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The modern era of Oregon winegrowing began only in the 1960s, first in the Umpqua Valley, then later in what was to be of greatest importance, just north in the Willamette Valley. Today, Oregon (in particular, the Willamette Valley) is rightly regarded as producing fine Pinot Noir wines at the very highest levels of quality in the USA. And, then, there are its superb Pinots gris, and the burgeoning quality of its Chardonnay and Riesling wines.
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2009 Argyle Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
Light, bright red. Spicy strawberry and raspberry aromas are brightened by notes of cinnamon and white pepper. Sweet red fruit flavors verge on jammy but are given energy by zesty acidity, which adds clarity and back-end lift. Juicy and very appealing in its straightforward, fruity way. Rated 88. ‑ Josh Raynolds, Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar July/August, 2010
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
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2008 Argyle Pinot Noir Reserve
The 2008 Pinot Noir Reserve is darker in color with aromas of violets, incense, cinnamon, black cherry, and black raspberry. Richer and more structured than the Willamette Valley cuvee, it will evolve for 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2020. Rated 91. ‑ Jay Miller, Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate Issue 191, October, 2010
$29.99 the bottle $254.88 the case
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2008 Soter Vineyards North Valley Pinot Noir
Full red. Pungent aromas of black raspberry and cherry complicated by wilted rose, violet and black pepper. Pliant, palate-staining red and dark berry flavors are enlivened by peppery spice and mineral notes, with silky tannins adding shape. Becomes chewier with air and finishes with solid, sweet punch and very good clarity. This benefits from aeration so decant it for an hour or so if you plan on opening one soon. I had an early look at the 2008 Mineral Springs Ranch pinot and it looks very promising, with a suave blend of richness and vivacity and densely packed cherry and dark berry flavors. Rated 91. ‑ Josh Raynolds, Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar July/August, 2010 |
2008 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
Bright ruby. High-pitched aromas of strawberry, raspberry, licorice, white pepper and Asian spices, plus a whiff of dried rose. Sappy, racy and pure, with sharply delineated flavors of red berries, cherry and spicecake. Comes across as very lively owing to an impression of high acidity. Youthfully tight wine, finishing with excellent purity and energy and a jolt of candied flowers. This will be even better for four or five years in the bottle. Rated 91. ‑ Josh Raynolds, Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar July/August, 2010 |
2009 Chehalem Pinot Gris Willamette Valley
Broad, featuring jazzy acidity to lift the pear and tobacco flavors. This finishes smooth, and with surprising persistence. Drink now. 2,670 cases made.
Rated 88. ‑ HS, Wine Spectator December 31, 2010
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
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