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SAVORY SIPS: SOKOL BLOSSER

Tracy Onufer headshot

Tracy Onufer

Apr 07 2023

Date of Visit:
Jun 16 2022

Address:
5000 NE Sokol Blosser Ln, Dayton, OR 97114

AVA:
Dundee Hills

Website:

www.sokolblosser.com 

THE PLACE

Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol planted their first grapevines on five acres in 1971, began harvesting in 1977, established Oregon’s first winery tasting room in 1978, and expanded the site to 72 acres in 1980. They released their first small lot bottlings of individual blocks of pinot noir in 1998, along with introducing their Evolution brand. They produced the first wine in Oregon and labeled it with the Dundee Hills AVA designation in 2005. Despite having no experience with wine or viticulture, Sokol and Blosser are among the pioneers of Willamette Valley wine. Sokol Blosser celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2021, with second-generation siblings Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser continuing the family business. The two took the reins as co-presidents in 2008, with Alex assuming the Head Winemaker role in 2013 and Alison being named CEO in 2014. Sokol Blosser now farms a total of 128 acres, and their Dundee Hills estate grows pinot noir, pinot gris, riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and chardonnay grapes.

Sokol Blosser
Sokol Blosser
Sokol Blosser
Sokol Blosser

THE BRAND

Sokol Blosser has followed a “good to the earth” policy since its inception. They were the country’s first LEED-certified winery building in 2002, received USDA organic certification in 2005, installed a 25kW solar panel system in 2007, and earned B Corporation certification in 2015. On the human capital front, they are developing a DEI strategic plan to attract and retain an inclusive and diverse work force. 

THE EXPERIENCE

Sokol Blosser offers a seasonal wine tasting flight daily from 10 a.m-4 p.m., and reservations are required. The tasting flight is $35 per person, which is waived with a minimum wine purchase of $109. Food is available for purchase from their on-site kitchen, which was voted one of USA Today’s “Top 10 Winery Restaurants.” The Spring Flight includes sparkling wine, Müller-Thurgau, rosé, and two pinot noirs.

THE WINE

  • 2020 Bluebird Cuvée Brut Sparkling ($36):  The 2020 had just been released when I visited, and it is provided complimentary to start the wine tasting.  Crafted using the traditional method, which includes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, it is a blend of pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and muscat grapes. The nose includes aromas of honeysuckle, lychee, and peach, with lime zest accents. The wine is dry with medium acidity, and flavors include lychee, lime, and grapefruit. 
  • 2021 Estate Müller-Thurgau ($32): Sokol Blosser was the first winery in the U.S. to do a single bottling of Müller-Thurgau. Susan’s father Gus co-signed for a loan with the stipulation that they plant Müller-Thurgau grapevines. The 2021 harvest produced the ripest Müller-Thurgau grapes that Sokol Blosser has ever had, leading to a lush wine with a medley of stone, citrus, and tropical fruits on the nose. The light-bodied, low acidic wine features melon, cantaloupe, white peach, and sweet lychee flavors. 
  • 2021 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir ($28): The pinot noir grapes grown for the Estate Rosé are in Sokol Blosser’s Concert Block, which is named for the site’s former life as a concert venue. From 1992-1999, acts including Los Lobos, John Denver, Ray Charles, Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg, and Bruce Hornsby performed there. The Estate Rosé’s nose includes notes of strawberry, cantaloupe, and apricot. A hint of residual sugar balances the wine’s acidity, with flavors matching the nose. 
  • 2018 Orchard Block Estate Pinot Noir ($72): Sokol Blosser describes the Orchard Block’s seven acres as a perfect balance, lending its resulting pinot noir a Goldilocks quality with a “just right” balance of tannins and fruit. The delicate nose includes aromas of raspberry, black cherry, and tobacco. The wine is also beautifully delicate, marrying a light body with light tannins and a medium-high acidity with flavors of raspberries and red cherries. 
  • 2018 Watershed Block Estate Pinot Noir ($65): Whereas the Orchard Block is delicate, the Watershed is bold and aggressive with high acidity and medium tannins. Aromas include blackberry, leather, tobacco, and pepper, while the flavors are of blackberry, pomegranate, and smoke. 

Best bottle for your next dinner party: 2021 Estate Müller-Thurgau

Best bottle to add to your wine cellar: 2018 Watershed Block Estate Pinot Noir

THE HIGHLIGHT

I was treated to tastings of a few wines not on the tasting flight, including their 2017 Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling, the 2018 Goosepen Block Estate Pinot Noir, and the 2018 Peach Tree Block Estate Pinot Noir. I also received a reusable 50th Anniversary six-bottle wine bag with my wine purchase. 

THE TAKEAWAY

A trip to Sokol Blosser is a celebration of the Willamette Valley’s history and status as a powerhouse wine-producing region. In addition to the seasonal tasting flight, Sokol Blosser also offers a Reserve Pinot Noir tasting, a winery tour and tasting (Saturdays through September), a summer vineyard hike (Sundays through September), and the culinary experience Farm and Forage.

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