The Ultimate Guide to the Best Oregon Pinot Noir Wines
Searching for the best Oregon Pinot Noir to savor today? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a meticulously curated selection of Oregon Pinot Noir wines that are currently drinking beautifully.
Plus, we’ll dive into delicious food pairings that will elevate your Pinot Noir experience.
Understanding Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a celebrated grape variety that thrives in cool to moderate climates. While Burgundy, France, holds the crown as the most renowned region for Pinot Noir, this versatile grape also flourishes in Oregon, California, New Zealand, Australia, and Chile.
The prevalence of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs stems from the grape’s remarkable ability to express the unique character of its terroir. Its thin skin makes it both challenging to cultivate and manage, contributing to its often higher price point compared to other varietals. However, this characteristic also allows it to absorb and reflect the specific nuances of the land on which it is grown.
This is particularly evident in Oregon, where diverse microclimates abound. The location, elevation, aspect, and soil of each vineyard site deeply influence the flavor profile of the resulting wine. Each sip offers a tantalizing glimpse into the land itself.
Planning a wine tasting trip to Oregon for Pinot Noir? Don’t miss our comprehensive Dundee Hills Winery Guide. We provide top recommendations for wineries to visit in the heart of Oregon’s Pinot Noir country, the Dundee Hills AVA.
Our Top Picks: Best Oregon Pinot Noir to Drink Now
It’s no secret: Pinot Noir is my absolute favorite wine. As an Oregon native, I have the pleasure of tasting a lot of Pinot Noir throughout the year. I’m particularly drawn to the classic fruit-forward aromas and flavors of bright cherry and raspberry, as well as the more complex earthy and mushroom notes that develop in well-aged bottles.
The following are my personal favorite Oregon Pinot Noir wines that are particularly delightful right now. These are the wines that have truly captivated my palate and lingered in my thoughts long after the last sip. Grab them now before they’re gone!
2018 Dobbes Estate Grand Assemblage Pinot Noir
I consistently enjoy each vintage of the Dobbes Estate Grand Assemblage. However, the 2018 vintage truly exceeded my expectations. Given its youth, I anticipated a slightly tannic wine with prominent red fruit aromas and flavors. Instead, it wowed me almost immediately upon uncorking.
It boasts soft, elegant tannins and a delightful interplay of red fruit flavors, complemented by the baked and stewed fruit notes typically found in older Oregon Pinot Noir wines.
I even double-checked the vintage, as it drank more like a mature Pinot Noir. The 2018 is a stunning expression of this wine, and I’m thrilled to imagine how beautifully it will develop over the coming years. I simply can’t get enough. Don’t miss out on this exceptional wine; acquire it now.
Buy 2018 Dobbes Grand Assemblage Pinot Noir ($30)
2016 Suzor The Tower Pinot Noir
I was utterly captivated by the 2015 The Tower Pinot Noir from Suzor Wines. After tasting the 2016 and 2021 vintages, I fell in love all over again. Each vintage offers a unique and compelling experience.
The 2021 The Tower Pinot Noir from Suzor Wines evokes the feeling of an adventurous hike through the Oregon wilderness on a perfect sunny spring day. You’ll encounter bright, fresh wild raspberries and unexpected pops of red cherry. Is that bramble, or just a subtle hint of blackberry and spice? And definitely some light floral blossom. The tannins mellow with time, and the long, lingering finish signals that this wine will become even more intriguing with age.
2017 Et Fille Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
From the label to the last drop, every Et Fille Pinot Noir I’ve tasted exudes a similar elegance and quiet abundance. They are like the insightful guest at a party, quietly observing and offering profound insights when engaged in conversation.
Expect bright cherry aromas and flavors with tannins that soften beautifully with aeration. It’s fruit-forward, sophisticated, yet effortlessly approachable.
This Oregon Pinot Noir is crafted with grapes sourced from multiple vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, both within the Willamette Valley. Currently, it’s lighter and livelier than its older sibling from 2016, but it remains well-balanced and promises to be even more exceptional in a year or two.
Buy 2017 Et Fille Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($28)
2018 Red Electric Wines TGV Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir
Red Electric Wines pays homage to the commuter train that once connected Portland to the outer reaches of the Willamette Valley in the early 1900s. It’s the result of a collaboration between John Grochau, owner and winemaker of Grochau Cellars, and grape grower Douglas Ackerman of Armstrong Vineyards.
Red Electric crafts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines designed to showcase the terroir of the region. All grapes are harvested from the @RibbonRidge AVA in the Willamette Valley.
The 2018 TGV Pinot Noir ($70) represents Red Electric’s flagship Pinot Noir, beautifully reflecting the partnership between Grochau and Ackerman. Named after France’s high-speed train as a tribute to French winemaking, this wine is produced only in select years, using the best four barrels.
With its rich ruby color, the TGV Pinot Noir presents robust aromas of red cherry, along with subtle floral and herbal notes. Exhibiting bright acidity and a medium body, I detect vibrant red fruits dancing on the palate, accompanied by an almost candy-cola-like lift mid-palate.
Explore Red Electric Wines
Perfect Pairings: Food to Pair with Oregon Pinot Noir
Due to its diverse styles, Pinot Noir stands out as an exceptionally versatile and food-friendly wine.
Pair richer, earthier, aged, medium-bodied Pinot Noir with:
- Garlic Rosemary Sirloin Tip Roast
- Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
- Instant Pot Fiesta Chicken
- Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs (especially with sautéed mushrooms – highly recommended!)
Pair light- to medium-bodied, fruit-forward, younger Oregon Pinot Noir with:
- Creamy Vegan Pasta with Crispy Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Paprika Chicken
- Thai-inspired Vegan Red Curry Pasta
- Sheet Pan Salmon with Vegetables
Pair almost any style of Oregon Pinot Noir with:
- Easy Seafood Paella
- Instant Pot Vegan Mushroom Risotto
What’s your current favorite Oregon Pinot Noir to drink now? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
Explore More Oregon Wine Articles
Interested in Portland wine bars? Check out the Fullerton Wine Bar & Tasting Room.
Discover more Oregon Pinot Noir wines in our Chehalem AVA Wine Guide, Dundee Hills AVA Wine Guide, and Yamhill-Carlton AVA Wine Guide.
Pin it for Later!
More Wine Tips and Wine Reviews
- Valentine’s Day Sparkling Wines
- Spring Wines to Try
- Rosé Wines for National Rosé Day