Willamette Valley Wine Tasting

Yesterday I had a great time wine tasting in the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir madness, baby!
My first stop was Ponzi, on the north side of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. I thought they did a nice job, and was worth the stop just to see their old Pinot vines. Planted in something like 73. I liked their Tavola Pinot best, so I bought a bottle.

Next stop was the wine that gave me my wine epiphany, Argyle. Tried their 06 Reserve, and 06 Nuthouse. Both were fantastic. I love Argyle's stuff. Beautiful facility in downtown Dundee, and the folks here are very friendly. Their Reserve bottling of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir really is a beautiful wine, and I have always had it on occasions where I will always remember the moment. My sentimental favorite, Argyle will always get me through their doors when I'm in Oregon, and I can't pass up a bottle if ever I see some for sale.

On to arguably (well, not really) the epitome of Oregon wines, Archery Summit. These wines seem to be on a whole other level...the fragrances absolutely explode out the glass. I tried 4 Pinots here, their Premier Cuvee, Red Hill, Renegade Ridge, and Looney Vineyard. Truthfully, I thought the Premier Cuvee was as good as the more expensive bottlings, with the possible exception of Red Hill. Each wine was layered with complexity, absolutely lovely body, and finishes that might as well been a James Cameron drama. I wish they could be my go-to Pinot, but unfortunately, the pocketbook will not allow such things. I did bring home some for a special occassion, though! I also have to add, the folks in the tasting room and around the grounds were wonderful. For a place that's as hallowed as some Grand Cru Burgundies, this was an incredibly friendly place to visit. The pours were generous, (I felt awful dumping such wonderful wine in the spit bucket) not hurried, and the vineyards are beautiful. If you ever have a chance, go! Also, ask to use the restroom. They are in their winecave. Very cool.

Next I went to Elk Cove in Gaston. A very fine producer in a stunning location. The views are lovely. Their wine was great as well. I tried 2 pinot noirs, a pinot gris (came home with me- it's fantastic) a late harvest reisling (not too sweet) and a couple others. Also incredibly friendly. I asked if could take a few pics and the person told me I could go wherever and take pictures of anything. The vineyards here are the stuff of magazine covers. Also, the backdrop to the vineyard is a hardwood forest, so I want to go back in fall. I can't imagine how beautiful it will be.

Well, there you have it. A day of tasting in Oregon. I can't wait to go back.