Robert Pamplin Jr., one of the most educated and wealthiest men in the Pacific Northwest, entered the wine industry in 1997 by purchasing Chateau Benoit and remaking it into Anne Amie, one of the Willamette Valley’s top Pinot Noir producers. Ten years later, he created another Oregon winery, one that relies on Bordeaux-style reds from Columbia Valley vineyards such as Seven … [Read more...] about Pamplin Family Winery 2009 Proprietary Red, Columbia Valley, $55
Oregon
Pamplin Family Winery 2010 JRG, Columbia Valley, $33
This boutique winery headquartered in Dundee, Ore., focuses on red blends from some of Washington’s top vineyards. A tribute to the Portland philanthropist's grandsons — Justin, Robert and Grant — this release using Cabernet Sauvignon (74%), Merlot (25%) and Petit Verdot begins with aromas of blackberry, Chukar Cherry, vanilla and chalkboard dust. The easy drink of blackberry … [Read more...] about Pamplin Family Winery 2010 JRG, Columbia Valley, $33
Chatte d’Avignon 2011 Grenache, Columbia Valley, $29
This label for Seven of Hearts Winery in Carlton, Ore., pays tribute to Avignon, a city in the Rhône Valley, where Grenache is one of the most important red grapes. This delicious red opens with aromas of raspberry, strawberry-rhubarb compote and red plum. On the palate, it reveals flavors of oak, red cherry and chocolate. It's all backed with moderate tannins and bright … [Read more...] about Chatte d’Avignon 2011 Grenache, Columbia Valley, $29
Seven of Hearts 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $20
This superb Pinot Noir from winemaker Byron Dooley blends Pinot Noir grapes from five of the six appellations in the northern Willamette Valley. The result is a complex, layered wine that express the elegance one hopes for in the noble red variety. This opens with exotic aromas of caramel corn, fresh cranberry, strawberry, violet and red plum, followed by rich flavors of ripe … [Read more...] about Seven of Hearts 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $20
Seven of Hearts 2011 Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $35
Owner/winemaker Byron Dooley uses grapes from the Chehalem Mountains for this delicious Pinot Noir. It's a blend of four clones that results in an elegant wine with aromas of black currant, Saskatoon berry and chocolate-covered strawberry, followed by clean, bright flavors of blueberry, plum and a cherry reduction sauce. This would pair well with ham. Rating: … [Read more...] about Seven of Hearts 2011 Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $35