The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s premier Pinot Noir appellation. And its wines are among the world’s finest. But it’s really its subregions that are most sought after, recognizing producers increasing skill at creating distinct expressions of the grape from those terroirs.
This includes subregions such as Tualatin Hills, Laurelwood, Chehalem Mountains, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton, McMinnville, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, Van Duzer Corridor, and Mount Pisgah.
Oregon wineries also have been at the forefront of the international movement toward sustainability and responsible production in the wine industry. Nearly half of planted vineyard acreage is sustainably farmed. And many are pursuing certification of sustainable practices in their winemaking processes and facilities.
While prices have escalated with quality, any temptation to object melts away with each satisfying sip. The wines below show character and complexity reflecting the terroir of the subregion from where they are sourced.
2022 Alexana Revana Vineyard ($60) exciting red berries, hints of herbs and tea, structured but refined texture
2023 Bledsoe McDaniels “LFG” ($65) stirring sweet-tart black and red berries, savory, woodsy, cinnamon accents, smooth texture
2021 Illahe Percheron Block ($50) special estate selection, tart, red fruits earth and mineral
Lemelson
- 2021 Stermer Vineyard ($65) tangy red berries, cinnamon, anise, sleek,
- 2021 Meyer Vineyard ($65) vibrant red berries, baking spice, expressive
- 2021 Jerome Reserve ($75) special estate selection, lively cherry, herbal accents, sleek, energetic
McCollum Heritage 91
- 2021 Pinot Noir Heritage 91 ($55) lively red berries, earthy, cinnamon
- 2021 Pinot Noir Bryan Creek ($103) impressive red berries, complex, detailed and rich
2023 Norris Black Barn ($45) McKinley Vineyard, wild berries, forest notes
Rose & Arrow Estate
- 2022 Stonecreek ($250) remarkable red and black fruits, herbal and leafy notes, elegant, yet animated and silky texture
- 2022 Highland Close ($200) extraordinary blackberry, minerals, herbal, mushroom, chalky, crisp
- 2022 The Point ($150) outstanding aromatics, concentrated, vibrant red fruits, herbs, mineral, structured, velvety mouthfeel
2023 Soter Estates ($60) exciting red berries and red fruits, well defined, savory herbs, cinnamon, fine-grained tannins
Youngberg Hill
- 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvee ($45) tart, dark berries, spice, tangy texture
- 2020 Pinot Noir Natasha ($65) sweet-tart cherry pie, mint, earth, juicy