My Unabashed Love For Patricia Green Cellars Sauvignon Blancs

And more reviews: Day Wines, Knudsen Vineyards, Wine of the Week

If you are of the male persuasion and your teenage years pre-date the rise of the internet you may have participated in one of the major rites of passage – sneaking copies of Playboy out of your Dad’s “hidden” drawer. Believe it or not there was more to the mag than the centerfolds. Cartoons for sure, but also long and well-written interviews with celebs such as John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Marlon Brando and Malcolm X. And let’s not forget the interminably stuffy Playboy Philosophy, with its cheesy adjunct and mercifully short-lived ‘Playboy After Dark’ tv series (best episode ever featured the Grateful Dead spiking the coffee with their favorite reality enhancement).

I actually read those Playboy articles from time to time, including the ‘Unabashed Dictionary’, a long-running column offering double-entendre definitions for everyday words. Unabashed having thereby lost all utility for any other written material, I have since avoided any use of the word anywhere ever. Now it turns out that I’ve been saving it for a special occasion, a centerfold moment. That moment has arrived, and the featured star is Sauvignon Blanc, barely oaked or nakedly un-oaked.

Yes there’s a place for new oak when used judiciously. If you’re chasing a Bordeaux-style blend with Semillon included a blast of oak toast is mandatory. But as my love for Sauvignon Blanc has grown I’ve stuck to the principle that the very best examples – hello Sancerre – don’t need much if any new wood. It covers up the main assets of the variety – its aromatics, tightly-knit web of citrus/tropical fruits and savory herbs and, in the best examples, its seashell minerality. Better in the Willamette Valley than anywhere else on the west coast, these pure, fruit-driven examples have proved that it could be – should be – second only to Chardonnay as Oregon’s premier white wine.

You may be surprised to learn that no one does it better than Patricia Green Cellars. Even ardent fans of the winery’s Pinots may not appreciate how good are their SBs, and how many (up to four a year) are made. These are so good that they are given a huge amount of background detail on the website, and deservedly so. Here I’ve consolidated some of those comments along with email interviews with owner/winemaker Jim Anderson and associate winemaker Matty Russell. Following each section is my review of the wine.

Jim: “In the 1970s and into the first part of the 1980s Oregon actually produced more Sauvignon Blanc than Pinot Gris which is simply crazy to think nowadays. However, back then selling Sauvignon Blanc was so difficult that even Robert Mondavi had to change the name of their bottling to Fumé Blanc to trick people into buying it. Oregon stood no chance. So, there was precious little fruit available.

“While there are still few sites with much in the way of acreage dedicated to this variety we have been successful at finding them/convincing them to grow Sauvignon Blanc. We now produce as many as four different bottlings in any given vintage. We have a variety of ways of showing different characteristics in each. From the soil type, vine age and microclimates, to the choice of yeasts used in fermenting, to the choice of sandstone, concrete, stainless steel or acacia wood puncheons as the fermentation vessels. All of these choices allow us to create singular aromatics and flavors in the different vineyards and blocks.”

Matty: “We’ve definitely leaned into the program for several reasons. One major factor is the growing demand for Sauv Blanc in our region. Last spring, Paul Durant at Durant Vineyards hosted a ‘Sauvage’ event where 20 wineries – all from Oregon – participated. And he had to turn some away due to limited space. The word is spreading among producers who want to build their cellar programs with an aromatic white wine that’s affordable and unique.”

PGC Willamette Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Jim: “Our 2025 bottling of Willamette Valley Sauvignon Blanc is the most diverse we have made, and certainly the large inclusion of Croft vineyard fruit has had a dramatic impact on the overall quality.”

Patricia Green Cellars 2025 Willamette Valley Sauvignon Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc has many viable styles, and those who say they don’t like the grape may just not have found the style that they would like. This one neatly wraps in hints of fresh green herbs while keeping the focus on a crisp mix of lemon, lime and grapefruit, accented with tangy acids and a suggestion of green pineapple. It’s crisp and clean and sharply defined, with a lingering, snappy finish. 2698 cases; 12.5%; $28 (Willamette Valley) 93/100

PGC Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Jim: “The Croft vineyard is planted next to Freedom Hill in the unfortunately monikered Mt. Pisgah, Polk County-Oregon AVA. Due to this we still use the regular Willamette Valley AVA. We purchased Croft vineyard Sauv Blanc and Pinot Noir from 2004-2009. We weren’t making a vineyard designated version at that time. After the 2009 harvest there was, I believe, a misunderstanding in the re-negotiation of the fruit contract. During the 2024 harvest we were called to see if we would be interested in taking some of the fruit that another winery had decided to walk away from at the last minute. It turned out to be about 15 tons and we had to scramble to get ready for it as 15 tons is over 2,000 gallons of juice that we weren’t set up for (you’ve seen our place, an infusion that large at the last minute presents spatial challenges).

“We ended up separating out Block 5C, planted in 2005 and then expanded in 2011, as the portion of the fruit that we liked the best. We made a small 100-case bottling of it in 2024. In 2025 we had a contract and picked out several sections of the vineyard that we were interested in. This block was chosen again as a portion of what is a significantly larger blend. We allotted them to the amphora and three different acacia wood puncheons. The rest of the tonnage goes to the Willamette Valley bottling, and Croft makes up about 40% of that blend.”

Patricia Green Cellars 2025 Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – The Croft vineyard is one of a handful with name recognition in Oregon for its Sauvignon Blanc. I’ve had many examples, and this one, made from one new and two neutral Acacia puncheons and a sandstone amphora, is unlike any other. It’s a masterful mix of fermentation vessels, and each puts its stamp on the finished wine which, as the winery notes, reflects precision and intention. Citrus skin and flesh, well-ripened nectarine fruit, a light touch of toast, marvelous texture, concentration and length. 270 cases; 12.5%; $37 (Willamette Valley) 95/100

PGC Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Jim: “When we bought the property in 2000 we knew that we were NOT going to be making Pinot Gris. The Sauvignon Blanc was a fortuitous coincidence. Patty and I both loved Sancerre and we figured we would give the SB on the property a go and if it worked out then that would be terrific. The 2000 actually turned out quite nicely (from what I remember).

“Today after 25 vintages of Sauvignon Blanc winemaking only Jay Somers – the Don Corleone of Sauvignon Blanc in Oregon – has more experience producing this incredible white wine. Place is nearly everything with winemaking at the highest level and the Patricia Green Cellars Estate Vineyard is the preeminent and oldest site producing this grape.

“We started bottling the Estate on its own in 2015 when the vines got old enough and deep enough to start translating the minerality that our vineyard has as a signature feature. Now, 10 years later, another section planted in 2001 and 2002 has come into full maturity giving us a little wider range of options to choose from, and also allowing us to make more of it! We now have slightly over two acres of Sauv Blanc vines ranging from 23 to 35 years in age.”

Patricia Green Cellars 2025 Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – This is the tenth release from the estate vines, fermented and aged in acacia wood puncheons. The biggest, most full-bodied of the three 2025 cuvées, it’s packed with Meyer lemon, lime, peach, apple and other crisp orchard fruits. Acacia puncheons, notes the website, “allow the wine to gain texture the way Pinot Noir does from oak, while amplifying aromatics and adding more intensity to the core.” Lemon meringue pie? I’ll have another slice! 275 cases; 13.5%; $37 (Ribbon Ridge) 95/100

And one more review to round out the latest releases:

Patricia Green Cellars 2025 Helen Dusschee Tempranillo Rosé – This is a perennial favorite among the new crop of rosés each spring. The Tempranillo puts a Mediterranean twist on the flavors, but of course with plenty of juicy ripe fruit. Strawberries, blood orange, a touch of pineapple, some light baking spices and perfect balance throughout make this fine for near term drinking. At the same time it might be even better in a year, as there seem to be quiet depths to the mid-palate and an exceptionally long finish. 535 cases; 12%; $29 (Willamette Valley) 94/100

Day Wines

Day 2023 Dazzles of Light White Wine – This blend includes 60% Chardonnay, 31% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Melon de Bourgogne, not far from 2022’s excellent version. Made to be enjoyed immediately, this is a spring/summer wine, bone dry with lightly grassy notes around dried apple fruit. Released almost two years ago it should be consumed over the next year. 1173 cases; 12.3%; $27 (Oregon) 90/100

Day 2024 Isla Vermentino – Layne vineyard fruit was fermented in neutral puncheons and one clay egg. It’s been handled carefully, lightly accenting the tart acids and underlying salinity, keeping the bright fruit front and center. Lemony from skin to flesh to curd, it’s a dry wine, ready to chill or (honestly) use as a mixer. 146 cases; 12.8%; $25 (Applegate Valley) 91/100

Day 2025 Vin de Days Blanc – This new release takes its cue from Alsace, blending Pinot Blanc (35%), Gewurztraminer (25%), Pinot Gris (20%), Riesling (17%) and Muscat (3%), all co-fermented in stages by adding new grapes sequentially into the same tank. Aged briefly in stainless, it’s put through full malolactic and finished dry. It’s a juicy wine, lemony and flavorful, with highlights of wet stone. 676 cases; 12.7%; $21 (Willamette Valley) 92/100

Day 2023 Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay – Brianne Day’s Chardonnays have a slightly feral quality that brings accents of pollen, garden herbs and citrus around the baseline fruit. As Willamette Valley Chardonnays reach higher and higher quality standards Day wines stay close to their original focus – low abv and aiming for balance, texture and finesse above all. The complex palate threads fruit and basically hands-off winemaking to keep a clean, natural expression of vineyard and variety. 92 cases; 12%; $44 (Yamhill-Carlton) 92/100

Day 2023 Aurora Vineyard Arneis – From the outstanding Ponzi Aurora vineyard comes this rich and delicious Arneis – a Piedmontese variety rarely seen in the U.S. First planted in 1990, these are as far as I am aware still the original vines. It’s a thrilling wine, dense with layers of candied citrus, tangerine, ripe apple and papaya. The impactful fruit leads into a full-throttle mid-palate with caramel and nut butter highlights. The balance of fruit and acid is pitch perfect. Released a year ago, maybe already sold out. 159 cases; 13.6%; $36 (Chehalem Mountains) 95/100

Day 2025 Vin de Days l’Orange – Sourced principally from Ponzi vineyards, this is 46% Pinot Gris, 40% Gewurztraminer and 14% Riesling. It got three weeks of skin contact, turning the color a deep sunset copper gold. It’s bone dry, scented with orange blossom and orange peel. Although there is no Muscat in the blend, it sure tastes like there is, maybe just a splash at topping? Fresh, fruity and delicious, chill it and try it with a summer salad. 351 cases; 12.5%; $25 (Willamette Valley) 92/100

Day 2023 Vin de Days Rouge – Principally Pinot Noir with 18% Gamay (a change from the Pinot Meunier in 2022) filling out the blend, this used half whole clusters in the fermentations. It’s a dark and tannic wine, smooth and spicy, with cranberry, cherry and a hint of rhubarb. Firm, balanced and medium long, it’s a good all-purpose wine for poultry or pork. Released in the fall of 2024, it should be enjoyed over the next few years. 911 cases; 13.5%; $27 (Willamette Valley) 91/100

Day 2023 Johan Vineyard Pinot Noir – Textured and neatly woven flavors of beetroot, pomegranate, rhubarb and blood orange are in play here, with the elegance and complexity that characterizes Day wines. The savory side is seamlessly matched with the tart fruit, with stem and skin phenolics framing the tannins. More and more nuanced accents come through as it breathes and expands. 735 cases; 13.4%; $44 (Van Duzer Corridor) 93/100

Day 2023 Nemarniki Vineyard Gamay – Like a top tier Cru Beaujolais this is concentrated and pure, with bright and lively strawberry fruit, sassy acids and a tart kick to the finish. Savory flavors wrap around the fruit, the balance stays on point right through to the end. Best chilled down a bit. Drink with cold cuts, cured meats and (if you still have it by then) your Thanksgiving turkey. 210 cases; 13%; $33 (Chehalem Mountains) 93/100

Day 2023 Infinite Air Castles – “Like many of our wines, this began as an idea, a daydream or an air castle. Humble and approachable, lively and fun.” And indeed it is, a 75% Gamay/25% Dolcetto blend, lightly floral with pretty red fruits and gentle acids. It’s an elegant wine, open and fresh, and should be tasted over the next couple of years. 560 cases; 12.9%; $33 (Willamette Valley) 92/100

Day 2023 100 Years a Lady Pinot Meunier – The Belle Promenade vineyard is the source for this 100% varietal Pinot Meunier. It’s tight, tart, savory and balanced, with rhubarb, strawberry and red currant fruit. There is a phenolic wrap around the middle, and it trails out with touches of bitter herbs. 113 cases; 13.5%; $36 (Chehalem Mountains) 91/100

Knudsen Vineyards

Knudsen vineyards, first planted by Cal and Julia Lee Knudsen in 1971, remains family-owned and operated, with both second and third generation family members actively involved in the business. The labels and overall brand identity have been refreshed to better reflect both the history and sustainable aspects of the vineyard. The wines are made by Bryan Weil at Vinovate, a sustainable custom crush facility in the Dundee Hills.

Marketing Coordinator Takyah Henning added these notes in a recent email. “The Family Series labels feature wildflowers found throughout the vineyard and represent wines blended from multiple blocks to reflect the overall character of the Knudsen estate. The Talking Blocks Series is inspired by the history of the vineyard, with each wine sourced from select blocks that stay the same each vintage, to showcase how different parts of the estate express themselves through smaller lot winemaking. Lastly, our Founders Series is dedicated to Cal and Julia Lee Knudsen, who are featured on the labels. These wines are crafted from some of our legacy vineyard blocks and highlight distinctive expressions of the site that have shaped Knudsen Vineyard over the years.”

Knudsen Vineyards 2023 ‘Family Series’ Chardonnay – Well-made wines come consistently from this heritage, family-owned property. This is a fruity, juicy, tangy and all-around tasty Chardonnay, given 20% new French oak, which seems to be turning out to be a current (and welcome!) standard. It’s the fruit that shines, the overall balance, the snap of citrus and apple yielding to a creamy, lightly toasty finish. 628 cases; 13.5%; $55 (Dundee Hills) 93/100

Knudsen Vineyards 2024 Pinot Noir – The first Pinot to be released each vintage, this is a blend of 30% estate fruit and 70% from vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. It’s compact and aromatic, lovely to look at in the glass and very easy to like. The balance is superb, the overall weight and palate impact centered on the raspberry/marionberry fruit, accented with touches of barrel spice and toast. It rounds off into a smooth, supple, quick finish that invites the next taste. 508 cases; 13.2%; $35 (Willamette Valley) 92/100

Knudsen Vineyards 2023 ‘Family Series’ Pinot Noir – This gets a generous 16 months in barrel, 22% new. It’s supple, well-ripened, built for medium-term aging. Winemaker Bryan Weil crafts these Family Series wines with balance and precision in mind, and they deliver. Dundee Hills Pinot Noir couldn’t find a better standard at this price. Berries and plums, cherries and spice, light hints of toast and tobacco wrap together in a most satisfying finish. 694 cases; 13.5%; $55 (Dundee Hills) 93/100

Knudsen Vineyards 2023 Heritage ‘Talking Blocks’ Pinot Noir – This is all Pommard, from three different vineyard blocks, one dating back to 1988. My fondness for this clone is well-documented, for its fruit-forward impact on wines, whether it’s a component or 100% of the blend, as it is here. That said, lovely though this is, it tails off quickly in the finish, seeming to hit a hard wall, leaving a trail of phenolic flavors of grape skin. The center palate is fruit-powered with pomegranate, white raspberry and rhubarb. 240 cases; 13.5%; $72 (Dundee Hills) 92/100

Knudsen Vineyards 2023 Snapshot ‘Talking Blocks’ Pinot Noir – Sharp, spicy, young and compact, this needs extra aeration when first opened. I should note that this comes from young vines planted in 2012. And it rocks bright, bold raspberry fruit that penetrates vertically with impressive power. Details of milk chocolate, almond candy and creamy vanilla glide through the finish. All in all a splendid wine, with lovely balance, length and surprising finesse as it trails away. 244 cases; 13.5%; $72 (Dundee Hills) 94/100

Knudsen Vineyards 2023 Backstory ‘Talking Blocks’ Pinot Noir – Block 6 (Pommard) and Block 7 (Dijon 777), both planted in 2007, are doing the talking here. They occupy the site of the original plantings a half century ago, hence the name. This is a vibrant, focused and immediately appealing wine, framed with barrel toast around blackberry and black cherry fruit. Accents of baking spices cascade into a matrix of lush fruit, composted earth, soft leather and cut tobacco. Long and clean all through the finish, this is a lovely bottle from beginning to end. 238 cases; 13.5%; $72 (Dundee Hills) 95/100

And one more…

Wine of the Week – This weekly feature is a paid subscriber bonus. The goal is to spotlight the most interesting wine I’ve tasted during the week. Not always the highest scoring, but often a very fine value. Why was it the most interesting? Read on!