Posted by juliac in Articles, Featured | 8 Comments
Oregon Pinot Noir
Perhaps I’m biased. I live in Oregon, I write about Oregon wine, and I have an undeniable heart-throbbing passion for Oregon Pinot Noir. I wholeheartedly believe Oregon produces some of the finest in the world. I’m not a sommelier, but my opinion of Oregon’s fine Pinots is based on sampling hundreds, if not thousands, of Pinot Noirs from around the world – something I’ve been doing for nearly twenty years. The best Pinot Noirs I’ve ever had are from the Willamette Valley, in Oregon.
World-renowned Pinot Noirs are produced at this Oregon vineyard & winery: King Estate
When I heard that a significantly influential sommelier of a prominent New York City restaurant recently failed to mention Oregon as a Pinot Noir region when, during an interview, was asked to name the Pinot Noir regions of the world, I was stunned – a jaw-dropping kind of stunned. His list of Pinot Noir growing regions included: Burgundy, California, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.
A cluster of Pinot Noir at award-winning Pinot Noir producing Willamette Valley Vineyards
From Northern Oregon’s Willamette Valley to Southern Oregon’s Umpqua and Rogue Valleys, our Pinot Noir is oustanding. But, don’t just take it from me. In November 2012, Wine Spectator dedicated front page coverage, including a 15 page spread, to Oregon Pinot Noir. Most recently, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named the Willamette Valley one of the 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations of 2013, and they certainly didn’t fail to mention Pinot Noir when it comes to visiting Oregon.
Wine Spectator definitely recognizes Oregon as a Pinot Noir region
So, how could a key sommelier fail to mention Oregon as a Pinot Noir growing region, when we not only grow Pinot Noir, but we produce some of the finest Pinot Noir in the world? Mr. Sommelier, come visit Oregon. I will be glad to personally introduce you to some Oregon Pinot Noirs that will blow your mind – I guarantee you won’t fail to mention Oregon again.
Please note: As this topic was brought up in casual conversation, I don’t have the sommelier’s name. Do you know the sommelier mentioned in this article?
hi Julia, Thanks for flying the flag. No, I don’t know the somm’s name, but I whole heartedly agree with you!
Thanks, Maria! Cheers –
Couldn’t agree more, Julia. Oregon is one of the best wine regions in the world for Pinot Noir. I hope it was an oversight.
I hope it was an oversight, too. If I think of Pinot Noir, Oregon and Burgundy come to mind first…then the others trickle in (including Okanagan, which was also not in his line-up)
would love to know the name so we can invite this not very knowledgeable somm to Oregon Pinot Camp and send him back to New York as a true disciple!
That is a great idea Sue! The Oregon Pinot Camp is EXACTLY what he needs. If I ever find out who it is, I will let you know. And please, if you find out who, will you please pass his name along to me? I would love to sit down via Skype or ooVoo and have a conversation with him.
Would love to know your favorite Oregon Pinot Noirs.
Hi Christine – I have so many ‘favorite’ Pinot Noirs, a list that continually grows with each vintage. I’m truly blessed to be surrounded by so many great wineries producing some of the finest Pinots. Are you in Oregon? I’d be happy to direct you to some of my favorite wineries that have incredible Pinots!