Five for Friday: Wines of Energy, Place, and Purpose
From zesty whites to vibrant reds, these five wines capture energy, elegance and a sense of movement—perfect for the changing season.
As the days stretch longer and the air grows warmer, it’s the perfect time to explore wines that balance brightness with complexity. This collection spans sunlit California blends, expressive Oregon Pinot and a structured Spanish Tempranillo—each bottle offering a distinct snapshot of its origin.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner, relaxing on the patio, or opening something contemplative for a quiet evening, these wines deliver character, clarity and just the right amount of intrigue.
Ehlers Estate St. Helena, Napa Valley, California “Sylviane” 2023 ($50)
87% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Sémillon
A vibrant and expressive white blend that captures the freshness of spring in a glass. The nose opens with fragrant aromas of white blossoms, tropical fruit and green pear, evoking a sunny orchard in bloom. On the palate, layers of stone fruit, crisp pear and zesty lemon unfold atop a subtly oily texture that lends depth and weight. Tart green apple and a hint of grapefruit zest carry through to a bright, lingering finish. Elegant and aromatic, this wine balances freshness with a round mouthfeel, making it a compelling choice for warm-weather sipping or seafood pairings.
La Lomba Finca Valhonta 2018 Tempranillo Rioja, Spain 2018 ($81)
Brimming with vibrant red fruit, this Rioja Tempranillo opens with aromas of juicy cherry and blackberry that leap from the glass with freshness and charm. On the palate, the fruit remains lively and pure, supported by well-integrated tannins that lend structure without overshadowing the wine's elegant core.
2024 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier ($15)
Bright and inviting, this blend opens with vibrant aromas of yuzu, lemon-lime zest, and a whisper of jasmine. The palate bursts with juicy white peach, lychee, pink grapefruit and kiwi, all lifted by a lively acidity. A delicate hint of Maldon sea salt adds a savory edge to the clean, refreshing finish.
Dry yet mouthwatering, energetic yet supple, this wine strikes a perfect balance—ideal for beachside picnics, backyard gatherings, or simply watching the sky shift at sunset with a glass in hand.
Résonance Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir 2023 ($39)
This wine hums with a restless energy, a kind of nervous tension that makes each sip a discovery. The label itself—abstract shapes that could be blue trees, or perhaps their reflections in still water—hints at the layered complexity within the glass. But to me, it reads more like the jagged line of an EKG or a Richter scale: constantly in motion, never static.
The palate mirrors this movement. One moment it leans into tart cranberry and cherry, the next it shifts toward cool eucalyptus and forest-floor conifer notes. Just as it begins to settle, a smooth undercurrent of cola rises on the finish, tying the elements together with a surprising grace. Not fruit-forward, not purely earthy, nor strictly acid-driven, this Pinot dances along the edges of all three, a reflection of Oregon’s dynamic terroir and a winemaker's restrained hand.
Timothy Malone Wines Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir 2018 ($33)
A subtle touch of reduction lends savory depth to this beautifully balanced, medium-bodied Pinot Noir. Tart cranberry and pomegranate lead the charge, supported by a backbone of warm baking spice. Grippy tannins provide structure, while a delicate floral lift lingers gracefully on the finish.
A wine that mirrors a cold, sunny day; crisp, vivid and quietly expressive.