Oregon Wines

The Oregon Wine region has become synonymous with high quality Pinot Noir, and rightfully so, according to our Oregon Wine Guide. Within the last decade, the Willamette Valley AVA has seen a notable increase both in production and accolades for their wines. The moderate maritime climate allows the Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes to gain flavor and structure during the warm days, yet maintain their acidity with the cooler temperatures that can roll in from the Pacific Ocean. Within the Willamette Valley, there are six sub appellations all with their own sub climate and terroir. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs from these areas are some of the highest rated wines in our Oregon Wine Reviews. The Southern Oregon AVA is the other main wine region and includes the sub AVAs of the Umpqua and Rogue Valleys. While Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris dominate the plantings throughout this area, as they do in the Willamette, Syrah and Cabernet Franc can also produce rather intricate and bold wines, especially in the Rogue Valley. Our Oregon Wine Ratings will help to decipher the wines that are worth your attention and have received the highest acclaim.

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Cayuse 2009 God Only Knows Grenache (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Cellar Selection

Price $85

This Grenache leaps into another dimension, with more concentration, earth, umami and salinity than ever before, yet it retains its elegance thanks to a crisp finish of raspberry and rock flavors. Reminiscent in a way to high-altitude Argentine Malbec, this will cellar well for a decade or more. — P.G. (3/1/2013)

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Cayuse 2009 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Price $75

Always a standout, this is the only one of the Cayuse Syrahs that is cofermented with Viognier. This explodes with flavors of blueberries, soy, earth, black tea, iodine, anise and salt, plus a hint of sassafras. Notes of herb and cured meat add further interest to this unique, captivating effort. — P.G. (3/1/2013)

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Cayuse 2009 Bionic Frog Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Cellar Selection

Price $90

The Frog is a bit reductive, a bit shy in 2009 and needs extra decanting. With proper breathing time, it shows inviting notes of violets and strawberries, and it gains concentration through the midpalate, with additions of cherry and an almost liquid minerality. An almost delicate version of this wine. — P.G. (3/1/2013)

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Tero Estates 2007 Windrow Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Cellar Selection

Price $90

This is superstrong Cabernet Sauvignon, with precise, concentrated flavors of brambly old-vine fruit taking center stage. The wine spent 33 months in barrel and has the density and power to prove it. — P.G. (3/1/2013)

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Bergström 2010 Sigrid Chardonnay

Editors' Choice

Price $80

Bergström’s Sigrid is one of the finest Chardonnays made in Oregon. Racy and refined, it shows Burgundian finesse, toast and acidity. As in other top tier wines from the Northwest, the fruit has a certain vibrancy that shouts “New World.” Peach, apple and pear flavors abound. — P.G. (3/1/2013)

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Domaine Drouhin 1999 Louise Drouhin Pinot Noir

Cellar Selection

Price $45

This is the best Pinot Noir yet from the Drouhin estate; immensely concentrated and rich. The fruit is complex and penetrating, focused and long, layered throughout a generous and extended finish. Cherries and chocolate linger on the palate, resonating long after the wine has been swallowed. — P.G. (8/1/2002)

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Bergström 2000 Arcus Pinot Noir

Editors' Choice

Price $50

This sweet, extracted, creamy wine oozes lushness, ripeness and richness. The power is intense, the flavors dark plum, blackberry and cola. The tannins are big and plush, making for a huge, round finish. But be warned, one reviewer found it overly dry. — W.E. (10/1/2002)

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Ken Wright 2005 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir (Yamhill-Carlton District)

Price $50

This outstanding vineyard comes through again with a full, fleshy, almost beefy wine. Powerful red fruits are enhanced with subtle flavors of citrus, juniper, pine needle, dried herbs and mint. Elegant and complex, the fruit from these young vines shows power and grace. Most surprisingly, the finish actually gains strength as it lingers. The sweet black cherry… — P.G. (4/1/2007)

Most Reviewed Sub Regions

Oregon Other Southern Oregon Willamette Valley

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Merlot Pinot Blanc Pinot Grigio/Gris Pinot Noir Red Blend Riesling Shiraz/Syrah Tempranillo Viognier

Most Reviewed Wineries

Abacela Adelsheim Chehalem David Hill Elk Cove Erath King Estate Ponzi Rex Hill Sineann Torii Mor Willamette Valley Vineyards

2009 Penascal

This Tempranillo is rubbery and leathery smelling, with roasted berry…

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