Celebrate Oregon Wine Month with 12 Stunning Wines
What could we say about Oregon wine that we haven’t said already? We could wax eloquent about the special terroir, the cool-climate conducive to growing wine grapes or the talented winemakers who have a penchant for crafting both traditional and exotic varietals with equal fervor.
With May being Oregon Wine Month, we are glad for an opportunity to savor the wonderful diversity of Oregon’s internationally acclaimed wines. On that note, here is a curated list of rockstar Oregon wines that totally steal the show.
Suzor 2019 Sunflower Chardonnay | Willamette Valley
Aptly named, this golden-hued bottle is bold, bright and beautiful. It exhibits plenty of pineapple, honey and vanilla flavors. There is lots of tension, rocky minerality and most importantly, the fruit really shines through every sip of this creamy Chard. A perfect summer pairing would be charred barbeque or pork sliders. There are only five barrels made, so be sure to score yours soon! | $30
Ram Cellars 2018 Viv Petit Verdot | Columbia Valley
This voluptuous Bordeaux-style red wine is flush with notes of dried fruit and fragrant spice in equal measure, all structured by supple tannins. Usually seen in blends, here the bold single-varietal shines in all its deep violet, full-bodied opulence. Pair it with melt-in-the-mouth lamb kebabs or tandoori mushrooms for a delicious dinner. | $30
Grochau Cellars 2021 Etheric Skin Contact Pinot Gris | Willamette Valley
A Pinot Gris with an Oregon soul, this bottling is a part of Grochau Cellar ‘Etheric Wine Workshop,’ a call for more naturally produced wines. This charming wine with aromas of elderflower, apricot and green apple offers bright fruit flavors, bright acidity and silken texture. Pair it with sunshine and some pesto pasta for a winning combination. | $22
Fullerton Wines 2017 Arborbrook Vineyard Pinot Noir | Chehalem Mountains
This Pinot Noir is quintessentially Oregonian in character. With velvety tannins, umami flavor, complex spice notes and a long finish, it delivers splendidly on all counts. Check, check, check. Pair it with a sushi feast — salmon rolls, shrimp tempura, and PNW sashimi for the win! | $65
Gran Moraine 2018 Chardonnay | Yamhill-Carlton
This incredibly sippable wine is creamy, citric and nutty, with lovely mineral undercurrents. This powerhouse Chardonnay matches fabulously with summer’s squash bounty — squash ravioli or even baked delicata squash with parmesan. We say Chardon-yay! | $45
Adega Northwest 2018 Alvarinho – Dutchman Vineyard | Yakima Valley
This lovely Albariño brings a taste of Spain to you, without crossing any oceans. The nose opens with fresh cherries, leading to concentrated peach flavors, creamy texture, and a strong mineral core. This light-bodied, puckeringly acidic white is splendid with seafood. You can also serve it up with fresh fruit salad for an easy-breezy pair. | $18
Abbey Road Farm 2021 Estate Trousseau Gris Rosé | Yamhill-Carlton
A lovely coppery pink, this fruit-forward rosé begins with fresh raspberry and grapefruit flavors, a lush mouthfeel, and just a touch of salinity. Fresh PNW fish would make for a lovely companion for this savory pink wine. Keep it casual or make it gourmet — fish tacos, lobster bisque or oven-baked sea bass. | $29
Battle Creek Cellars NV Yamhela Vineyard Blanc De Blancs | Yamhill-Carlton
Earthy, grassy and bursting with dark berries — this medium-bodied Pinot is best enjoyed on a moody, rainy summer afternoon. This elegant and easy sipper will pair brilliantly with rustic pizza and balsamic glazed mushrooms. | $45
Beacon Hill 2021 Riesling | Yamhill-Carlton
This intensely perfumed Riesling is a floral reverie. This amber beauty opens with a bouquet of jasmine and honey, moving on to passion fruit and ripe peach characters, before ending in a soft, lingering finish. Pair it with a French raclette, hunks of sourdough bread, and hot honey for a delicious picnic. | $28
2 Hawk Vineyard & Winery 2018 Darow Series Malbec | Rogue Valley
At 2 Hawk, if a wine turns out to be extraordinary, it is anointed “Darow Series,” a nod to the dominant soil in their estate vineyard. This Rogue Valley gem boasts violet and sage aromas and leads to exquisite red fruit flavors, all backed by elegant structure and silky-smooth tannins — making it a wine to remember long after you finish the bottle. Pair with some robustly flavored Greek food on a chilly summer evening. | $49
Chris James Cellars 2021 Estate Sauvignon Blanc | Yamhill-Carlton
A perfect warm-weather drink if there was any. The nose opens with lemongrass and thyme, leading to citrus-filled palate, and a flinty mouthfeel. There are hints of sea salt in every refreshing sip. Smoky, grilled foods are this wine’s best friend, so take this as an official excuse to fire up that summer grill.
| $30
Brooks Wine 2019 Terue Willamette Valley Dry Muscat | Willamette Valley
This lavishly scented dry Muscat is laden with exotic citrus, tropical and candied fruit. It is crisp, refreshing and vibrant; reflective of special Oregonian terroir. Pair uninhibitedly with the spiciest dishes like Sichuan fish, Singaporean laksa or three pepper chicken. | $24
