It is my pleasure to share the outstanding wines of Willamette Valley Vineyards which is also one of Oregon’s oldest wineries. Willamette Valley Vineyards founder, Jim Bernau, purchased the winery’s estate back in 1983 and planted Pinot Noir (Pommard and Wadenswil clones), Chardonnay (Dijon and Espiguette) as well as Pinot Gris. Bernau took winemaking classes at UC Davis and finally started the winery full time in 1989. Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown considerably in the past 20 years, as they merged with Bill Fuller of Tualatin Vineyards (established in 1973), the O'Briens for Elton Vineyard (established in 1983) and Loeza Vineyard (planted in 2015). The winery now sources all of its Pinot Noir from its nearly 500 estate-grown vineyards. They make a beautiful range of wines from well-priced sparkling wine to Pinot Gris and even Gewurtztraminer.
I loved the new wines by Willamette Valley Vineyards as this has been some of the more consistent set of wines you find year after year. These wines are also easy to find in many wine shops and supermarkets. Look to the outstanding and rich new 2020 Domaine Willamette Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which is a killer value and has plenty of forward and delicious melon and citrus fruit flavors. ’ Here are the new releases from Willamette Valley Vineyards and learn more at http://wvv.com
2020 Domaine Willamette Sparkling Wine- The 2020 Domaine Willamette Sparkling Wine is a blend of 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. This is forward and juicy with lemon rind, orange blossom water, cantaloupe and bright pear alongside cashew nut notes on the palate. With a smooth mousse, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards Rose- Made from Pinot Noir clones 777 and Pommard, the 2023 Rose offers bubblegum and red raspberry notes with a kiss of sweetness and shades of peach. Delicious and showing good weight and acidity, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028- 91
2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Estate’ Pinot Gris- This outstanding 2023 Pinot Gris comes from a range of soil types and was stored in stainless steel before bottling. The palate is seriously good and delicious with good weight and serious texture. Japanese pear and nutty tones combine with shades of white peach. Drink 2024-2029- 91
2021 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Signature’ utilizes Dijon Clones 114, 667 and 777. This is rich and beautifully textured Pinot Noir with wild blackberry, stony minerals and plenty of forest floor and pine needle character. Finishing long, with plenty of minerals, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 92
2021 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Bernau Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Bernau Estate’ is named after the founder Jim Bernau as this comes from the Dundee Hills AVA. Vines are set on Jory soils here as the wines as stored in 24% new French oak before bottling. This has stony red fruit flavors alongside orange peel, peat moss and suggestions of black tea. Really well-done and impeccably balanced, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 94