Best Buy! This northern Willamette Valley winery near Forest Grove, Ore., has crafted a delicious wine that stays true to owner Alfredo Apolloni's Italian heritage. It opens with aromas of ambrosia salad, cotton candy, apple and pear, followed by deliciously round flavors of Golden Delicious apple, lemon slices and quice, all backed with nice richness throughout. Pair with … [Read more...] about Apolloni Vineyards 2011 Pinot Grigio, Willamette Valley, $15
Oregon
Raptor Ridge Winery 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25
Kentucky native Scott Shull is the owner/winemaker at this Newberg, Ore., winery and next year will celebrate his 20th vintage at Raptor Ridge. This delicious Pinot Noir opens with aromas of fresh cherry, tarragon, saddle leather and black truffle, followed by flavors of red plum, mushroom and rhubarb. Pair this with sirloin, smoked salmon or wild mushroom ravioli. Rating: … [Read more...] about Raptor Ridge Winery 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25
Raptor Ridge Winery 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $38
Scott and Annie Shull launched Raptor Ridge in 1995, and they named the winery after the hawks, owls and kestrels that share the property. This delicious reserve-level Pinot Noir opens with aromas of dried strawberry, pie cherry, earth and a hint of oak. On the palate, it reveals flavors of raspberry, strawberry, red currant and a hint of forest floor, all backed with bright … [Read more...] about Raptor Ridge Winery 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $38
Raptor Ridge Winery 2010 Estate Adalfo’s Block Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $38
The Chehalem Mountains AVA is in the northern Willamette Valley, near the town of Newberg, Ore. This tasty Pinot Noir offers aromas of cherry jam, pomegranate and red currant, as well as almost no noticeable oak. On the palate, it reveals flavors of raspberry, black truffle and black cherry. It's a gentle, approachable red with mild tannins. Rating: … [Read more...] about Raptor Ridge Winery 2010 Estate Adalfo’s Block Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $38
Erath Winery 2010 Estate Collection Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $34
Gary Horner blended lots from five favorite vineyards, with the majority coming from Prince Hill and Battle Creek, along with smaller percentages from Knight's Gambit, Tuenge and Niederberger. It's a stunning with from first whiff through the lingering finish. It opens with aromas of sweet oak spices, strawberry jam, cherry vanilla cola, clove and red currant. It's a rich yet … [Read more...] about Erath Winery 2010 Estate Collection Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $34