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July 12, 2021
Owen Bargreen Summer Review
July 12, 2021
Owen Bargreen Summer Review
Dr. Owen Bargreen is the founder/executive editor of OwenBargreen.com, formerly Washington Wine Blog. He is a clinical psychologist and has his private practice in the Seattle area. Dr. Bargreen is a Level 2 Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers who writes part time for Decanter Magazine. He has been writing about wine for more than ten years and has reviewed thousands of wines from around the world which is why we are so honored to have him rate ours! See below for his review:
Oregon bubbles are hot! One of the great new producers of Oregon Sparkling Wine, Lytle-Barnett utilizes extended aging in their wines. Lytle-Barnett utilizes talent across the globe as they have commissioned sparkling wine Oregonian Andrew Davis, as well as South Africa’s sparkling winemaker Pieter Ferreira in making their méthode champenoise wines.
This is now my second time reviewing wines from this house and I was just as impressed as the first time I tried Lytle-Barnett wines. I will say that I was massively impressed with the new lineup of wines, having never tried these. I hadn’t viewed the website until I wrote my review and I saw that a colleague reviewed these similarly, which is good inter-rater reliability that the wines are seriously good. I love the new 2015 Lyle-Barnett ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which has good finesse and mid-palate richness from this warm vintage in Oregon. This beauty will cellar well for at least another decade. Learn more at https://lytle-barnett.com/ Here are my reviews of the great new Lytle-Barnett wines. 2015 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2015 ‘Brut’ saw extended time on the lees as this was disgorged in spring 2019 and blends 70% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. Ripe and fat on the mouth, this delivers plenty of rich orchard fruits with lemon oil, baking spice infused sourdough bread and sweetened gooseberry undertones. With a soft mousse and big finish, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92
2016 Lytle-Barnett ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2016 Lytle-Barnett ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine utilizes Clone 76 and Clone 352 Chardonnay and was given 3.5G/L dosage before disgorgement in winter 2020. The musty flavors of wild mushroom and flinty undertones really impress on the palate as salted almonds and Japanese pear flavors combine brilliantly on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go. Drink 2021-2033- 92
2017 Lytle-Barrett ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine- Yeasty and fresh on the nose, this shows toasty brioche with lemon zest, green apple, red raspberry and green papaya flavors alongside salty undertones on the palate. Soft, with good acidity, this has really good finesse but might be improved with a touch more weight. The flavor and aromatic complexity really drive this wine. Drink 2021-2031- 91
2016 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The 2016 ‘Brut’ Rose is comprised of 100% Pinot Noir grapes that was given 2G/L dosage. A pretty salmon hue, this shows off salted red fruits and pretty citrus rind tones that meld with the earthy undertones aromatically. The palate is very delicate and refined despite the obvious heat of the vintage. Layers of guava and cranberry fruits collide with minerals, teaberry and cantaloupe with shades of wild mushroom on the palate. The feeling of texture and silky mousse add to the enjoyment here, as this has plenty of stuffing and freshness to cellar well for another tenplus years. Drink 2021-2033- 93
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