9 Oregon Wines for Your Holiday Party
December 8, 2019
by Hayley Tosio
And the 9 Oregon wines are…
The holidays are fully upon us now and so are the parties. I personally can think of no better way to impress your gathering than to show up with a bottle (or bottles) of wine from Oregon. Why Oregon you ask? Because quite simply Oregon makes phenomenal wine! And since Oregon wine is getting so much buzz and media attention these days, especially with California wine makers flocking up by the dozens to snatch up vineyards, this will create a great conversation starter at any party you are attending or hosting.
I recommend that with each bottle you bring, know a few highlights behind the bottle including about the winery and its location. Your crowd will be so impressed with these added tidbits that this will make the wine even more enjoyable (not that it needs it).
For the Sparkling Wine Lover:
This non-vintage sparkling wine comes from a personal favorite and a pioneer in Oregon wine history, Sokol Blosser, founded 1971.
Dundee Hills AVA
Tasting Notes: With this méthode champenoise sparkling wine several of their grape varietals are used to produce this well-known classic. Notes of citrus. Off-dry and finishes crisp. A slightly creamy mouthfeel from the secondary fermentation in the bottle. 11.5% ABV.
This sparkling wine, 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier comes from Argyle out of Dundee, Oregon. Argyle, a classic namestay in Oregon, has been producing sparkling wine since 1987.
Willamette Valley AVA
Tasting Notes: The cool climate of Oregon’s Willamette Valley makes an ideal haven for producing sparkling wines in the tradition reminiscent from our Old World Champagne neighbors. This sparkling wine has notes of peach, wild honey and toasted brioche. “The middle palate is invigorated with dynamic acid backbone and edgy minerality, bringing balance and concentration to the long finish.” 12/5% ABV.
For the White Wine Lover:
3. King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2017
Known as their flagship wine, and for good reason, King Estate’s Pinot Gris is a great value wine for the superior quality that it holds. The 2017 vintage sourced most of its grapes from its certified Biodynamic and organic vineyard. King Estate is one of Oregon’s most well-known vineyards.
Willamette Valley AVA
Tasting Notes: 92 points from Wine Enthusiast. Crisp notes of tangy grapefruit and citrus mingle with tropical fruits and pineapple notes. This rich and viscous Pinot Gris represents a great balance with ripe fruit and fresh acidity. 13.7% ABV.
4. Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay 2016
Established in 1984 in the heart of the Eola-Amity Hills, Evening Land has gained a solid reputation in the wine industry for making beautifully structured wines.
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Tasting Notes: 94 points Wine Enthusiast. 12 Months in 25% New French Oak. Citrus and spice take the stage in this elegant Oregon Chardonnay. Also hints of Eucalyptus, wild berries, forest floor and crushed stones. You will be the hit of the party with this one for sure! 13.0% ABV.
5. Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Riesling 2012
Established in 2003, Trisaetum has established an international reputation for producing exceptional rieslings. This medium dry Riesling received 92 points from the Wine Enthusiast and 91 points from the Wine Spectator.
Yamhill-Carlton AVA
Tasting notes: Aromas of dried flowers and apple blossom and hints of warm spice. “Classic flavors of apple and ripe pear are followed by hints of tangerine, Meyer lemon and honey. Crisp acidity and subtle sweetness interact in perfect harmony on this off-dry Rieslings lingering finish.” 11.0% ABV.
For the Red Wine Lover
6. Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2016
In 1989, Domaine Drouhin was built in the infamous Dundee Hills in the Willamette Valley stemming from their long-standing family’s tradition of winemaking from their French roots in Burgundy. 91 points, Wine Enthusiast.
Dundee Hills AVA
Tasting notes: Supple tannins weave together with a well-balanced acidity to create this beautifully structured Pinot Noir that is Domaine Drouhin’s flagship wine. A great value for the high-level of craft that goes into this wine. Plum, dark cherry with toasty oak and spice create a nice long finish with every sip. 14.1% ABV.
7. Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
Established in 1984, Cristom, hands-down, is superb! There is something very special about the Eola-Amity Hills AVA because every wine I have tried in this area I have loved. I am going to chalk this up to their unique soil and climate patterns which is a mix of something magical like no other.
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Tasting notes: Red berries, dark cherries and blueberries mix with intense spicy tannins finishing with a and soft yet long finish with a hint of smoky minerality. 14.0% ABV.
8. Bergstrom Gregory Ranch Pinot Noir 2015
Founded in 1999, Bergstrom Wines has 5 estate vineyards across 4 of the Willamette Valley’s appellations. Gregory Ranch is in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. This AVA produces some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world.
Yamhill-Carlton AVA
Tasting notes: With 91 points from the Wine Enthusiast, the Gregory Ranch Pinot Noir will surely delight the company you are with. This deep, dark and rich Pinot Noir has aromas of chocolate, coffee and dark fruits. Rich and savory on the palette with floral and cassis notes. Full-bodied yet well balanced with subtle tannins and a long smooth finish. 13.2% ABV.
9. Abacela Barrel Select Estate Tempranillo 2014
Oregon is not just about Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris. To the south of the state, sultry warmer climates lends to the growth and production of warmer grape varietals, including Tempranillo. Abacela, established in 1995, is located in the Umpqua Valley in Southern Oregon after the owners, Earl and Hilda Jones were on the quest to find a region in Oregon that could emulate the great Rioja wine region in Spain.
Umpqua Valley AVA
Tasting notes: “Rich blackberry, violets, mocha, spice box, smoke and well defined tannins unfold in velvety layers through the lengthy finish. While delicious now, this wine has the structure to improve for 10 or more years and offers a long plateau of maturity.” 14.8% ABV.
A big happy holidays to you all! May you enjoy friends, family and great wine! Cheers! ~Hayley
Please let me know your favorite Oregon wines in the comments below!
Also check out my blog post on top wine accessories to give as gifts this holiday season!
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