10 years ago, Oregon white wine used to be dominated by field blends. Some of them are still around, such as Sokol Blosser Evolution. These were always fun wines, ranging from very classy to sweet and simple, but never boring. Though Daedelus Cellars wasn’t around back in the heyday of these blends, they have given a noteworthy effort here.

Only 550 cases of this blend of 50% Pinot Blanc, 28% Pinot Gris, 14% Gewürztraminer, 8% Riesling were made, which already sets it apart from the old days, where these were the mass produced wines of wineries whose reputation had been made on Pinot Noir. The grapes come from vineyards throughout Oregon, and the wine has an appropriately worldly air.

The wine has an amazingly spicy, aromatic nose that it achieves with no help from oak, there is none here, but a restrained, crisp, dry palate that will please the most stalwart dry wine consumers. It’s really a fabulous combination. Try this with light fish, egg dishes (quiche), and as a delightful aperitif or luncheon wine. Drink now – 2010.