Pinot Noir

A couple years ago as I was starting my own small lot winery in the neighborhood, I heard excited rumblings about a new San Francisco based festival called Pinot Days. It sounded like one of the many small quaint shows typical of Northern California, featuring some local wines, a little food, and attended by casual wine fans; the type of show I might attend if I happened to find myself in the area.

Living here in Seattle, I admit I’m among the many that are proud of our famous wine regions and wines. Since I love to vacation on the Oregon coast, I find myself in the upper Willamette/Yamhill AVA a couple of times a year. This area is conveniently located along Route 18, the road leading from Portland to the coast, and it’s easy to hop on and off the freeway to visit a variety of wineries.

Interview with Dan Kosta Anecdotal evidence suggests the raison d’etre of Pinot Noir has been challenged, stretched, and reshaped in the past ten years. Pick up a Wine Spectator from the mid to late 90’s, and there is a lot of commonality. Dehlinger, Rochioli and Williams Selyem shared face-time with perennial star, Marcassin. Not only do those wineries make a lot of Russian River Pinot, but their alcohol levels in years of ratings dominance held consistently in the 13-14.5% range.