Introduction

Notes from the organizer:

"Many have felt that Oregon's Willamette Valley would eventually be America's real answer to French Burgundy. At 45 degrees north, it is at the same latitude as Burgundy, and the soils are a close match. It seemed only a matter of time -- giving the vineyards which were planted in the 1970s and 1980s two or three decades to have fully mature vines with deep root systems, to give the grapes and the eventual wines the concentration and depth that one sees from the best Burgundy vineyards.

Like French Burgundy, the region is much cooler than most of California, and this also meant that vintages matter a lot more in the Willamette Valley than in California. If the weather in a particular year in Oregon was normal to cool, the Pinot which come from Willamette Valley come across more as delicate and simple than anything earth shattering. However, in a warm, dry year, a Willamette Valley Pinot can flirt with greatness.

In 2002, everything came together. The weather throughout Oregon was nearly perfect, with a long, warm, dry growing season and the rains holding off until well into October -- perhaps the best vintage weather ever (although 2008 has come close). The grape clusters came in pristine condition, with grapes at ideal physiological ripeness. Further, the best early vineyards were now 20-30 years old, and out of these vineyards came a few dozen great Pinots.

I bought one bottle of a dozen or so of the most highly regarded Pinots from that year (in retrospect, I wish I'd bought more). We've never tried most of these in our tastings, but it's now 2012 and these Pinots are celebrating their 10th birthday. It's time to try them! The first flight will feature two Chehalem reserve Pinots, the Siduri Muirfield, and the Adelsheim Elizabeth's Reserve. The second flight will feature four Ken Wright single vineyard Pinots. Here's the lineup and some tasting notes:"

Flight 1 - Pre-Tasting Wines (5 notes)

Flight 2 - FLight #1 (6 notes)

Flight 3 - FLight #2 (6 notes)

Closing