A tribute to the Roman god of balance, Chris Williams nurtures the wines for Janie Brooks Hueck, who continues to manage the winery in Oregon's Eola-Amity Hills as a tribute to her late brother, Jimi. The nose for the flagship wine, primarily from estate fruit, starts with dusty cranberry, red currant, lime peel and sandalwood spice. It's even more charming on the palate with … [Read more...] about Brooks Wines 2010 Janus Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $35
Oregon
Amity Vineyards 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $40
Rather than moving north as did so many of Oregon's winemaking pioneers, Myron Redford headed south from Seattle, where he worked for historic Associated Vintners. He planted Pinot Noir in 1974 and began making wine in 1976. For the past five years, longtime apprentice Darcy Pendergrass has been creating the wine for Redford, and this is stunning. The nose is filled with dark … [Read more...] about Amity Vineyards 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $40
Firesteed 2010 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $17
One of Oregon's most widely available Pinot Noirs, Bryan Croft's declassified blend stays Salmon Safe with sources that take in Southern Oregon and the Walla Walla Valley. His approach is bright, lively and juicy, opening with cherry and lime peel aromas backed by cedar, a touch of earthiness and light oak notes of graham cracker. Flavors touch on red currant, red raspberry and … [Read more...] about Firesteed 2010 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $17
Johan Vineyards 2009 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
The cooling influence of the Van Duzer corridor during a hot summer and Daniel Rinke's deft winemaking with the estate site in Rickreall, Ore., shows in this superbly balanced Pinot Noir. Lovely floral aromas of violet, lavender and lilac include raspberry and Montmorency cherry. The drink carries more of the cherry and raspberry along with strawberry jam and fresh cranberry. … [Read more...] about Johan Vineyards 2009 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
Amalie Robert Estate, Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $50
Oregon icon Dick Erath convinced Ernie Pink to leave Microsoft in Seattle and buy 60 acres in Dallas, Ore., in 1999. After several years of selling fruit to some of the Willamette Valley's most renowned wineries, Pink and his partner Dena Drews began making Amalie Robert Estate wines in 2006. Pink chooses the final blend each year for this release, and it starts with aromas of … [Read more...] about Amalie Robert Estate, Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $50