Bow & Arrow Wines, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Melon de Bourgogne 2023 ($23)

Bow & Arrow was founded in 2010 by Scott and Dana Frank who now work out of the basement of an historic building located in Northeast Portland. Not only are they an authentic urban winery, but they also focus on atypical wines from the Willamette Valley. With Bow & Arrow, the roster is predominantly Loire Valley wines such as Chenin Blanc, Gamay and this wine, a Melon de Bourgogne. The primary grape of Muscadet, Melon, is rarely seen elsewhere. Made from three small vineyards, this 2023 is a real eye-opener. Light straw, it opens quickly to showcase green apple, pear and spicy aromatics. On the palate it remains vibrant with apple and citrus flavors, but the ultra smooth texture from less aging is what sets it apart. Then it concludes with a crisp, lingering finish with a mineral note. Flavorful, fleshy and crisp.
93 Norm Roby