Oregon Wine Country – Four Pinot Noirs Compared

Oregon Pinot Noir is well known.  Oregon wine country is said to be a challenging for growing grapes.  Sunlight and heat can be less than desirable.  And, cold can be a problem during the spring and fall.

Nonetheless, Oregon wine country certainly produces some great wine and the Willamette Valley is known to be one of the best areas in the region.

This article takes a look at four different Pinot Noirs from the region and has a couple recommendations at the end.

For detailed reviews of each of the four, click on the underlined link.

Oregon Wine Country – Four Wines From the Region

First, let’s start with Firesteed Pinot Noir 2009.  This wine has a pleasing cherry aroma and flavor and is quite delicate.  Not overly complex but certainly consistent throughout.  The mouthfeel reminded me of a cotton sweater.  The finish was somewhat dry with good tannins noted.

Next up, Rascal Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2010.  This Willamette Valley Pinot Noir had a delicate aroma and similar cherry flavors as above.  The texture was soft like cotton and the wine finished light and smooth with a buttery flavor that lingered.

Third, Stone Wolf Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir, also from the Willamette Valley had a taste that was buttery to start with a hint of cherry.  Though not complex, the wine was consistent in taste and finished smooth and round.

And finally, WillaKenzie Estate, Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir 2007.  This wine had a nose that grew to be a bit “earthy” as the wine took in some air.  The taste displayed hints of berries.

Overall, these Oregon Pinots are very enjoyable and unique.  There are definitely some similarities in the wines above.  But, each has it’s own special characteristics.

My favorites were the Rascal and the Firesteed.  Yours could be different.

Give Oregon wine country a try!