Due in part to a much cooler spring and early summer, 2010 led to substantially lower grape yields.  This lower yield did provide very high quality fruit with lots of concentrated flavors and polished acidity creating wines that are elegant, balanced, and naturally food friendly. Here are a few of my recent favorites.

2010 Anam Cara ‘Nicholas Estate’ Pinot Noir ($28.99): The fruit is grown in the Chehalem Mountains, high atop the Willamette Valley .This flagship wine incorporates fruit from all five blocks of the estate vineyard and contains intense aromas of red berries, spice, and subtle oak. A finesse driven wine with soft tannins.

2010 Archery Summit ‘Premier Cuvee’ Pinot Noir ($39.99): 100% of the Pinot Noir grapes were sourced from 5 estate hillside vineyards crafting a wine that is elegant, yet complex. A floral bouquet of violets and roses and a tasty core of raspberries, cherries, and a touch of spice.

2010 Eyrie ‘Dundee Hill’ Pinot Noir ($32.99): The Eyrie vineyard and winery were founded in 1966 by David and Diana Lett, and they were the first to plant Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley. Rooted by their philosophy that the vineyards and wines should have as little human interference as possible, the results are wines that can often rival some of the best French Burgundies.

2010 Trisaetum ‘Coast Range’ Pinot Noir ($52.99): Located on the Southwest corner of the Yamill-Carlton AVA, this wine expresses a slightly richer style for an Oregon Pinot Noir. Black cherry and blackberries are the core of this wine while being framed by soft licorice flavors and spices $52.99. 2010 Trisaetum ‘Ribbon Ridge’ Pinot Noir ($52.99): Stylistically different from the ‘Coast Range’ as this wine’s aromas are dominated by more holiday spice and tea components along with soft blueberry and cherry flavors.

Will S., Beltramo’s Assistant Manager

2010 Anam Cara Chehalem Mountains Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir ($19.99) – This is a wine that will appeal to folks who prefer a more savory flavor profile where elements of earth, wet Autumn leaves, mushroom and braised meat are woven into the soft cherry and plum fruit tones.  It’s also been a hit with people who enjoy good quality Burgundy but are looking for a more budget friendly way to satisfaction.

2010  Evesham Wood Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir ($24.99) – Small lot production and minimal intervention in the cellar are hallmarks of the Evesham Wood philosophy.  This wine offers aromas of wild strawberry and woodsy spice with a delicate red cherry flavor on the palate.  The tannins are like chalk dust and offer just enough structure to help the fruit flavors linger long through the finish.

2010 Eyrie Dundee Hills Pinot Noir ($32.99) - ”Bright red. Fresh red berries and cherry on the perfumed nose. Sappy, penetrating raspberry and cherry flavors show very good depth, with tangy mineral and blood orange nuances providing pungent lift. Shows very good intensity on the finish, which features subtle floral and spicecake qualities. This wine improves quite a bit with a half hour of decanting and should age nicely on its balance.”- Stephen Tanzer

2010 Beaux Freres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($44.99) - “The 2010 Willamette Valley cuvée is a comprised of fruit from the following vineyard sources: Gran Moraine 42%, Zena Crown 37%, and Shea 21%.  Dark ruby in color, with aromas of blue fruit and spice. On the palate the fruit shows plum, dark currants, sweet cherries and a dash of raspberry. Medium to full bodied, supple and pure with sweet tannins.” – Beaux Freres Winery

2010 Trisaetum Coast Range Pinot Noir ($52.99) -   “Bright red raspberry and red currant are tinged with iodine and smoky black tea in the nose and infectiously juicy palate of Trisaetum’s 2010 Pinot Noir Coast Range Estate. A sweet, saline, scallop-like savor – as well as metaphorically cooling inner-mouth evocations of herbal essences on a polished palate –leads to a long finish of finesse and fascination. This should be worth following for at least 6-8 years.” David Schildknecht – Wine Advocate

Mike J., Beltramo’s Domestic Wine Buyer