Founded in 1983, the winery merged with Tualatin Vineyards and today it is a publicly owned company with 26,000 shareholders. It is a major producer of Pinot Noir and now owns or manages 600 acres of vineyards in the Valley. Over the years it has settled on a crowd-pleasing style of Pinot Gris. Stainless steel fermented and lees aged, it is medium bodied, smooth, and balanced. The 2022 vintage in the area is known largely for its heat spikes. In the glass, this wine has an unusual but attractive light copper color and offers fresh melon and citrus aromas. The flavors are a combination of melon and pear fruit with a delicate mineral note. It finishes long with subtle acidity and a hint of sweetness.
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Gris 2022
By Norm Roby