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 2007 Camaspelo Red (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $65

The Camaspelo—a 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cab Franc blend—is a little bigger, a little thicker in the mouth than the Flying Pig, but with similar fruit and grip. The mineral base, dusty cherry and currant fruit and accent notes of cured meats give this wine a layered complexity; it unfolds gracefully across the palate and down into a long finish. Still… — P.G. (2/1/2011)

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Viento 2009 Celilo Vineyard Gewurztraminer Ice Wine Gewürztraminer (Columbia Gorge (OR))

Online Exclusive

Price $45

Wow. This challenges the best of Canada for a great Gewürztraminer ice wine. A thrilling mix of flower, fruit, caramel, coffee (!) and honey, it is impeccably balanced and outrageously delicious. Just goes and goes. — P.G. (6/1/2011)

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Sineann 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel (Columbia Valley (OR))

Editors' Choice

Price $39

Old-vine Oregon Zinfandel is not common; in fact, this is all of them. From the Pines Vineyard, planted around a century ago, revived in the 1980s, these wines have a power and unique presence that sets them apart from Zin from anywhere else. Ultraripe fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry jam, alcohol above 15%, amazing density and beautifully managed tannins… — P.G. (8/1/2011)

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Cayuse 2009 En Cerise Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Price $75

Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and a streak of cola ignite the palate, with a layer of pure mineral underneath. At first a bit delicate, this never pauses, introducing umami and cinnamon highlights on the lingering finish. It’s fresh and elegant, with a more gentle fade than some of the more potent Syrahs from Cayuse. — P.G. (3/1/2013)

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Cayuse 2009 Impulsivo En Chamberlin Vineyard Tempranillo (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $80

Dark and smoky, this wine is relatively tannic and emphasizes flavors of leaf, bark, root and herb. There’s plenty of depth and exceptional power to this wine, which seems unique among New World Tempranillos. — P.G. (3/1/2013)

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Tero Estates 2009 Herb’s Block Windrow Vineyards Merlot (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Cellar Selection

Price $39

Youthful and compelling, this 100% estate Merlot comes with a seductive smoky note. The juicy berry flavor is rich and racy, while the barrel aging—50% new—hits exactly the right toasty note. — P.G. (3/1/2013)

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Syncline 2007 Steep Creek Ranch Red (Columbia Gorge (OR))

Price $50

Though not yet certified, this estate vineyard is biodynamically farmed. This is the first release from these grapes. A Rhône blend (61% Syrah, 34% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre), it’s aromatically captivating, with a fascinating mix of violets and stones. The wine itself seems carved out of rock, its flavors in bas-relief. Intense raspberry and cassis, white pepper, fine… — P.G. (4/1/2010)

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Rex Hill 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir

Cellar Selection

Price $48

This winery’s top Pinot is a wonder especially in this superb vintage. Lush flavors blend cherry fruit, toasty oak, hints of coconut, chocolate and cinnamon into a complete and delicious whole. Detailed and supple, it fills the mouth with complex and focused flavors. The long, trailing finish is reminiscent of grand cru Burgundy. Cellar Selection. —P.G. — P.G. (4/1/2002)

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

2008 PerryMoore Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

This is a lush, heady wine that’s full bodied and dry, with massive…

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