Tasting Archery Summit : Wine Swinging Notes

Walk Down A Memory Lane

Our November 2025 trip to Archery Summit was more than a tasting—it was a reunion. Nearly twenty years ago, we first wandered into the Dundee Hills of Oregon, and Archery Summit was among the first wineries we visited. It was one of the reasons we fell head over heels for Oregon Pinot Noir.

This time, the experience began in their new modern loft-like tasting room, where breathtaking sunset views over the Dundee Hills perfectly complement the iconic underground barrel cellar that first stole our hearts years ago. It’s a striking contrast: contemporary elegance above, timeless tradition below—a pairing as harmonious as their wines.

Chardonnay First Impressions

We started with the 2023 Red Hills Chardonnay. Comparing it to a 2017 Chardonnay from another well-known Willamette producer, we confidently leaned toward Archery’s version. Still, the hay and buttery notes slightly overshadowed the fruit—a reminder that even great wines have personalities that evolve with time.

Pinot Noir Takes the Stage

Then came the reds, and our palate started dancing to a Pinot Noir swing:

• 2022 Archer’s Crest (higher elevation, Dundee Hills AVA): Earthy, forest floor, light oak, and stewed cherry notes—a classic expression of cool-climate Pinot.

• 2023 Archer’s Edge Vineyard (lower elevation): Bursting with blueberry, jammy cherry, and fresh raspberry flavors—a vibrant, fruit-forward contrast.
• 2023 Summit Vineyard: Surprising orange rind notes layered over red fruit—a twist we didn’t see coming.
• 2022 Arcus Vineyard: More balance, a touch of barnyard complexity, and elegance that raised the bar.
• 2023 30th Anniversary Arcus Block 18: A perfumed nose meets stewed dark fruit and a hint of black chocolate—a wine that feels like a celebration in itself.
• 2022 Archer’s Paradox (100% whole cluster fermentation): On the nose, stalky green notes reminiscent of Bordeaux, balanced by maraschino cherry and blackberry. On the palate, walnut bitterness intertwined with black tea and cardamom. Our verdict? Hold this one for at least 10 years. Today, it’s a bold, muscular character; in a decade, it will be a refined gentleman in a tailored suit.

We couldn’t resist—we bought a bottle to replicate our previous successful aging experiments with Archery Summit wines.

Why Archery Summit Still Matters

Archery Summit isn’t just a winery; it’s a benchmark for Oregon Pinot Noir. From meticulous fruit thinning to biodynamic farming and underground barrel aging, their wines rival Burgundy in complexity while staying true to Oregon’s soul.

And here’s the kicker: our reviews are 100% independent and non-sponsored, written by a certified wine professional who believes great wine deserves honest words.

What’s Next?

We’ll keep updating this post as we taste more from Archery Summit—because this story is far from over.

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