This post is in response to Nodia’s comment below:

Nodia Says:
April 12th, 2006 at 2:20 pm e

Annette,

I have read some of your blogs and it led me to wonder if you have ever made it up to Oregon. The VanDuzer Pinots are excellent – not to mention that the wine tasting in Oregon is free (the way it should be). Don’t get me wrong I love a good California wine (I remember when Napa actually grew apples, pears and other fruit in their orchads). I guess I wanted to pick your opinion on Oregon’s pinots.

_{Nodia Relnz}

Hi Nodia,
I have made it up to Oregon several times and I really like Oregon, Oregonians, Oregonian winemakers, and Oregon Pinot Noir.  I also have great respect for all of the folks making Oregon Pinot for many reasons:  many Oregon “Pinot Pioneers” were making Pinot before most anyone was here in California (and also before it became popular to make or drink it) and it is due to their generous, experimental attitude and philosophy that has led the way to improve Pinot Noir not only in Oregon, but also in California and I think at this point the world over.  Also, Oregon winemakers have to deal with a lot more weather challenges than we are used to here (California winemaking can be kind of boring that way), so they have to be great winemakers to make the most of what Mother Nature gives them in both “good” or more challenging harvests.

I have attended the Steamboat winemaker’s conference once, and would like to go again.  I’ve also attended IPNC (in my humble opinion the best event for wine lovers and food lovers alike).  It’s these kinds of events (they were started by Oregon winemakers and winelovers and continue to this day because of their dedication to the grape) that has encouraged a kind of esprit de corps among Pinot Noir winemakers and enthuasists alike.

I can’t say enough about Oregon. (click here for an event I thought would be fun and educational—Oregon Pinot Camp) For a long time I could pick a Domain Drouhin out of a blind tasting no problem—there’s just something about their wines.  Van Duzer is also a favorite.  Adelsheim.  I could go on and on.  Oregon Pinot is what Pinot should be: usually feminine, aromatic, elegant, great with food.

So, there are my thoughts about Oregon.  What are yours?

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