Oregon and Washington States

The cool weather in the Pacific Northwest is particularly well suited for growing Pinot Noir grapes. In Oregon, the best growing areas are located between the coastal range to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east, which makes the Willamette Valley, between Portland and Eugene, a prime producer of quality red wines. Whites from Chardonnay and Riesling grapes have done well here also, though the state’s winemakers are recently turning their attention to the fruitier and more floral Pinot Gris.

Noteworthy Willamette Valley wineries include Adelsheim, Eyrie, Bethel Heights, Oak Knoll, and Yanhill Valley. The year 1999 is often cited as the best vintage in the state’s relatively short wine-producing history. The Pinot Noirs have excellent balance, are loaded with fruit and have high tannin levels. The ’94 Pinot Noirs are also notable; look for fine Pinot Gris and Chardonnays from that year, as well.

The combination of Oregon’s northern latitude, occasional marine breezes, and long hours of sunshine create warm summer days and a gently cooling autumn — the ideal conditions for ripening the European-variety grapes. Here, noble grape varieties ripen gradually under moderate temperatures. This leisurely ripening of noble wine grapes is the key to the production of memorable wines.

Wines from Washington State are even less familiar to much of the rest of the world, despite the fact that it’s home to more than 200 wineries, 300 wine grape growers and 28,000 vineyard acres, making it the second-largest U.S. producer of high-quality wine after California. Warm temperatures throughout the day and cool nights allow the fruits’ natural acids to remain high, creating richly flavored and well-balanced wines. In 2001, Wine Enthusiast Magazine recognized Washington as “Wine Region of the Year.”

The Cabernet grape is king in Washington, producing medium- to full-bodied wines with currant, spice, and plum aromas and flavors of herbs and vegetables. Andrew Will, Leonetti, and Chateau Ste. Michelle are among the state’s finest producers.

And compared to some California labels, those from Washington’s Columbia, Yakima, and Walla Walla valleys represent tremendous values. While they may not provide the same consistent quality as California wines, Washington’s Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and Chardonnays merit serious consideration.

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