Marshall Davis Wines were founded in 2011 by brothers Sean Davis, and Ryan and Matt Marshall. This small batch vineyard makes some pretty awesome wines and I had the pleasure recently of trying many of them!

It was Easter when I tried the rosé this year, and I was blown away by the 100% Pinot Noir, barrel fermented rosé. This 2018 is aged in oak for 3 months, and is full of bright red fruit, nice black fruit notes, lingering spice, and a nice long finish! The vineyard is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I am sure many noticed, lately I have been writing about and recommending more American wines, especially coming from Oregon and Washington!

The brother’s craft full-bodied wines such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Some of the fruit also comes from Walla Walla AVA in Washington, so you will notice they have wines from both states for sale. Winemaker Sean Davis believes in minimal manipulation and letting the grapes and vineyards be expressive of what it is. This means that they let the grapes be grapes, but they guide them to perfection by having an active role in the vineyard and winemaking process. This is essential to making sure the wines stay varietal focused but also have complexity, age-ability, and elegance.

I was so pleased after the rosé that Marshall Davis and I partnered to taste other wines! I have recently enjoyed the 2017 Cask Series Pinot Noir which is bold and delicious. It’s a wine full of red berries and spice with nice acid and freshness. Overall this is perfect for a lighter meal, in which case I enjoyed it with “carb-less” tacos! The meat was nicely seasoned which picked up some of the rich red berry and spice notes in the wine, while the farm fresh tomatoes and lettuce made a nice healthy wrap and didn’t overpower the flavors in any way.

The 2017 Estate Chardonnay from Oregon is also a wonderful wine, which pairs beautifully with seafood or a vegetable tart! It also makes a great brunch wine with smoked salmon and or a bacon and leek quiche! It’s medium-plus in body, full of ripe yellow fruit, juicy acidity, and a nice fresh finish!

If you’re seeking something bigger and a bit bolder in the reds category I absolutely recommend the 2017 Seven Hills Syrah from Walla Walla, WA as well as the 2017 XL Cabernet Sauvignon! Both are absolutely delightful and pair beautifully with the best summer ingredients including grilled meats, grilled branzino, vegetables, and kebabs! If you’re sticking for carb-less options, portobello pizzas would also be perfect with these wines.

What is so nice about drinking domestically is that these wines are fruit forward in style and have the complexity of old world wines. These AVA’s are well-respected wine growing areas so you know you are sipping quality as well as crafted wines, that will bring enjoyment to your next gathering! The wines range from $25-45.00 so there’s one for every budget.

Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love. Please pair responsibly!