In early 2025, Oregon celebrates 60 years since David Lett’s pioneering introduction of Pinot Noir to the Willamette Valley. Lett planted his vines in 1965, following his "cosmic brick" epiphany at the University of California, Davis. Although Oregon’s vineyards date back to the 1880s, Lett’s work significantly shaped the state’s wine industry. Today, Oregon boasts around 18,010 hectares of vineyards, with over 60% dedicated to Pinot Noir, primarily in the Willamette Valley, which is well-suited for the grape due to its moderate climate and diverse soils.
The growth of Oregon’s wine industry has been remarkable, with a fivefold increase in wineries in the early 21st century. Despite making up less than 1% of U.S. wine production, Oregon wines are receiving accolades, capturing 23% of the "Top 100" slots in Wine Spectator’s 2021 rankings. The average retail price of Oregon wines stands at $17.10, surpassing those from California and Washington State.
A recent tasting of Oregon Pinot Noir confirmed its rising status. Among the 45 wines evaluated, the top 25 scored 90 points or above—the benchmark for outstanding wines. David Williams noted multiple standout wines with scores as high as 95. All tasters praised the consistent quality and drinkability of the wines, which featured complex aromas and structure akin to fine Burgundy.
Interestingly, 14 wines from the Eola-Amity AVA led the field in this tasting, indicating its emerging prominence in Oregon’s wine landscape. However, scores varied among sub-regions due to sampling imbalances. All regions are showing potential, but Eola-Amity stands out with six of the eleven top places in the tasting.
Overall, Oregon Pinot Noir continues to impress with its affability, complexity, and ability to evoke the elegance expected from this variety, solidifying its reputation as a world-class wine-producing region.