Behind The Vines: Sokol Blosser
Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser planted their first vines in the Dundee Hills in 1971. Authentic pioneers and visionaries, their legacy is now carried on by their successors, Alex and Alison. Family-owned and relatively small, Sokol Blosser Winery is a genuine gem and part of Oregon’s history.
The estate grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. From rosé to sparkling wine, including a collection of remarkable wine-in-a-box, there’s no doubt Sokol Blosser offers wine for every palate and occasion, and the quality is off the charts. This is more than fine wine; it’s sustainable fine wine!
The Terroir
What started with 89 acres in the Dundee Hills are now a tad over 128 acres spread across Dundee, the Eola-Amity Hills and Yamhill-Carlton, including the plots that have been in the family for three generations.
The vineyards looked after by the Sokol Blosser family are certified organic, and many are planted over the famous red volcanic soil that gives the region’s grapes their personality. Deeply committed to sustainability, Sokol Blosser have been one of the pioneers in the Oregon wine scene and continue to push boundaries with their sustainable approach.
The Philosophy
After farming the grapes organically, the team behind Sokol Blosser processes them with a non-interventionist approach, often bottling low-yield, dry-farmed, single-vineyard expressions of the Willamette Valley.
With judicious use of oak, Sokol Blosser wines are all about the fruit and the most attractive tertiary aromas of concentrated grapes. Pinot Noir is king here, but the winery keeps on innovating, championing lesser-known grapes in the valley.
The winery’s Evolution Collection represents some of the best value in Oregon, but Sokol Blosser also delivers authentic masterpieces with extraordinary age-worthiness. Here’s a selection of a few wines to try by Sokol Blosser.
The Wine
Sokol Blosser, Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2018
Perhaps the most acclaimed wine in Sokol Blosser Winery’s repertoire, they make this beautifully silky Pinot with grapes grown in Jory soils and comprises a variety of Pinot Noir clones. Rich black fruit, dark cherries and oak spices hit the nose, followed by undergrowth, mushrooms and black truffles over a smooth palate held together by tight acidity. Pair with salmon and tuna or mushroom stir-fries.
Sokol Blosser, Willamette Pinot Gris 2019
This lively and refreshing expression of the Willamette Valley is all about white fruit, tropical hints and minerality. Blessed by the rich mouthfeel of a wine that spent time on its lees, this pretty white wine is a tremendous varietal example of Pinot Gris. Enjoy with Mediterranean food and seafood.
Sokol Blosser, Evolution Pinot Noir 2019
A more expressive, young and fruit-forward expression of Oregon Pinot Noir, Evolution is the entry-level collection at Sokol Blosser, but the wine is extraordinary. Perfect for everyday enjoyment and outdoor entertaining, expect pretty red fruit and hints of toasty oak in the mid-palate. This one’s beautiful on its own when served chilled, but it pairs nicely with roast chicken and sticky BBQ ribs!
