly moist. White pepper permeates the stage. A subtle bitter zest emerges is it transitions to finish. Under-ripe white cherries, crisp, refined caramel and a spice tingle are all that it left.

Body is ever so slightly acidic, greeting with firm but restrained citrus. A viscous slightly weighted mouth feel counters this tension quite nicely. A buttery shortcake lingers in the background. Mineral leather carries over, rendering the palate slightly moist. White pepper permeates the stage. A subtle bitter zest emerges is it transitions to finish. Under-ripe white cherries, crisp, refined caramel and a spice tingle are all that it left.

If I were to open a Chardonnay on any given day, this would be it. It is a well executed Chardonnay that achieves good balance through subtle contrasts; a little buttery body with a little acidity and tension, retrained fruit with subtle minerality and spice. I like it!

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Tonight’s Occasion: 2019 White Blend (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon) by Panther Creek Cellars, Woodinville, WA.

Bright and light up front with soft notes of citrus, peach, green apple, subtle damp old dried grassy leather, and a hint of butterscotch so faint you’d likely miss it. It’s a bit shy on the nose and needs to be teased out.

Body is dry, balanced right down the middle. White cherries burst onto the stage, aloof, as a slightly silky mouth feel follows closely, filling the stage. A crisp refined caramel suggestion is barely noticeable, more like nectar. This then rolls over to a very light slightly bitter citrus, like lemon zest. This marks the transition to finish as the entire stage vanishes, leaving behind a subtle warm spice tingle and faint tannic grip.

This wine is a gentle reminder that white blends really need to be a thing. I have never quite enjoyed white wines as much because they generally lack this kind of body, balance and expression. This wine embodies the best both varietals and their highly complementary characteristics. The body, subtlety and nuance of Pinot Noir with the bright crisp of clean expression of Chardonnay. A great, well executed combination.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE OF WINESNOB BLOG's REVIEWS OF PANTHER CREEK WINES

Dan Martino - 

Dinner last Saturday with the '06 Pinot was a great celebration of a pretty cool thing that happened in my life.  The whole story is on my Facebook page but the readers digest version is this...my first guitar (bought in 1968), the guitar I learned to play on and wrote my first songs on was destroyed in 1971.  It sat in pieces in closets for over 50 years.  I recently found a luthier (stringed instrument craftsman) who was actually able to resurrect the instrument.  That's what we toasted with your incredible Pinot...as worthy a wine as I could imagine for the occasion.  I've attached a few pics.

The Resurrection of the Original 1960's Guitar

Good Life Destinations

Since roughly 2008, my wife Carol and I have been operating a travel website called Good Life Destinations.  We chronicle our travels and other experiences including a "column" I write called "Kindred Spirits" where I talk about wine, beer, single malts and other potables.  I intend to do a feature on your '06 Pinot which will include some of the guitar repair story.  

I look forward to tasting more Panther Creek wines!

Dan Martino

We recently received an email from Dan Martino of Peoria, IL about a library vintage Panther Creek Pinot that inspired us to start this new blog series, Panther Creek Cellars Fan Stories.

With dinner last night, my wife and I had a bottle of your 2006 Pinot.  I had bought it in 2011 and it's been resting, well protected in our cellar ever since.  I just wanted to write to tell you that I think it's the best Pinot we've ever had and one of the best wines we've had in the last ten years.  I'm going to try to find the current vintage locally and maybe buy several bottles this time, allowing some cellar time for a couple of them.  I know that wines vary from year to year but I'm crossing my fingers that we get to experience what we did last night with the new vintages.  Anyway, kudos from this grateful wine lover.

A Wine Lover's Story 

Since 1999, my wife and I have collected labels from every wine we drink...over 2,500 new wines and/or vintages.  We document the experiences we have with these wines in scrapbook form...on our 56th book now.  So yes, I can share the Pinot specifics, along with every other wine we've had.  As I wrote, I bought the 2006 at a local outlet in 2011 for $35. [See their blog, Good Life Destinations]

I'm really glad you replied because I would really like to know your thoughts as to how this particular wine ages.  I read on your website that your Pinots age well, so I'm not surprised at how good this wine was.  If only I would have had a bottle of the '06 in 2011 so I could perhaps determine just how much it improved these past 11 years.  That's what I intend to do with your latest vintage (or vintages) assuming I can find it (or them). 

Panther Creek Band - 1960's

I'm not sure if this will be of any interest, but I would like to tell you why your Pinot was in our cellar for so long.  In high school and a few years after (late 1960s), I played in a band called Panther Creek.  When I saw the Pinot, I had to buy it in hopes of sharing it with my old band mates if we ever got together.  Anyway, an occasion presented itself recently that made opening this wine appropriate...I'll spare you the details.  But "Panther Creek" holds a special place in my heart and now your wines are a part of that too.  Thanks for making them so well.

Tonight’s Occasion: 2017 Pinot Noir (Kalita Vineyard – Willamette Valley, OR) by Panther Creek Cellars, Woodinville, WA

Dark intense ruby color. Subtle aromatic nose with bright cherries, raspberries and a hint of sweet cola. An underlying wet mineral leather permeates the nose. This is its sense of place – Willamette Valley.

A bright body greets with a touch of acidity in the form of a slightly sweet citrus reminiscent of a Meyer Lemon. This is quickly counterbalanced with a slightly viscous weighted body. Crisp tannins add great structure midway through as crisp caramel reminiscent of neutral French oak and red cherries fill the palate. A taught mineral leather carries over. This marks the transition to a finish characterized by a firm, dry tannic grip over a wet mineral leather.

This is a well built Pinot with a touch of personality. This small understated boutique winemaker was one of the highlights of my visit to Woodinville. Their small batch production artisan wines are just the type of wines I obsess over and constantly seek out, off the beaten path.

Read more Panther Creek Cellars on WineSnob.

Click here to view 2017 Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noir in our wine store.

2016 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) by Panther Creek Cellars

Today’s occasion: 2016 Pinot Noir (Schindler Vineyard – Willamette Valley, OR) by Panther Creek Cellars, Woodinville, WA.

Rich ruby color. Out of the bottle, nose is a little shy with notes of damp slate, and a touch of ripe berries. Swirl vigorously to unlock bursts of sweet cherry, damp leather consistent with sedimentary soils, and a crisp caramel consistent with neutral oak so faint, you’d likely miss it.

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Body is balanced right from the start. Light, bright but restrained acidity goes hand-in-hand with thin, crisp tannins reminiscent of dark cherry. This provides a measured amount of structure and good balance. Oak renders a silky mouth feel while minerality and fruit conspire to create dry, tart, slightly bitter cola-like essence upon the palate. This marks the transition to finish as the palate wrestles between dry and moist eventually ending dry with a subtle spicy tingle. Wet rock mineral essence permeates the entire experience. A subtle but notable star anise becomes more pronounced as it opens up over 1-2hrs.

Of their entire lineup of amazing Pinot Noir, I can see why this stood out the most – Terroir. It is terroir driven, front and center, start to finish. This is the mark of a great winemaker – a mere costodian of the grapes, allowing the vines to fully express themselves so intricately. At 100 cases, this is precisely the kind of wine I obsess over. I highly recommend stopping by if you are in the greater Seattle area.

See full review here

Oregon Wine Press April Cellar Selects

April 1, 2021

CS: April 2021
Agreeable Gris: Oregon's prolific white easy to enjoy

Rock Point 2019 Pinot Gris, Oregon

Fruit-forward aromatics of tart lemon-lime, peach and sweet pineapple blend with light honey and a complex note of wet limestone. Sweet fruit and honey flavors continue on the palate with lime acidity, salinity and a silky, full body. The finish is long and satisfying. $14.99; 2,464 cases

Wine By Joe 2019 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Mineral-driven yet sweetened with notes of honey and peach on the nose. Clean and refreshing on the palate with a ton of bright lemon acidity, marzipan, hay and a tart grapefruit finish. $14; 11,500 cases

Panther Creek 2019 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Peach and pear juice meet complex aromas of minerality and a hint of wood smoke. Peachy and mouth-coating, the palate offers a touch of petrol, more minerality and refreshing acidity. $20; 800 cases

Read Full Article Here

Double Gold Medal for 2019 Chardonnay Pinot Noir

Gold Medal for 2019 PInot Gris

See complete list of winners here

Published: December 16, 2020
This single vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir shines with a translucent, pale ruby, inviting you in with aromas of red berries that are lightly perfumed with florals and notes of dried herbs. On the palate, it's beautifully structured with bright flavors of tart dried cherry lively notes of baking spices and uplifting tannins delivering a finish hinting at cocoa.

- Reviewed by Gary Hayes

AVA: Yamhill-Carlton District, Oregon
SavorNW Award: Double Gold Medal 2020
Judges Score: 96 Points
Price: $50

Visit SavorNW website 

By Seattle Times Content Studio

Featured products for Christmas and Hanukkah 2020 provided by Seattle shops and businesses. Sponsored products supplied by the stores or companies listed.

Panther Creek Cellars Experience Oregon Wine in Woodinville Package 

All of the fun of an Oregon wine tasting without the traffic, this Panther Creek Cellars package includes a tasting certificate for two at its Woodinville tasting room and a bottle each of pinot gris and pinot noir made from Oregon vineyards. See, swirl, sniff, sip and savor! $50 at Panther Creek Cellars (Woodinville) or panthercreekcellars.com

View the whole gift guide here

Click here to purchase the holiday gift pack

Tue., Dec. 1, 2020

In the world of wine, Pinot Noir might be the most cherished, celebrated and debated.

There’s a charm and a siren’s call surrounding it. It presents myriad challenges for viticulturists and winemakers who will use polite terms such as “finicky” in public when they would rather use the coarse and colorful language of the vineyard and the cellar.

As a result, Pinot Noir ranks among the most expensive for consumers to acquire because of the work to get the grapes ripe and the attention the wines demand in the cellar. That goes for its native home in Burgundy and in the Pacific Northwest.

And while the Willamette Valley of Oregon has earned its reputation for Pinot Noir, there are success stories elsewhere in the Northwest. And fans of Pinot love to make new discoveries.

Here are six examples of Pinot Noir in the Northwest that have shined in recent judgings. Ask for them at your favorite wine shop or order directly from the wineries, and serve them during the holiday season.

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