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To understand Oregon Pinot Noir it is helpful to know the Producers, the AVAs. the Vintages, and lastly the Clones. For sake of this discussion I am limiting the use of the word Oregon to mean The Willamette Valley.
There are over 700 producers in the Willamette Valley and even I do not know them all. Today we will focus on a few who are representative of both quality and also of a specific AVA or vineyard. Much like Burgundy, knowing the producer is key as the good ones make great wines in all vintages.
There are now eleven sub-AVAs within the broader Willamette Valley AVA - Chehalem Mountains; Dundee Hills; Eola-Amity Hills; Laurelwood District; Lower Long Tom; McMinnville; Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon; Ribbon Ridge; Tualatin Hills; Van Duzer Corridor and Yamhill-Carlton. Each is unique in its soils and meso-climate. Our focus today will be the originals of Dundee, Ribbon Ridge, and Eola-Amity. Learn more about our AVAs here - AVA
Vintage plays a critical role in Oregon, much like Burgundy. A cool vintage will barely ripen our Pinot creating a precise and transparent expression; whereas a warm vintage will provide lush enjoyment while still maintaining a backbone of acidity. Both great, just different. Of of the wines offered today, 2013 represents the classic cool vintage while 2014-2018 represent warmer vintages, albeit each unique in their own way. To learn more about Oregon vintages please use this link - VINTAGES
And lastly the clones - Pommard, Dijon, Wadensvil, and Coury. The original clones produced fantastic wines when ripe which was not every year - Pommard usually produces darker fruit flavors and fleshier texture, Wädenswil often is lighter in flavor and texture, but can be more tannic. The Coury clone was from Pommard cuttings by Charles Coury. Then came the Dijon clones with a broader flavor profile and the ability to ripen earlier. For more in depth on clones please use this link - PINOT CLONES
While I could ramble on and on, I invite you to go to this amazing site which provides a fantastic look into The Willamette Valley.
Today we are offering a mixed case - $700 and FREE GROUND SHIPPING.
Understanding Producers
Cameron Pinot Noir Clos Electrique 2014 - $85
Shea Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Estate 2013 - $45
Walter Scott Pinot Noir Lewman 2014 - $55
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 - $45
Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Triple S 2013 - $75
Learning about clones
Patricia Green Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Coury 2013 - $65
Patricia Green Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Dijon 2013 - $65
Patricia Green Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Pommard 2013 - $65
Patricia Green Pinot Noir Olenik Wadensvil 2015 - $65
Vintages - cool vs warm
Colene Clemens Pinot Noir Adriane 2013 - $45
Colene Clemens Pinot Noir Adriane 2015 - $45
Colene Clemens Pinot Noir Adriane 2018 - $45
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