The Winer Things Club - Willamette Valley 1.3

We are off to Oregon today - Willamette Valley in fact. Our group today features B, Brandon, Carrol, John, Kelly, Kate, Marjorie, Naomi, Phil, Rico and Yoonie. The wines we had were the 2022 Ribbon Ridge Rose from Bergstrom, 2020 Resonance Pinot Noir, 2021 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills, Beaux Freres Pinot Noir 2021, and a 2021 Rose Rock Chardonnay.

The Willamette Valley in Oregon has gained international acclaim for its wines, particularly its Pinot Noir. The region has a relatively short but impactful wine history, marked by a commitment to producing high-quality, cool-climate varietals.

The modern wine industry in the Willamette Valley began in the 1960s and 1970s. David Lett, often referred to as "Papa Pinot," planted the first Pinot Noir vines in the region at Eyrie Vineyards in 1965. Lett's success in producing a credible Pinot Noir from Oregon soil helped establish the reputation of the Willamette Valley as a viable wine region.

2022 Ribbon Ridge Rosé, Bergström, Oregon

The 2022 Ribbon Ridge Rosé from Bergström presents a visually appealing light salmon, peachy hue with hints of rose gold and a touch of yellow.

The aromatic profile is rich, featuring notes of lychee, peach, strawberry, and citrus, creating a vibrant and inviting bouquet.

On the palate, the wine delivers a sweet and tangy experience, with prominent flavors of green apple complemented by a subtle touch of salinity. The texture is described as smooth, and the overall character is light, savory, and refreshing.

This Rosé from Bergström was a well-balanced and enjoyable wine with a combination of fruity and savory elements.

Rating

B-😐, Brandon-😍, Carrol-😍, John-😐, Kelly-😐, Kate-😍, Marjorie-😍, Naomi-😐, Phil-😍, Rico-😍, Yoonie -😞

2020 Resonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

The 2020 Resonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir offers a visually striking appearance with garnet, burnt red, and murky red hues.

The nose is complex, revealing smoky notes along with the rich aromas of blackberry and plum jams. Additional elements include hints of pepper, fresh meat, and cedar, contributing to a layered and intriguing bouquet.

On the palate, the wine delivers a taste profile characterized by ripe plum and candied cherries. The overall body is full, and the wine exhibits grape seed notes, adding depth and texture. The presence of sour cherry provides a balancing touch to the sweetness, resulting in a well-rounded and expressive Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley.

Rating

B-😍, Brandon-😍, Carrol-😍, John-😍, Kelly-😍, Kate-😐, Marjorie-😍, Naomi-😐, Phili-😐, Ricoi-😐, Yoonie-😐

2021 Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills by Domaine Drouhin (🌟)

The 2021 Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills by Domaine Drouhin presents a visually appealing appearance with a color reminiscent of raspberry syrup, displaying a ruby hue with dark red and dark plum undertones.

The nose is intricate, featuring woody notes of cedar, lush fruits, and floral aromas. There's a unique touch described as reminiscent of sawdust in a positive sense, akin to the pleasant scent found in a Home Depot. The aromatic complexity is noted and appreciated. On the palate, the wine exhibits a light-bodied character with a sharp and creamy profile.

Flavors of citrus and a hint of vinegar contribute to a refreshing and dynamic taste experience. The overall impression is savory, showcasing a well-balanced combination of fruit, creaminess, and a touch of acidity.

This Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills reflects a harmonious blend of nuanced aromas and flavors. The group was amazed to have the first ever unanimous decision of deeply enjoying this wine.

Rating

B-😍, Brandon-😍, Carrol-😍, John-😍, Kelly-😍, Kate-😍, Marjorie-😍, Naomi-😍, Phil-😍, Rico-😍, Yoonie-😍

2021 Beaux Frères Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

The 2021 Beaux Frères Willamette Valley Pinot Noir presents a medium purple hue almost fresh mulch like, embodying the classic characteristics associated with Pinot Noir.

The nose is rich and diverse, offering notes of black currant and raspberry for a fruity foundation. There are also elements of smoke and wood, contributing to a nuanced aromatic profile. Citrus notes add brightness, while the mention of light grape stems suggests a hint of greenness or herbal complexity.

On the palate, the wine is characterized by a savory quality, with distinct flavors of bark, cardamom, and bramble berries. The presence of bark adds a rustic element, and cardamom provides a warm, aromatic spice.

This wine may have needed more time to age or open up.

Rating

B-😐, Brandon-😐, Carrol-😐, John-😐, Kelly-😐, Kate-😐, Marjorie-😐, Naomi-😐, Phil-😐, Ricoi-😐, Yoonie-😐

2021 Rose Rock Chardonnay, Domaine Drouhin

The 2021 Rose Rock Chardonnay from Willamette Valley is visually appealing with an appearance reminiscent of hay and straw, displaying a spectrum of colors from yellow to light gold.

The nose is vibrant and aromatic, featuring white flowers and a citrusy bouquet highlighted by notes of lemon. The sweetness is suggested by the presence of pear and green apple aromas, and there's a subtle hint of vanilla that adds a touch of richness. The overall aromatic profile is described as sweet, but not overpowering, offering a balanced combination of fruity and floral elements with a savory undertone.

On the palate, the wine continues to showcase a harmonious balance. The sweetness is present but well-measured, complemented by a noticeable acidity. Flavors of apple and tart citrus contribute to a lively and refreshing taste profile. The wine is described as lush, with a notable oak influence providing depth and structure. The floral notes mentioned in the nose carry through to the taste, adding to the overall complexity of this Chardonnay. The 2021 Rose Rock Chardonnay offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience with a combination of fruit, acidity, and nuanced oak characteristics.

Rating

B-😍, Brandon-😍, Carrol-😐, John-😍, Kelly-😍, Kate-😍, Marjorie-😍, Naomi-😍, Phil-😐, Rico-😐, Yoonie-😐