How important is vintage in discussing fine wines? I’d say we overrate it, or at least over-generalize about it. Focusing on vintage characteristics may be a helpful shorthand approach for wine writers, but usually it is too simplistic, leading to reflex decisions rather than more-considered ones. Read full article
Oregon’s Pinot Noirs have achieved such success that they threaten to define the entire state, even though they mostly come from the Willamette Valley, admittedly Oregon’s most important wine producing region. I am tempted to suggest that the Willamette Valley be Snooth’s Region of the Year 2013 based on the strength of their Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay, all world class. Read full article
Going wine tasting is a charming way to spend a day or a weekend. It is so enjoyable, in fact, that wine tasting has become a vacation in itself. Wine tourism has increased in the past 10 years and many wineries around the globe now provide exquisite tasting rooms with scenic vineyard views, wine tasting dinners, and tours of the vineyards and cellars. Read full article
It’s been written so often that it’s become a cliché: Pinot Noir is a fickle grape that needs just the right conditions to thrive. Yet, Pinot’s popularity is such that we’re confronted by dozens of bottles from countless regions every time we enter a wine shop or open a wine list. Here’s a way to cut through the clutter. Read full article
Wine country is an integral part of Oregon's agricultural patchwork. Most of the wineries are in the Willamette Valley, a short drive south of Portland. Don't expect Napa Valley, which today is like the Vegas Strip of wine. In Oregon the vineyards are spread out, punctuating other crops such as hazelnuts, berries and Christmas trees. Read full article
“Good afternoon, sir. Will you be joining us for a wine tasting today?” Never before had I been greeted by a restaurant-style maitre d’ when visiting a winery. But nothing about this shiny new tasting room at Sokol Blosser winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley is typical. Read full article
Jay Somers was talking dirt. Hardly had we shaken hands when he started pointing to the ground and describing the various soils in his vineyard: marine sediment here, iron-laced volcanic soils there. Or something like that. Read full article
If you were thinking of establishing an easygoing friendship with a grape, pinot noir wouldn’t be your first choice. It’s temperamental, thin-skinned, and fussy. Fortunately Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where some of the best bottles of this varietal are produced, is pinot’s polar opposite. Read full article
