December 2025 Cellar Selects: Delectable Delights
Deliver holiday cheer with these top picks
Abacela 2022 Angelica 1859 Pioneer Vineyard, Umpqua Valley (panel pick)
Notes of black cherry, nuts and white pepper command attention with the first sniff. Each sip reveals more complexity and depth as brown sugar and boysenberry crumble dance across the tongue, followed closely by fig, blueberry and white pepper. Raisin and other dried fruits join cacao and black cherry in a rich, elegant ending. $90
Soter Vineyards 2021 Mineral Springs Brut Rosé, Yamhill-Carlton (80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay) (panel pick)
White pepper, strawberry and pink grapefruit create an intriguing nose. Tart strawberry and cherry wed with lemongrass, developing into a distinct structure with exuberant bubbles. A hint of salinity introduces a memorable, extended conclusion. $80
Hudak House 2023 Riesling Dessert Wine, Eola-Amity Hills
Fragrant floral aromas of gardenia and orange blossom flowers progress into orange zest and toasted almond. Bright, tart flavors of quince and lemon juice become more complex, melding seamlessly with notes of poached pear and candied orange peel. $35
Sarver Vineyard 2021 Syrato Extended Barrel-aged Dessert Wine, Yakima Valley
Nutella, dried fruits and violet aromas contribute a fanciful nature to this Port-style wine. Aromatic rosemary sprig and fig notes artfully blend with Italian and red plum, blackberry and Blackcap raspberry. Extravagant dark chocolate and chocolate-covered cherries conjure elevated levels of decadence. $30
J. Scott Cellars 2015 Dessert Riesling, Rogue Valley
Enticing scents of caramel, crème brûlée, honey and roasted hazelnuts evolve into matching flavors. Jasmine and yellow melon join the earthy, confectionery tones, followed by a pleasant popsicle stick dryness. A lengthy conclusion, abundant with blackberry honey, leaves a lasting mark. $25
Bjornson Vineyard 2020 Ratafia Dessert Wine, Eola-Amity Hills
Sweet toffee, almond paste and caramel initially greet the senses. Desirable aromas of tiramisu and baked apple echo on the palate, transforming tempting desserts into liquid form. Espresso, honeycomb and golden raisin supply further sophistication and refinement. $30
Dobbes Family Winery 2022 Dichotomie Elements Brut, Columbia Valley (85% Chardonnay, 15% Syrah)
Almond shavings and marzipan mingle with aromas of lemon zest and green banana. Citrus flavors of lime, lemonade and grapefruit balance a creamy midpalate with energetic bubbles. Lemon curd and Asian pear supply added texture to the pleasing finale. $35
The Punch House 2024 L’Appel du Vide Pét-Nat, Rogue Valley
An intensely floral bouquet of honeysuckle and white flowers marries fruity Cosmic Crisp apple. Extending to the palate, the aromas are joined by green tea, jasmine and sparkling apple juice. Spritzy and pleasurable, this easy-drinking wine delivers a lasting memory with its clean finish. $40
73 wines evaluated
Wineries: Want to see your brand on this page? Submit your wines to OWP, no fee. For details, email Michele Francisco at michele@oregonwinepress.com.
Requirements: Wine must be: 1) Produced by an Oregon winery (wineries from Washington side of Columbia Gorge AVA or Washington side of Walla Walla Valley AVA also allowed); 2) Currently available to consumers. Selection process: Led by a wine industry expert, the OWP tasting panel selects wines based on overall quality within their respective categories. Recommended wines are selected using a double-blind method and a multipoint ranking system for appearance, aroma, taste, balance and finish. To the best of our knowledge, they are currently available in the marketplace.
