Just got back from working in Oregon and Seattle and have never done much wine tasting there. Went to Willamette Valley and hit every open winery. Some impressions. Tori Mor absolutely hit the heights of the smoothest silkiest example of Oregon Pinot Noir and Domaine Serene the most powerful as well as Domaine Serene Viognier/Pinot Gris Blend with a bit of oak in it. What a great taste. Enjoyed Archery Summit, disappointed in several including Lange that was highly rated. Very pedestrian Pinot Noirs were the rule at many places with the most expensive tasting cost I have ever seen (makes Napa look like a bargain) and my biggest disappointment was that Chelhalem, a maker of some wonderful Pinot Noirs, had sold their liqour license to a grocer and no longer does tastings. Also disappointed that all of the wineries in Carlton were closed on Tuesdays and there were some very promising ones to hit. Now will have to try a Washington tour though the wineries are no where near as convenient to get to as Oregon. With only about 4 hours of driving I could get to almost all of the Willamette Valley wineries and that counted time getting lost. They are well hidden on some back roads.
- posted
16 years ago