Gary Andrus, a US Olympic downhill skier, founded Pine Ridge Winery in the Stag’s Leap District of Napa Valley in 1978. He was an accomplished veteran winemaker with a full resume of award-winning wines. After honing his skills at Pine Ridge, his infatuation with Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir drew him to Dundee Hills in Willamette Valley, Oregon because of the similarities in growing conditions and climate with Burgundy, France. He founded Archery Summit in 1993. Gary passed in 2019. Winemaking at Archery Summit has been under the guidance of Ian Burch since 2018.

Archery Summit has five select estate vineyards with varying blocks, soil types and clones. There are bright ruby accents to the edges of this wine as it unveils aromas of dusty rose and wildflowers. The wine is brimming with strawberry compote, red plums and cassis that are intertwined with notes of savory underbrush, earthy elements, tea and lingering spices. The tannins are finely detailed in the background and supported by racy acidity which keeps the inner core fresh and energetic throughout its elegant path across the palate.

By W Peter Hoyne