[94SilverCab]

Please help,



I am scheduling a trip for later this Summer to Portland Oregon and I will have about 4 days to explore the vinyards in the area (Dundee Hills, etc.). I have already scheduled tours at Shea and at Benton Lane, but I'm at a loss for any other "must visit" wineries.



My plan on prior trips was to simply ask tasting room managers where they would go (except their place) if they could only drink one glass of wine in the area, this has resulting in some fantastic finds. Still, I would like to have a few more mapped out.



So, has anyone ever been to Willamette Valley for a tasting tour, or have an amazing Pinot Noir in mind?



TIA,



Jay

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[ds968]

just had one last Thursday ( pinot from Willamette Valley ) and damn, I just can't remember the winery, but want to say McKinlay..however, you can't go wrong with ANYTHING from Willamette Valley, IMO. Same applies to anything from " Howell Mountain " in Ca. ( regardless of the year ) , but not much under $ 100 / bottle retail

The Oregon W.V. pinots are much, much more reasonable.

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[Rap]

I sort of like the adventure of the unknown and the Pleasure derived from stumbling onto a superb pinot. Course to each his own!

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[94SilverCab]

We rely on careful planning and organic execution...

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[Rap]

Lighten up Lucy! Sounds like the rest of your trip is as usual well planned and thought out Jay! I suffer from the same OCD disease. Perhaps I suggest that which I wish I could do!! Lol

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[tamathumper]

I usually stumble *after* a good pinot.

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[Chris Vais]

The 2010's are in the market now and the some of the best come from Shea, Merriman, King Estate, Cooper Mtn., and Ponzi. The 2009's have been well received look for Beaux Freres, sin eau, Brittan, Shea, Ayoub.



I have to say that I haven't drunk much Oregon Pinot lately. My younger bothers have been producing very fine, highly rated Pinot Noir so I tend to drink what they produce as well as that of a few other producers in Sonoma and Mendecino counties. As a matter of preference, I am drawn to the leaner, more spare burgundian style than I am to the big alcohol fruit bombs that have been popularized by many producers in Santa Barbara. Just because you have the climate to produce big alcohol and big fruit doesn't mean that you should.

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[ds968]

Jay, I was informed by my friend that it was a Ken Wright , 09 pinot that we had. Thumbs up from all four of us that had it. If it's on your route, may be worth checking it out..

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[Chris Vais]

Ken Wright is another one to visit. You'll have to take a good set of notes and let us all know what you liked and why.

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[94SilverCab]

Thanks Chris, I knew I could count on you. Shea does not have a public tasting room, fortunately I have an in with the owner so they are arranging a private tour.



Thanks to you Dan for the Ken Wright suggestion....



Jay

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[ebarone968]

I think I am going to regret missing this trip ! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/whine.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Swin]

I'm sorry I didn't see this post earlier. If you haven't gone yet, I strongly suggest Domaine Serene. If you enjoy Pinot Noir, this winery will not let you down!

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[94SilverCab]

Thank you, it was on my "maybe" list and I've moved it up to "don't miss".



Jay

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