Oregon's Cool Wines
By Jens Strecker
It’s no secret anymore. Oregon wine makers produce
consistently high quality wines, and Oregon Pinot Noir’s continue to
create a growing international appreciation.
 Oregon’s
largest and best-known wine producing area is the
Willamette Valley. Within 50 miles of the Willamette Valley are
the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east.
About 70% of Oregon’s vineyards are located in the Willamette
Valley. The seasonal climate and the coastal influence make the
growing conditions ideal for cool-climate wine grapes like the Pinot
Noir. There are three aspects to the Willamette Valley growing
season:
- Moderate temperature ~ The winters are very mild and
the summers are cool with July’s average temperature about 68°F.
- Dry growing season ~ The Willamette Valley has very dry
summers with almost no rain in July or August.
- Day length ~ The 45th parallel goes through the
Willamette Valley. That far north, the daylight hours are longer
than further south; therefore, longer daylight hours combined with
cool growing conditions lead to slow flavor development. This is a
big difference between cool and warm climate wines.
The Willamette Valley is 150 miles long and about 60 miles wide.
It is an old volcanic and sedimentary seabed that has been covered
with gravel. Nearly 50% of the wines grown in Oregon are Pinot Noir,
which is one of the most difficult grapes to grow. Skillful
winemaking, limiting crop levels, ideal soil and climate are very
important. Pinot Noir flavors and aromas are different depending on
the terrain and the micro-climate where the grapes are grown.
Pinot Gris is the major white grape variety grown in Oregon with
about 15% of the total wine crop, followed by Chardonnay and
Riesling. Most Chardonnays are from Burgundy clones from the late
80’s, which result in earlier ripening, smaller grapes/clusters, and
wines with intense, concentrated fruit flavors, great acidity and
texture.
All in all, using newer clones and using their skills acquired
through experience, Oregon winemakers produce fine wines with top
quality and a promising future.
Jens' Favorite Picks
Chateau Benoit Mueller-Thurgau 2001 Willamette Valley (Oregon)
$8.50
Okay, so you can’t pronounce it without spitting on the cashier. But
don’t let that stop you from enjoying this fruit-filled Riesling
first-cousin. Ripe with the scents and flavors of pears, melons and
apples with a touch of pineapple, Chateau Benoit’s Mueller-Thurgau
is hugely addicting to drink.
King’s Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2000 (Oregon) $16
Great value from Rex Hill Vineyards with tar and earthy aromas
followed by chocolate covered blackcherries. Smooth texture with a
long, lingering finish.
Chateau Benoit Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 1999 (Oregon) $13
From the legendary 1999 vintage, this wine is round, ripe and packed
with strawberry, cherry and beautiful plum flavors accented by
leathery earth tones. Bright, medium tannic structure on the finish.
Erath Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2000 (Oregon) $15
Erath’s everyday Pinot Noir explodes with big cherry and strawberry
aromas combined with sweet, spicy oak and vanilla flavors. The
finish is long and velvety.
Cristom Vineyards Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir 2000 (Oregon)
$24
Wonderfully balanced with flavors of dark fruit, cherries and
blackberries combined with light oak and pepper aromas and a long,
juicy finish with smooth tannins.
Willakenzie Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2000 (Oregon)
$28
Produced from selected vineyards in Willamette Valley and aged for
11 months in French oak barrels, this Pinot shows lovely aromas of
cherry and vanilla as well as layers of currants, dried herbs and
bold dried black fruit.
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