Winery: Willamette Valley Vineyards
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
A few weeks ago, I received several bottles of wine from Willamette Valley Vineyards. I decided to sample two of the bottles of Pinot Noir at similar price point and compare them. I used the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir (selling for $25.00 from the winery) and the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2008 Whole Cluster Fermented Pinot Noir (selling for $19.00 from the winery).
Winery: Olsen Family Vineyards
Wine: Viridian Pinot Gris 2007
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Purchased: The Corkscrew
Price: $14.99
Sometime, I get too caught up with sampling my favorite varietals in hopes of finding a new favorite or everyday drinker. In general, I’m more of a red drinker and in particular a Cabernet Sauvignon LOVER! However, there are times when I prefer a white….certain food pairings and most summer days. Every now and then, I’ve got to remind myself that I need to keep trying some of my less favorite varietals. Such is the case with the Olsen Family Vineyards Viridian Pinot Gris. I haven’t tried or enjoyed many Pinot Gris in the past, but if I keep trying them I might just find one I like.
I’ve always focused more on wine regions outside the United States. It’s not that I don’t like American wines, but I find foreign wines and labels more of a challenge. I also feel I have a better understanding of American regions, climates and all the things that go with them than I do of other places such as South Africa, France and New Zealand. However, I decided I needed to take a look at some of the wine regions closer to home.
The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s leading wine region. Nearly two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards call the Willamette Valley home. It is the largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Oregon, covering 3,438,000 acres. The Willamette Valley has become a premier producing region for Pinot Noir in the United States.
Winery: Wine By Joe
Wine: Pinot Noir 2006
Location: Dundee, Oregon
Purchased: Party House Liquors
Price: $19.99
At a recent wine tasting Jonathan and I ran across Wine By Joe. The generic name and bottle didn’t scream try me I’m going to be great. In fact, I’m not a huge fan of Pinot Noir wine. I think many of them taste like cough syrup and lack depth and complexity. Both, Jonathan and I, found this wine to possess a little more body and finish than most Pinot Noirs, but still hold the traits and characteristics of a traditional Pinot Noir.
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