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.

Sort By:

points

Evening Land 2010 Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills)

Editors' Choice

Price $60

Gorgeously ripe fruit packs this wine with tropical flavors of cantaloupe, apricot and papaya. Lemony acid keeps it fresh and vibrant, and the overall texture and complexity are a revelation. Both of Evening Land’s Chardonnays elevate the grape to new heights in this part of the Willamette Valley. — P.G. (12/1/2012)

points

Le Cadeau 2003 Pinot Noir

Editors' Choice

Price $40

What a spectacular effort. Dense and precise, it explodes from the glass with pure varietal scents and crisp, layered flavors. The mix of red fruits seamlessly weaves into barrel flavors of coffee, toast, caramel and buttered nuts, then adds licorice and spice to the long, clean, lifted finish. A tour de force. — P.G. (9/1/2006)

points

Ponzi 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $60

A gorgeous wine, lush and refined from the first sniff to the last swallow. Rose petals, cotton candy, chocolate-covered cherries—it’s a date in a bottle. As the wine rolls across the palate it seems to gain depth and detail, while keeping the exceptionally pretty fruit flavors front and center. Silky and lightly spicy, with cinnamon, toast, mocha and tobacco… — P.G. (3/1/2011)

points

Domaine Serene 2007 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir

Cellar Selection

Price $58

A very elegant and refined Evenstad Reserve, with grace notes of sandalwood and a lovely cherry core. The fruit is immaculate, the concentration focused and lengthy, and the flavors are so artfully blended that the wine is seamless and perfectly balanced. Although it is drinking like a mature wine, there is every reason to cellar wines such as this—it can develop… — P.G. (6/1/2011)

points

Evening Land 2010 Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills)

Cellar Selection

Price $60

In a stellar lineup of 2010 Evening Land Pinots, this is the best. It displays eye-popping character and depth, a ripe powerhouse at just 13.1% alcohol. Black cherry fruit comes laced with cinnamon and baking spice notes. It’s a full, round, rich, and fruity wine that just never quits. — P.G. (12/1/2012)

points

Sineann 2000 Merlot (Columbia Valley (OR))

Editors' Choice

Price $27

— P.G. (12/31/2002)

points

Chehalem 2006 Ian’s Reserve Chardonnay (Dundee Hills)

Editors' Choice

Price $34

This is certainly the finest Ian’s Reserve Chardonnay ever made. A softly appealing entry leads gracefully into a remarkably complex wine that puts the lush barrel flavors of butterscotch, toffee and toasted hazelnuts right up front. But it doesn’t stop there, layering in candied apricots and a rich array of ripe tropical fruits. Remarkably concentrated, the wine… — P.G. (2/1/2009)

points

Abacela 2009 Blanco Dulce Viognier (Umpqua Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $30

This late-harvest Viognier is so dense, so lush with aromas, that it defies description. Flowers, candied fruits, caramel, vanilla, English breakfast tea, even a bit of tobacco—this is one of those wines that just keeps on going. Fascinating, rich, yet vibrant with excellent acidity, this is a wine that any dessert wine lover should experience. — P.G. (10/1/2010)

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 Lemelson Ponzi Rex Hill Sineann Torii Mor Willamette Valley Vineyards

2009 Russian River Vineyards Estate Grown

Rich flavors of cherries, persimmons, cola, anise and oak flood the…

(Sponsored)