Today we share the new wines from 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). They make a wonderful range of wines including some great vintage bubbles and complex range of Pinots, as well as Pinot Gris and even a great Pinot Blanc.
The new 2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Blanc (OB, 92) is a great wine for the price with a neat texture and nutty undertones. Here are the new releases from Willamette Valley Vineyards and learn more at http://wvv.com
2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards Gruner Veltliner- Fresh and nicely textured, the 2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards Gruner Veltliner offers kiwi and bright gooseberry notes alongside white grapefruit pit on the palate. Showing bright tension, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next six years to come. Drink 2024-2030- 91
2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Blanc- This brilliant 2023 Pinot Blanc comes from the Tualatin Hills AVA with vines set on Laurelwood soils. Best served at a warmer temperature, this has fantastic weight with walnut, pear and baked apple flavors alongside honeydew melon and suggestions of baking spice laced brioche. Bold and rich, enjoy over the next six years to come. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2022 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Tualatin Estate’ White Pinot Noir- This 2022 White Pinot Noir utilizes clones 115, 667 and Pommard. Stored in neutral oak barrels for nine months before bottling, this offers a slightly pink core with layers of melon and starfruit flavors alongside a smooth texture and beautiful length on the palate. This shows much better warmed up a bit. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2022 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir- Like the bottling suggests, this underwent 100% whole cluster fermentation and utilizes a range of clonal selections and soil types. The wine shows a great core of crunchy red fruits alongside a smooth texture, with blood orange zest, dusty minerals and shades of salty soils on the palate. Drink 2024-2032- 92