Ximena Orrego looks after the winemaking for the two couples who formed a partnership and launched this Yamhill, Ore., winery in 2005. The spicy nose includes aromas of hot milk fudge, saddle leather, forest floor, potpourri, cigar and spiced apple, while the drink is busty and tasty with black cherry and dark plums. Rating: Recommended Production: 230 cases Alcohol: … [Read more...] about Atticus Wine Cellars 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24
Oregon
Patton Valley Vineyard 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
Dave Chen and Monte Pitt talked about wine during grad school at Northwestern University, but it was more than a decade before these businessmen purchased orchard property near Elk Cove Vineyards in Gaston, Ore., and began producing Pinot Noir in 1999. This marks Derek Einberger's first vintage as Patton Valley's winemaker, and it's a fresh and fun drink akin to fruit punch … [Read more...] about Patton Valley Vineyard 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
Montinore Estate 2010 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
A leader in the Pacific Northwest for biodynamic grape growing, Rudy Marchesi also has been creating some of Oregon's top best wines — red and white — for decades from his 240 acres in Forest Grove. Red winemaker Ben Thomas used a barrel program of 35 percent new French Oak to create aromas of fresh-picked black cherry, blackberry compote, caramel corn and a dusting of talcum … [Read more...] about Montinore Estate 2010 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
Brandborg Winery and Vineyard 2009 Bench Lands Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, $22
One of Oregon's top everyday Pinot Noirs, Terry Brandborg sources several sites from within 25 miles of his bustling winery in Elkton for his widely distributed and largest production wine that has helped establish Oregon's newest American Viticultural Area as a producer of serious Pinot Noir. His use of French oak, 25 percent new barrel, shows in the light toasty nose that's … [Read more...] about Brandborg Winery and Vineyard 2009 Bench Lands Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, $22
Carabella Vineyard 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains $37
Colorado geologist Mike Hallock began planting his vineyard on Oregon's Parrett Mountain in 1996, and he's wines deserve their space alongside some of the Willamette Valley's best. From this cooler vintage, he produced a wine that releases aromas of raspberry, strawberry, rose petal, iron shavings and well-worn saddle leather. The same comes through in the rather delicate … [Read more...] about Carabella Vineyard 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains $37