Résolu Cellars
If you’re not paying attention, you will drive right by, I know I did! Hidden away within residential homes in the south of Beaverton, Oregon lies Résolu Cellars. Over the past 14 years of research, development and commercially marketing 12-13 varietals each year, Scott and Kathie Nelson create their beautiful wines from start to finish. This quaint micro-winery produces a total of around 500 cases a year, 35-40 cases of each distinctive product.
Built upon a working relationship over time, Scott and Kathie acquire Résolu’s grapes from the same rows each year from 3 different vineyards of the Portland area and 2 from Washington. Specializing in big bold reds, their Sangiovese is created in “Super Tuscan” style. No more than 10% Merlot is added, aged 22 months and bottled in late August. If you like pepper and spice….the Malbec made from 100% Red Willow Vineyard and aged in 2-3 year old Oak is a must try.
The Barbera is produced from the Horse Heaven AVA in southeast Washington, and is part of the much bigger Columbia Valley AVA. In your tasting, you may find the Barbera around 50% more acidic than Pinot Noir. The acidity comes in part from the grapes, but also an aging blend of American, French and Hungarian Oak barrels.
Along with Pinot Noir and eight bold red wines, this craft winery portfolio includes Résolu’s Rosé, Viognier and Chardonnay. The stainless steel containers used in the Rosé keeps the wine neutral and doesn’t impact any characteristics on the grapes themselves. You’ll notice the deeper color from allowing 7 hours skin contact during the maceration process, and when tasting a hint of butterscotch and smooth mouthfeel due to encouraging the wine to go through malolactic conversion. Chardonnay being the newest Résolu offering with the 2nd vintage due to be released mid-year; the 2019 Viognier offers a refreshing dry white with tropical floral and stone fruit aromas, a grapefruit flavor and a crisp bite on the finish.
Résolu Cellars offers an interesting concept in their wine tasting experience. Wine tasters alike enjoy the ambience of enjoying a curator’s product amidst acres of grape vines. In the hustle of everyday life this can sometimes be time consuming and less achievable as much of us would hope. Scott and Kathie give an at home personal experience with a dedication to your party. When the need arises for a variety of wonderful wines without the need to leave town, enjoy a charcuterie board and a personal tasting to match your palate in Beaverton on the Tigard border.
