Today we share one of the historic wineries in Oregon. Willamette Valley Vineyards founder, Jim Bernau, bought the estate back in 1983 and planted Pinot Noir (Pommard and Wadenswil clones), Chardonnay (Dijon and Espiguette) as well as Pinot Gris. He studied winemaking at UC Davis and then made his winery full time back 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 fabulous range of wines.
They have a great bubbles house, Domaine Willamette. Check out the new 2022 ‘Blanc de Noirs’ (OB, 92) which is round and dense with plenty of flavor range. I love the new 2024 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris (OB, 92) which is loaded with stuffing and nerve. Here are the new releases from Willamette Valley Vineyards and learn more at http://wvv.com
2024 Willamettte Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris- Loaded with both stuffing and nerve, the outstanding 2024 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris starts off with honeysuckle water, lychee and nutty nuances on the nose. The palate is big and round on the tongue with a generous mouthfeel and plenty of citrus and melon fruit flavors. This is really well-done stuff that will cellar for at least another five years. Drink 2026-2031- 92
2022 Domaine Willaette ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 Domaine Willaette ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine spent more than 30 months en tirage prior to disgorgement. It is finesse-laden stuff that is already neatly evolved. Cashew nut flavors collide with honeydew melon and shades of juicy peach on the palate. 100% Pinot Noir and very well-done. Drink 2026-2035- 92
2022 Domaine Willamette ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ is all estate Chardonnay that was aged on the lees for 30 months before disgorgement. This is loaded wth astringency and nerve, with rich lemon and Key lime fruits that combine with salted hazelnut and sourdough bread notes, with wafts of ginger. Gorgeous now, enjoy this saline-laden sparkling wine over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93
2017 Domaine Willamette ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2017 Domaine Willamette ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine is made from estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes that were aged on the lees for seven years. This is a mature, complex sparkling wine that is really peaking right now. Golden in the glass, this shows off heady green melon and kiwi flavors that collide with Japanese pear and cardamom laced pastry crust on the palate. Fabulous now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2022 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Elton’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Elton’ comes from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and utilizes Pinot Noir vines from both Jory volcanic soils. It comes off nicely rocky and polished on the mouth, with a smooth texture. Vibrant red cherry and pomegranate seed flavors combine with Mandarin orange zest and rocky soil nuances on the palate. Enjoy this beauty over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 93