Vinepair The 16 Best Chenin blancs for 2024 (October 2024)

2023 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc This Chenin Blanc shows how wonderfully textured the grape can be in Washington State’s Columbia Valley. The wine has a floral and salty nose, and the palate is acid-driven with a medium weight. 91 points Keith Beavers

Owen Bargreen review (July 2024)

2023 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc- This 2023 Chenin Blanc combines fruit from the Upland and Roza Hills Vineyards. Pale in the glass, this was stored in a combination of neutral French oak and stainless steel drums. This saw a touch of lees stirring and offers salted cashew nut and ripe pear that combines with melon tones on the palate. This is fresh and polished stuff that will pair with millions of foods. Drink 2024-2031- 93 points

2022 Orr Wines Grenache- The 2022 Orr Wines Grenache comes from the Lawrence and Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Stored in neutral oak barrels, this opens with red cherry candy, lavender and shades of baking spice with pomegranate seed on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a great purity of red fruits. Tobacco leaf and bay leaf flavors combine with salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2024-2034- 94 points

2021 Orr ‘Royal Slope Red’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Royal Slope Red’ is a Merlot wine that was stored in all neutral oak barrels before bottling. Ripe black plum, fig and chocolate mark the nose. The palate is seamless and smooth on the mid-palate with a beautiful melange of black with red fruits, coffee grounds and coffee ground flavors. Drink 2024-2034- 93 points

2022 Orr ‘Royal Slope Red’ Red Wine- This 2022 ‘Royal Slope Red’ has 8% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. Also stored in all neutral oak before bottling this opens with anise and black currants alongside tar and tobacco leaf. The palate is very elegant and refined with good structure and underlying finesse. A beautiful wine to savor now, enjoy over the next eight years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 92 points

Lines on Wines podcast interview with Dr. Marji Morgan (May 2024)

Tasting Room Magazine (April 2024)

2022 Orr Wines Grenache Royal Slope - A blanket of crushed ripe strawberry and red currant coat the fresh and brightly-lit palate, accented with floral and orange peel notes. Mineral and loamy spices surface on the firm and vibrant finish. $30 94 points

https://www.washingtontastingroom.com/taste/the-intrigue-of-grenache

Rand Sealey for The Review of Washington Wines (May 2023)

2022 Orr Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley ($27) This is an impressive Chenin Blanc. It displays a brilliant lemon-gold color and perfumed aromas of Asian pea-apple, Elberta peach, Crenshaw melon, lemon custard, pear blossoms, jasmine, spring wildflowers, clover and wet stone. The flavors are deliciously fresh and vibrant with white and yellow fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins, peach stones and old vine minerality. The resonance continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of hazelnut, crème fraiche, melon rind  and recurring lemon custard, all followed by a lingering lightly spiced finish that is lifted by precise fruit acids. 19+/20 points

2020 Orr Royal Slope Red Wine, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($27) Produced to benefit vineyard workers, this blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon offers a deep ruby color and rich aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed roses, mulberry, sweet tobacco, rubbed sage, oregano and sweet incense. The flavors are deliciously supple, yet substantial, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, black tea and minerals. The appeal continues on the back with pressed fruits, nougat and framboise and cerise liqueurs, followed by a moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2021 Orr Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Rattlesnake Hills, Gresswell Vineyard ($35) From 40 year-old vines this is a compelling Chenin Blanc. It displays a brilliant gold color and perfumed aromas of Anjou pear, Elberta peach, Casaba melon, lemon custard, pear blossoms, jasmine, lemon verbena, clover and wet stone. The flavors are deliciously fresh and vibrant with white and yellow fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins, peach stones and old vine minerality. The resonance continues on the back with poire William and pêche liqueurs and touches of hazelnut, crème fraiche and recurring lemon custard, all followed by a lingering lightly spiced finish that is lifted by precise fruit acids. The best Washington Chenin Blanc I’ve ever run across. 19.5/20 points

Owen Bargreen’s writeup on his blog September 2022

2021 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc- Coming from the Gresswell, Rosa Hills and Upland Vineyards, the 2021 Orr Wines, this was aged in a combination of stainless steel, hogshead barrels and used French oak before bottling. This shows a nutty edge once on the nose, with bright pear and starfruit tones. The palate is beautifully textured and shows great poise and weight. This is seamless throughout the drinking experience, as this Chenin Blanc is best consumed over the next five to seven years. Drink 2022-2028- 92 points

2021 Orr Wines Grenache- The 2021 Orr Wines was stored in natural oak for eight months before bottling in May 2022. Coming from the Corfu Crossing and Stillwater Creek Vineyards, this delivers pretty guava and red cherry notes on the nose with shades of green olives. The texture is soft as this displays great underlying acidity that makes your mouth water. A beautiful core of red fruits mingle on the palate, with citrus rind and shades of wet stone. Drink 2022-2030- 92 points

2019 Orr Wines Merlot- The 2019 Orr Merlot comes from the Stillwater Creek AVA, as this has 20% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. Stored in used oak, this delivers ripe cassis, mocha and chocolate cake notes on the nose. The palate is very fresh and finesse-driven with good structure, showing plenty of mouth-watering acidity. This is beautiful wine to consume now and over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 91 points

2020 Orr Wines Red Wine- The 2020 Orr Wines Red Wine is a blend of 92% Merlot with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand-sorted, this was entirely stored in neutral oak before bottling in May 2022. This is beautifully textured with a soft mouthfeel and delivers chocolate covered cherry, roasted dates and graphite notes. Drinking nicely now, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 91 points

Rand Seeley for The Review of Washington Wines (August 2022) “Here are three impressive wines from Erica Orr that represent excellent value.”

2021 Orr Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley From vineyards planted in the 1970’s and ‘80’s, this displays a brilliant lemon-gold color and perfumed aromas of Asian pear-apple, white peach, Casaba melon, grapefruit, pear blossoms, honeysuckle, lemon verbena, clover and spiced white incense. The flavors are deliciously fresh and vibrant with white and yellow fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins, peach stones and old vine minerality. The resonance continues on the back with poire William and pêche liqueurs and touches of hazelnut, crème fraiche and grapefruit peel, followed by a lingering lightly spiced finish that is lifted by bright fruit acids. The best Chenin for the money I’ve ever run across. 19/20 points

 2021 Orr Grenache, Royal Slope This is a tasty young Grenache from the Stillwater Creek and Lawrence vineyards. It sports a medium brick red color and fresh aromas of strawberry, cranberry, red currant, red roses, mulberry, orange peel and lightly spiced orange incense. The flavors are medium bodied yet mouth-filling, with bright red fruits that are accented by grape and cranberry skins, herbal tea and Royal Slope alluvial minerals. On the back, the wine fills out with fraise and cassis liqueurs, toasted nuts, recurring orange peel and stick charcoal, followed by a juicy soft tannin finish. 18.5/20 points

 2019 Orr Merlot, Royal Slope, Stillwater Creek Vineyard This 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon combination offers a  deep ruby color and engaging aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed red roses, mulberry, sage and whiffs of incense. The flavors are ample yet substantial, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, medium roast coffee and dusty earth. The back fills out with pressed fruits, roasted nuts, mocha and pencil shavings followed by a ripe, smooth moderate tannin finish. Delivers a lot for the modest price. 18.5/20 points

Stephen Tanzer for VINOUS December 2020

2019 Old Vine Chenin blanc - citrus and stone fruits, hay, spring flowers, shiso leaf and mint with an element of minerality emerging with air, juicy, tactile and penetrating, showing lovely touch of spicy, yeasty complexity to the intense peach and honey dew flavors. 91 points

2019 Columbia Valley Grenache -dark cherry, cranberry, spices and underbrush. Juicy, spicy … delicious right now thanks to its balance, precision and light touch, not to mention a terrific value. 91 points

2018 Columbia Gorge Chardonnay -Plush, seamless and rich but firm in the mouth, with a lightly saline quality adding interest to the flavors of orchard fruits, honey and spices. This very round but dry Chardonnay finishes with a savory umami richness, good dusty grip and classic dryness. 90 points

2018 Merlot- cassis, black cherry, bitter chocolate, spices, tobacco leaf and menthol on the nose, juicy, moderately dense, fruit driven Merlot with lovely purity but also a pronounced herbal quality. A nicely made wine of modest dimension and length. 88 points

2018 Orr Old Vine Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley- Erica Orr is one of the state’s holdouts who still makes Chenin Blanc, and does a damn fine job of it. Candied apple, vanilla, lemon pie and just a hint of honeycomb, with a dry finish. Yum! Compass Wines Washington’s top 5 white wines 2019

2018 Orr Old Vine Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley- Hints of vanilla and honey join beautiful floral notes, melon, and a wet-stone minerality on the nose, leading to bright flavors of white nectarine and lime zest. Sara Schneider in the Robb Report

Stephen Tanzer for VINOUS November 2019

2018 Orr Grenache -91 points Moderately saturated medium red with a pale rim. Subdued but slightly liqueur-like aromas of strawberry, cranberry and red cherry, lifted by a note of rose petal. Sappy, juicy wine with lovely pungent cranberry and pomegranate fruit flavors framed and accented by black pepper and firm acidity. Penetrating, intense and structured for this bottling, finishing with a firm tannic spine (no doubt at least partly due to the addition of some Mourvèdre, which was blended in after the Grenache and Syrah were co-fermented) and very good savory energy. I find this riper, deeper and more convincing than the 2017 but it really calls for another year of patience to soften a bit. On the other hand, I could gulp it down tonight. (fermented with 7% whole clusters and aged in neutral oak; all from Stillwater Creek vineyard) -- Stephen Tanzer (2019 - 2024)

2018 Orr Old Vine Chenin blanc - 89 points Pale, bright yellow. Grapefruit pith, mint and white flowers on the nose, plus hints of shiso leaf and powdered stone. Rich, seamless and dry, offering a smooth umami quality and a surprisingly mouthfilling texture. This very dry but rich Chenin Blanc shows a bit less youthful austerity, mineral intensity and phenolic grip than the 2017 did at the same stage of its evolution but is a more relaxed wine for early drinking. It should offer equal versatility at the dinner table. -- Stephen Tanzer (2019 - 2021)

An article from The Wine Write "Meet Erica Orr" 

Owen Bargreen’s Washington Wine Blog

2017 Orr Wines Grenache- This limited production wine is crafted by superstar winemaker, Erica Orr, who has blended in a touch of Syrah here. The nose shows lighter cinnamon and toasty oak aromas that connect with bright red fruits. The mouthfeel and texture is seriously good. Red cherry puree, cran-pomegrnaate and sage flavors all nicely combine in the glass. This is an excellent effort that will cellar well over the next eight plus years. Drink 2018-2026- 92 points

2017 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc- Sourced from the Rothrock Vineyard located 855 feet above sea level with a 15% slope, The wine which underwent native yeast fermentation opens with aromatics of bright pear, starfruit and honeysuckle. The acidity is marvelous here with bright starfruit, kiwi and kumquat flavors with a touch of Pazzaz apple. More mineral driven than previous bottlings, the astringency shines through Drink 2018-2022- 91 points (#54 on the Top 100 of 2018 list)

International Wine Report

The 2015 Orr Wines 'Old Vines' Chenin Blanc is an outstanding effort from superstar winemaker Erica Orr. Orr has had previous stints at some really famous spots including Rudd Estate, Cain Vineyard, Domaine Dujac, and Yering Station. In the glass aromatics are slowly released after a one hour decant. The wine begins with a bouquet of unripe pear, cantaloupe, and lemongrass with hints of beeswax. There are flavors of honeydew melon, Japanese pear, and starfruit with a nutmeg edge. This is balanced wine that needs a bit of warming up to be fully expressive. There is nice weight and texture on the mid-palate that impresses. This is a really nice value at this price point. (Best 2016-2021) - May, 2016 (OB) 90 points

Stephen Tanzer

2017 Orr Old Vine Columbia Valley Chenin blanc (a blend of vineyards): Palish bright yellow. Quince, lime, minerals and a hint of leesy complexity on the inviting nose. Broad, savory and bone-dry, and less fruity than the nose suggests, hinting at lemon zest and mineral dust. Some phenolic fruit skin notes, well-integrated acidity and a touch of salinity give this intriguing wine a distinctly European attitude. Finishes tactile and fresh, with sneaky salty length. This very serious, adamantly dry Chenin Blanc needs to be served with food. Stephen Tanzer 89 points

2017 Orr Columbia Valley Grenache Palish cherry-red. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, licorice, peppery spices and herbs, plus a whiff of rose petal. Smooth and light on its feet, with red fruit, pepper and spice flavors showing good inner-mouth floral lift. This very dry, slightly green Grenache delivers modest depth but easy drinkability, finishing with fine, light tannins and decent length. Stephen Tanzer 88 points

2016 Orr Old Vine Columbia Valley Chenin blanc (aged in neutral barrels): Bright yellow. Subtle stone fruits and a whiff of almond on the nose. Juicy, savory and quite dry, offering subtle flavors of wet stone and spices that reminded me of Savennières. Very laid-back, uncompromisingly dry white wine. Stephen Tanzer 88 points

2016 Orr Columbia Valley Grenache  (from Stillwater Creek): Medium red. Aromas of plum, redcurrant and spices are accented by a tangy cherry quality and a note of herbs. Fine-grained and brisk if not especially fleshy or deep, with its flavors of dried cherry, herbs and flowers conveying good energy. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and good length and lift. Stephen Tanzer 88 points

2015 Orr Old Vine Columbia Valley Chenin blanc (made with wild yeasts): Full straw-yellow. Good floral lift to the ripe aromas of pineapple, spiced apple and honeysuckle. A very rich but adamantly dry Viognier with notes of crab apple, ginger and macadamia. Substantial and persistent but without the brightness of fruit for 90 points. Stephen Tanzer 89 points

2014 Orr Old Vine Columbia Valley Chenin blanc Pale, bright straw-yellow. Orange zest, apricot, mint, flowers, resin and straw on the nuanced nose. Rich, spicy, slightly tart citrus zest flavors are given punch by a firm spine of acidity. A touch of wet wool reminded me of Savennières. This is the project talented consulting winemaker Erica Orr, who currently is also involved at Guardian Cellars and Baer Winery. Stephen Tanzer 89 points

2013 Orr Wines Old Vine Chenin blanc Columbia Valley (just 12.4% alcohol; from 40-year-old vines): Very pure, discreet aromas of white currant, greengage plum, lemon zest and minerals. Very intense and fresh, offering sharp definition to the flavors of Granny Smith apple, pineapple and damp stone. Nice texture and a touch of sweetness, plus a hint of tannins on the firm finish. I like this! The first vintage for this wine, under the new label of talented consulting winemaker/enologist Erica Orr. Stephen Tanzer 91 points

Seattle Times 

Three from Teer, reported by Andy Perdue for the Pacific NW Magazine

Orr Wines 2014 Old Vine Chenin blanc, Columbia Valley, $22: Erica Orr has fashioned a gorgeous, dry chenin blanc from two vineyards, planted in 1974 and 1979. There is a wonderful texture, subtle pear/apple fruit and bright acidity. A true Washington seafood wine.

FOOD & WINE

7 Washington State Whites for the End of Summer  by Charles Antin | posted August 28, 2014

2013 Orr Old Vine Chenin Blanc ($22)
Chenin Blanc’s spiritual home is the Vouvray region in France’s Loire Valley, but Erica Orr makes a stellar example in the Columbia Valley. After quitting her job as a lab tech at the University of California, San Francisco, Orr worked in wineries all over the world: Rudd Estate (Napa), Domaine Dujac (Burgundy) and Yering Station (Australia’s Yarra Valley). The aromatics are subtle in this wine and the acidity is racy, just like a good dry Vouvray.