In the lush valleys and gentle slopes of Oregon, Pinot Noir vines thrive in the cool climate and fertile soils, producing some of the finest wines in the world. Known for its elegance and complexity, Oregon Pinot Noir has risen to international acclaim, competing favorably with longstanding heavyweights from Burgundy and California. This article uncovers the crème de la crème of this prestigious varietal, guiding you through the vineyards and cellars of Oregon as we explore the top five Pinot Noir wines that the state has to offer. Each wine has been carefully selected for its exceptional quality, unique expression of terroir, and the meticulous craft of its winemakers. So, grab your glass and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Oregon Pinot Noir.
Remember, we have affiliate links to each of these remarkable wines. When you make a purchase through these links, we receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Now, let’s uncork the world of Oregon Pinot Noirs.
The Oregon Wine Industry
Oregon’s wine industry is impressive in its diversity, boasting over 700 wineries and diverse growing regions, each with its unique characteristics. The cool, coastal regions are ideal for growing Burgundy-style Pinot Noir, while the warmer eastern valleys produce bold, Bordeaux-inspired red blends.
The Diverse Wine Regions of Oregon
The state of Oregon has 21 distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), each with its unique soil, climate, and topography that shapes the characteristics of the wines produced there. Here are a few of the standout wine regions you’ll encounter as you explore Oregon wines:
Willamette Valley
This region is Oregon’s largest AVA, stretching from Portland in northern Oregon to Eugene in the south. It’s a cool-climate region, known particularly for its world-class Pinot Noir, akin to the wines of Burgundy, France. Willamette Valley also produces other varieties such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon encompasses several AVAs, including Umpqua Valley, Rogue Valley, and Applegate Valley. The region has a more diverse climate compared to Willamette Valley, which allows it to produce a wider variety of grapes. You’ll find superb examples of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo here.
Columbia Valley
Although most of this AVA is in Washington State, a portion extends into northeastern Oregon. The region is known for producing bold, fruit-forward reds from grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
Walla Walla Valley
Like Columbia Valley, this AVA also spans across Oregon and Washington. Walla Walla Valley is gaining recognition for its complex and elegant Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with some exceptional Grenache and Merlot also being produced.
Dundee Hills
Situated within the Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills is known for its red volcanic Jory soil, which is particularly suitable for growing Pinot Noir grapes. Wines from this region are noted for their depth of flavor and high acidity.
The Top 5 Oregon Pinot Noirs
Please note: all listed prices are accurate at the time of writing this article
5. Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2021 – $45
Dressed in the captivating aromas of the Pacific Northwest, the 2021 Dundee Hills unfurls an enchanting bouquet. The first impression is a vivid burst of bright black cherries, a berry bramble, and an intriguing hint of orange peel. This fruity freshness is perfectly balanced with the warm nuances of golden brown spices and a whisper of sweet oak. Lingering behind this vibrant ensemble, one can detect the subtle presence of red berries and rhubarb adding depth and complexity.
In tasting, the flavors mirror the nose’s tantalizing dance. Red plum, boysenberry, and cassis hold court, their fruity notes enlivening the palate. This fruity trio shares the stage with a savory blend of white pepper, forest floor, and the unique note of sassafras, which adds an intriguing twist to the taste experience.
Elusive yet elegant, the 2021 Dundee Hills keeps you guessing, its layered complexity unraveling sip by sip. It’s a wonderful wine to indulge in now, but it also holds a promise of future perfection. Given 5 – 12 years in a cellar, it will mature and evolve, reaching a state of absolute harmony and refinement. Enjoy it now, or anticipate its future glory – the choice is yours with the 2021 Dundee Hills.
4. Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 – $50
The 2021 Cumberland Reserve paints an enchanting picture in the glass with its deep black cherry hue. Its aroma is as expressive as it is diverse, beginning with the romantic scent of red roses and blooming into floral pastilles. This floral bouquet is enriched by the candy-like sweetness of dark cherry and black raspberry, giving way to an intriguing savory complexity of garden herbs, sweet mushrooms, and a meaty bouillon.
Despite its intricate flavor profile, this vintage manages to maintain an air of refreshing lightness. Its floral perfume is discernible and contributes to the wine’s freshness, which harmoniously coexists with the juicy abundance of ripe, crunchy red and dark fruits.
The tannins in the 2021 Cumberland Reserve are perfectly ripe, adding a pleasant structure to the palate without overwhelming the flavor orchestra. It’s the stony mineral structure that anchors this wine, providing a grounding note to the symphony of flavors. With each sip, this wine promises and delivers a generous persistence that makes it an unforgettable experience.
3. Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2020 – $33
Ken Wright Cellars’ Willamette Valley Pinot Noir weaves a delightful aromatic tapestry with its bouquet, teasing your senses with delicate floral notes of magnolia and rose. These mingle enticingly with sweet hints of candied red fruits, while light strokes of cinnamon and clove add a touch of spice to this fragrant symphony.
Upon tasting, a ballet of flavors pirouettes across the palate, with a generous performance from red cherry, raspberry, and plum taking center stage. Subtle undertones of vanilla cream seamlessly intertwine, enhancing the fruit-forward character with a touch of sweet, creamy decadence.
This wine’s magic lies in its palate presence. The tannins are exquisitely smooth, enriching the tasting experience without overpowering it. As the final notes fade, they leave behind a cleanly swept palate and a lusciously satisfying finish. This elegant conclusion perfectly encapsulates the overall grace and balance of “XYZ Wine”.
2. Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021 – $30
This wine dances on your senses with an energetic harmony of fruit and earth. The aroma instantly captures your attention, presenting a joyful chorus of bright cherry and raspberry notes. These lively fruit tones are beautifully accented by whispers of warming cinnamon and the delicate perfume of violet blossoms, painting a delightful aromatic picture.
As you take your first sip, the palate unfolds into a captivating narrative. It presents a well-executed balance act, showcasing juicy plum and succulent boysenberry on one side, and a complex undercurrent of earthy cola and well-worn leather on the other. This delightful dichotomy provides a rich tapestry of flavors, a testament to the winemaker’s skill and the wine’s exceptional character.
1. Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir 2019 – $65
The 2019 “Yamhill Cuvee” sparkles with an effervescence that is both youthful and lively, embodying an essence of unadulterated sophistication. The first hint of its allure comes from an appealing bouquet of floral notes, setting the stage for the intense eruption of fruit flavors to follow. Strawberry, dark cherry, and tart cranberry sweep across your palate, bringing an invigorating burst of pure taste.
Enveloping this fruit-centric heart of the wine, there lies a cloak of intriguing complexity. Notes of mulled spices, a whisper of forest floor, and a hint of chaparral create a balanced backdrop against the vivid fruit flavors.
The mouthfeel is lush and concentrated, a tapestry woven from a rich texture and a fresh mineral tone. This richness is harmoniously entwined with the wine’s structured tannins, creating a balanced wine that culminates in a smooth, lingering finish. This 2019 “Yamhill Cuvee” is a symphony of flavors that plays a beautiful melody on your palate, leaving a memorable impression long after the last sip.
Conclusion
As our journey through the vineyards of Oregon draws to a close, we leave with a renewed appreciation for the world-class Pinot Noir wines that this remarkable region produces. Each wine we’ve explored demonstrates a unique interplay between grape, soil, climate, and the winemaker’s art, creating a symphony of flavors that captivates the palate.
These top five Pinot Noirs are the embodiment of Oregon’s winemaking spirit – an effortless blend of tradition, innovation, and a profound respect for the land. The intricate dance of fruit, earth, and spice in these wines truly showcases the diversity and complexity of Oregon’s terroir.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, these Pinot Noirs offer an unparalleled tasting experience. As you savor each sip, remember that the magic of wine lies not just in the bottle, but also in the stories, the landscapes, and the people that make it. So, raise a glass to Oregon, its winemakers, and the exquisite Pinot Noir that has made this region a beacon in the world of wine. Here’s to your next wine adventure!
