Anyway, here are the wines we sampled on this visit 1996 Cristom Pinot Noir Mt Jefferson Cuvee, Willamette Valley - Funky, rotting aromas at first, but blew off to reveal mellow red and black berries, leathery earth. nice example of an Oregon Pinot improving with age, gaining complexity. alcohol - not too bad. MORE >>

In early January of 2005 BrooklynLady and I visited the Willamette Valley in Oregon. wrap-around porch allows you to sit and look down through the valley, really a stunning view. Convenient to everywhere in the valley and not more than 90 minutes from Portland, the inn was very comfortable and cozy. magical experience. MORE >>

We ate leftover roast lamb for dinner with butternut squash puree, and I opened a bottle of 2002 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvee. 2002 was a great year for Willamette Valley Pinots, and Domaine Serene is considered to be a top Oregon producer. 2002 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvee , $35. MORE >>

Many prominent Willamette Valley producers source grapes from Shea vineyards: Mark Vlossak of St Innocent and Panther Creek (where he is consulting winemaker), Ken Wright, and Josh Bergstrom, Beaux Freres (the winery partially owned by Robert Parker), and Patricia Green, to name a few. Spadvocator hit the nail on the head this time. MORE >>

This is a good thing to capitalize on if you keep a cellar of any size, and if there are limits to what you can spend. Some Willamette Valley Oregon Pinots, for example, reflect the low concentration and thin flavor profiles that come with reduced sunlight and heat in August. They also make pretty good Pinot. MORE >>