Second-generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi compares the 2016 vintage to that of 2006, a vintage that Wine Spectator graded as a B+ and praised for its early approachability. This is a blend primarily from the family's prized Aurora, Abetina and Avellana plantings, along with nearby Linda Lista Vineyard, a Salmon-Safe site just outside of the Chehalem Mountains. There's more … [Read more...] about Ponzi Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir Reserve, Willamette Valley, $65
oregon pinot noir
Sharecropper’s Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $16
David O'Reilly now lives in the Yakima Valley, yet he and his Owen Roe team continue to produce one of the Pacific Northwest's most approachable and affordable examples of Pinot Noir under his Sharecropper's program, which was born out of the recession following Sept. 11, 2001. He maintains his vineyard sourcing of Anna’s (Chehalem Mountains), Durant (Dundee Hills), Lenné … [Read more...] about Sharecropper’s Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $16
Ruby Vineyard and Winery 2015 Laurelwood Blend Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains $29
The inaugural commercial vintage for winery owners Stephen Hendricks and Flora Habbi brought immediate acclaim for their program, including a double gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for Andrew Kirkland's blend of Pommard, Dijon clones 115, 777 and the "suitcase" 828 attributed to Archery Summit and its late founder Gary Andrus. Harvest wrapped up for this … [Read more...] about Ruby Vineyard and Winery 2015 Laurelwood Blend Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains $29
Alexana Winery 2016 Fennwood Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton $65
For the second straight vintage, Bryan Weil uses 38-acre Fennwood Vineyard from the Yamhill-Carlton to earn our top rating. These vines were less than a decade old at harvest, and the site's early promise attracted the attention of storied vintner Lynn Penner-Ash. Last summer, ownership of Hampton Lumber purchased it and turned over the farming to the good hands at Results … [Read more...] about Alexana Winery 2016 Fennwood Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton $65
Compton Family Wines 2016 Alpine Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $38
As one of the Willamette Valley's most overlooked winegrowers and winemakers, Matt Compton steps out from beyond the Spindrift Cellars brand to launch his eponymous label. And his early work will continue to raise the profile of the wine community maturing around Philomath, Ore. His Alpine Cuvée is a collection of vineyards from Alpine to Monroe, which he refers to as "the … [Read more...] about Compton Family Wines 2016 Alpine Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $38