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. Well structured, good acidity. 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. You still have to know what to buy. Absolutely. MORE >>

You can read about Mark Vlossak the winemaker on the site, but I will add that he was the winemaker at Panther Creek through the 1999 vintage, another Willamette Valley winery with a solid reputation. Kind of a legend in the Willamette Valley. And it probably would have improved for years with cellaring. MORE >>

to lay down in the cellar for a while. An Oregon Pinot from cult producer Peter Rosback, but not from the Willamette Valley. 2005 Belle Pente Willamette Valley Pinot Gris , $17. Loire Valley 2004 Cazin Cour-Cheverny , $12. 1999 Simi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley , $45. California (huh? MORE >>

This is Portland, after all, 45 minutes away from the first wineries in the Willamette Valley. found the wines to be fresh tasting, vibrant with acidity and fruit, and expressive of their Oregon locale - chock full of that blue fruit pine and earth sensation that permeates the wines of the Dundee Hills and the Willamette Valley. MORE >>