Category Archives: Oregon

Pinot Noir, Ayoub Estate Vineyard, Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 13.5% abv., 2017, US$65

Mo Ayoub is a fascinating person and well-reviewed vintner for whom growing grapes and making wine is a retirement gig – and what a gig it is.  His wines are eagerly sought after and elusive, as he doesn’t make much, … Continue reading

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Oregon Wine Symposium, 2021

The other day I was watching a travel show about regional foods and wines in Italy and felt more than a little surprised when I suddenly burst into tears. I guess I miss traveling and learning about the world a … Continue reading

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An Oregon Wine Board Tasting with Winderlea Vineyard + Winery, and Troon Vineyard

If these were normal times, and the world’s longest undefended border was open, I would have been in Oregon’s Willamette Valley last weekend, participating in the 2020 version of the Wine Media Conference. But alas, these are Covid-19, not normal … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Scott Paul, Azana, Chehalem Mountains AVA, Oregon, 2013, 12.9% abv., US$60

We visited the tasting room for this graceful Pinot Noir in tiny Carlton, Oregon in August 2016. The Chehalem Mountains AVA where the grapes for this wine are grown is located entirely within the larger Willamette Valley AVA, just south … Continue reading

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Pinot Gris, Arsheen, Momtazi Vineyard, Maysara, McMinnville AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2015, 12.5% abv, US$16

I confess that even I get a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choice offered at some wine stores. And I often shake my head when trying to figure out how they’ve decided to organize the styles, grapes, quality … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Ken Wright Cellars, Savoya Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Oregon, 12.5% abv, 2013, US$85

In August 2016, we visited Ken Wright Cellars’ tasting room in Carlton, Oregon for the second time.  We stayed at their Carlton Lofts which is very beautiful, but pricey.  It’s worth noting that Ken Wright doesn’t discount anyone for tastings … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Ayoub Estate Vineyard, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon, US, 2013, 12.8% abv.

Talk about tiny – there is no tasting room at the Ayoub Estate Vineyard located just outside of McMinnville in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, but they’re more than happy to make you an appointment to come to the kitchen to taste. … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Boulder Bluff, Adelsheim, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2010, 13.6% abv.

It’s Thanksgiving again – so here is the requisite post about a Pinot Noir and pairing it with your turkey. Medium plus garnet with some ruby tinges and deep, broad aromas of plum with boysenberry and spiced tobacco, here is … Continue reading

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Beaux Frères, Pinot Noir, Newberg, Willamette Valley, Oregon, US, 2007, 13.8% abv.

In March 2013, we visited this winery but managed to hold onto the bottle until a special birthday happened in 2015.  Read here for details and pictures from the morning spent tasting Beaux Frères wines in Newberg with wine guide, Anna … Continue reading

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Domaine Serene, Pinot Noir, Two Barns Vineyard, Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2010, 13.7% abv, US$85

The usual course of action in Oregon’s wine country has been for some of Burgundy’s most renowned winemakers to pick up and put down stakes in the (now) famous Willamette Valley.  Take for example the Drouhin family and their 1980s move to the … Continue reading

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