Willamette Valley: Standout Pinot Noirs
View from Domaine Drouhin
Pinot Noir is a distinctive variety. The grape itself offers unique challenges and is fondly called the “Heartbreak Grape.” The grape presents growing challenges due to its thin skin which makes it susceptible to weather and disease. It’s also genetically susceptible to mutations. These mutations have led to a multitude of clones. Today, there are at least 1000 clones of Pinot Noir, each representing different characteristics.
Here are some examples of the different clones:
113: Small to average clusters, small berries, and very aromatic
114: Small compact clusters, small berries, dark purple color, tannic, and precocious ripening
115: Smaller, tighter clusters, valued for balance and aromatic profile, complex and powerful
667: Big, tight, and compact clusters, strong color, thick yet soft tannins
777: Early ripening clone that gives rise to small clusters and berries, culminating in wines of intense color and pronounced tannins
There are also environmental influences on the grapes which impact the expression of the wine made from them. Vineyard style, vine orientation, elevation, and minerality of the soil will make a difference. In general, cooler climates will deliver delicate more light bodied wine; while warmer climates will deliver riper and fuller body Pinot Noir. Our journey to the diverse Willamette Valley’s beautiful Pinot Noir was rewarding and exciting.
A real standout was Patricia Green Cellars. Despite the rain that was falling, the tasting was warm and vibrant. We tasted through a multitude of wines. We gathered on the back patio, wrapped in blankets around a firepit. It was a pleasure to look out at the gorgeous surroundings. My favorites here were Patricia Green Pinot Noir Corrine Vineyard along with Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard Coury Clone. Both these wines were well rated – 96 points by Jeb Dunnuck, and they readily stood out in the tasting.
Another winning visit was to Domaine Drouhin. This winery has roots in Burgundy. The head winemaker is Veronique Boss-Drouhin who grew up in Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy; and her deft touch shows in the beauty of the wines. The tasting was representative of her talents and worthy of our time. One remarkable wine from the visit has achieved acclaim by Wine Spectator. Wine Spectator has posted its top 100 wines for 2024, and the Domaine Drouhin’s Roserock 2022 was named the #6 Wine of the Year. My other favorite was Domaine Drouhin’s 2022 Pinot Noir Zephirine. It was another outstanding wine, which garnered 97 points from Wine Spectator.
The final stop of the trip was to Arterberry Maresh Red Barn tasting room. This was an interesting experience, like stepping back a few years to days of old. Nothing fancy, a simple table outside under a cover. There truly was nothing fancy about the setting, as they refer to the tasting room as the Red Barn. Yet what was remarkable was the wine. It spoke for the winery. Our tasting was led by Steve who is an integral part of the team. He poured Chardonnays that were bright and expressive and Pinot Noirs that sprung from the glass. My favorite Pinot was the Maresh Vineyard. It was enticing and full of black cherries on the nose and plush with red cherry on the palate with great acidity. It was well worth the trip and the purchase. This wine made Vinous’ top 100 list as well.
Oregon is a gorgeous place to visit, full of greenery and lush beautiful trees. It is a wonderful wine region to taste, explore, and delight your palate.
Enjoy!!
