One of the great, historic spots in Oregon, Willamette Valley Vineyards was originally founded in 1983 by Oregon wine pioneer, Jim Bernau. Jim cleared away an old pioneer plum orchard in the Salem Hills to start his first vineyard. Over time Willamette Valley Vineyards has considerably increased their estate vineyards through partnerships like the merger with Oregon wine industry pioneer, Bill Fuller of Tualatin Vineyards (established in 1973), the O'Briens for Elton Vineyard (established in 1983) and Loeza Vineyard (planted in 2015). Willamette Valley Vineyards sources all of its Pinot Noir from their nearly 500 acres of estate vineyards.
Several years ago I had the chance to revisit their 2012 releases were outstanding across the board. A year ago I had the chance to interview their talented winemaker Joe Ibrahim, who is originally from New York and started his wine journey in Vermont. He has held several high end wine positions prior to coming to Willamette Valley Vineyards, including working for Ste. Michelle Wine Estate in Washington State, as well as Gallo Family in California where he learned about brandy distillation as a Spirits Maker and sparkling wine production as the Senior Winemaker in charge of the sparkling wine program.
His new wines were really good across the board. I loved his 2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Dijon Clone’ Chardonnay (WWB, 92) which has marvelous richness and a downright sexy texture. I really enjoyed the 2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) which is marvelous now in its youth and will provide bright red fruits and good acidity for a decade or more to come. Learn more about this famed Oregon winery at willamettevalleyvineyards.com. Here are the great new wines by Willamette Valley Vineyards.
2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards Rose Spakling Wine- The 2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards Rose Sparkling Wine is another great release from this historic estate. On the nose this takes on teaberry with cran-orange and suggestions of ripe guava that all mingle in the glass. The astringency suggests a highly limited amount of dosage. Bright cranberry and green apple flavors mingle with minerals and lighter earthy undertones. The soft mousse adds to the crescendo. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Dijon Clone’ Chardonnay- Deeply colored in the glass, the ‘Dijon Clone’ Chardonnay opens with roasted pineapple and toasted hazelnuts with vanilla cream tones that round out this expressive nose. The palate is full-bodied and generous with rich and layered brioche and lemon cream flavors with ripe pineapple accents. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten years. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir by Willamette Valley Vineyards is a blend of Dijon clones, alongside Wadenswil and Pommard. This wine was aged in 25% new French oak for nine months before bottling. Soft and beautifully balanced, the wine reveals red cherry candy and guava flavors that mingle with teaberry and lighter earthy tones on the palate. Lithe and light on its feet, this beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Tualatin Estate’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a vineyard that is set in the lowlands of the Coastal Range, the 2016 ‘Tualatin Estate’ Pinot Noir shows guava and citrus rind accents that meld with the earthy aromatics of the wine. The wine has good freshness with medium-bodied red fruits that dance with minerals and shades of peat moss on the palate. Silky and showing a soft mouthfeel, this will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Signature Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 ‘Signature Cuvee’ is an awesome new wine by the talented Joe Ibrahim. Bright and intense, this reveals a good range of red fruits with shades of orange zest, white pepper and spicy black truffle tones on the palate. Having good length and a generous texture, the ‘Signature Cuvee’ will show well for at least another ten years. Drink 2020-2030- 92