The recent tasting of 45 Pinot Noir wines from Oregon’s Willamette Valley showcased the region’s acclaimed ability to produce high-quality vintages. Experts Andrew Jefford, Anthony Rose, and David Williams collectively noted the wines’ tenderness, intricacy, and grace, with several standouts receiving impressive ratings.
Among the top-ranking wines was the Walter Scott Koosah Vineyard Willamette Valley Eola-Amity Hills 2021, recognized for its dark, enticing aroma with sweet fruits and truffley depths, earning a score of 93. The tasting panel described it as a classic Eola-Amity wine with drive and structure.
Another notable was the Walter Scott Sojeau Vineyard Willamette Valley Eola-Amity Hills 2021, which also scored 93. Its complex perfume and well-rendered flavors of dark fruits and stylish oak made it memorable. The panel commended its approachability and aging potential.
Brick House Evelyn’s Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Ribbon Ridge 2021 scored 93, with one judge hailing its beautiful balance of fruit, acidity, and structure, indicating strong aging capabilities.
The wines from Lingua Franca and Gran Moraine also received high scores, reflecting their keen acidity and fruit depth. The Lingua Franca The Plow Willamette Valley Eola-Amity Hills 2019 earned 93, while the Gran Moraine Willamette Valley Yamhill-Carlton 2021 was highlighted for its beautiful complexity and zesty mouthfeel, also receiving 93.
Each wine presented unique characteristics, demonstrating the versatility of Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. Many wines scored 90 and above, pointing to a consistently high standard across the tasting.
Overall, this tasting further underscores Oregon’s position as a significant player in the world of fine Pinot Noir, with many wines displaying great potential for both immediate enjoyment and future aging.
For full ratings and details on all 45 wines, check the complete listings from the tasting.