It’s always a treat to explore the rich wine culture of Portland and the Willamette Valley. The recent visit was no exception – family, friends, food, and of course, exquisite wine.
The 2021 and 2022 vintages are truly exceptional, despite the devastating fires of 2020. And there’s good news for wine enthusiasts – labels are offering library incentives on the cool 2017 vintage – showing well – to make room for the 2023 and 2024 vintages.
With the nightmare of the 2020 fire vintage in the past Oregon winemakers are turning to new styles and offers with continuity of two years to build on.
While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay continue to rule the roost, there are several rising varietals to watch out for, like Alsatian style Riesling, Pinot Blanc, White Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Rex Hill Vineyards, Inc. in Newberg / Chehalem. The sparkling wines made méthode traditional were a delight to taste, and the jory soils from the Jacob Hart Pinot Noir vineyard were a treat for the senses.
Some winemakers created offers for the cool 2017 vintage and inventory that is peaking with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Montinore, the 2017 vintage Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine from Rex Hill and the 207 Vespidae willamette Valley Pinot Noir from J.K. Carriere. The Vespidae was peaking and it is showing some bramble and secondary vanilla traces in the deeper oak notes.
Stoller Estate continues to do well in its core portfolio and the state has expanded to include both blanc de blanc as well as full blanc de noir sparkling wine offerings. Generally NV bottlings, Stoller has the potential for focused vintages with the addition of Pinot meunière plantings several years ago (during one of our estate visits). The heralded library Helen and Nancy single clone estate Pinot Noir continue to be adored by collectors, with particular focus on the dense and complex Nancy made with 100% Pommard clone Pinot Noir. Finally, the History label from Walla Walla and Columbia Valley is a welcome addition to the Stoller Family lineup with consistent red blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc among several warmer climate offerings.
Cheers to the wonderful memories and the thriving wine scene in Portland and the Willamette Valley!
StonewoodWine 