Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Jim and Jan Bernau. He planted and watered the fledgling vines of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay himself. In 1988, he made history with the nation’s first crowdfunding campaign to sell shares of the winery to the community. Today, it’s the third largest Oregon winery by brand and was named “Winery of the Year” in 2011 by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

The Bernau Block Estate Pinot Noir is sourced from Jim’s original plantings in Woodburn sub-soils from Dundee Hills. The wine spends 16 months in French Oak barrels (24% new). This wine shimmers with a radiant ruby glow as floral aromas quickly evolve. The wine is focused on red currant, sweet cherry puree and hibiscus-tea flavors that lead you to savory notes of gently crushed herbs and white pepper. A touch of anise and brown spice in the background make the wine even more inviting. The wine has an energetic lift and is immediately approachable, but has the potential to age.

By W Peter Hoyne