While the Southern Oregon AVA, established in 2005, is better known for growing warmer-weather grapes, certain locations have ideal microclimates for Pinot Noir. Hillcrest Vineyard in Roseburg, Oregon's oldest estate winery and birthplace of Oregon Pinot Noir, first planted the variety in 1961. Other area winemakers have done the same, producing award-winning Pinot Noir distinct from their counterparts in the Willamette Valley.
Rogue Valley Wine Country
DANCIN Vineyards, Medford
Founder Dan Marca recounts how, following the advice of Glen McGourty, viticulture and plant science advisor for Mendocino County, they chose to plant their first vineyard exclusively in Pinot Noir. “He informed me that DANCIN's location was similar to the Anderson Valley where world-class Pinot Noirs are produced.” They crafted their first Pinot Noir in 2010, and now make between 10 and 15 different expressions.
“Adagio,” a dance or musical term used to describe a transition, is the foundation of their Pinot Noir program. DANCIN’s Adagio is made exclusively with the Wädenswil clone originally sourced from the Swiss town that shares its name. (Interestingly, it’s near the hometown of Peter Britt, credited with planting the first vineyard in the Rogue Valley in 1859. One of the varietals was Franc Pinot, known today as Pinot Noir.) DANCIN’s latest release is a 2021 Brise Oregon Pinot Noir, described as a ruby-hued wine that opens with blue fruit aromatics, red plum, cranberries and fresh linen.
Naumes Suncrest Winery, Talent
Co-owner Laura Naumes' family history extends over 70 years of cultivating fruit in the Rogue Valley. A decade ago, she noticed a rising number of flourishing vineyards in the valley, many planted in Pinot Noir grapes. “Around the same time, we had to uproot a small pear orchard, so my first thought was wouldn’t it be fun to make a little bit of wine,” she recalls.
After recognizing the sloping terrain of their hillside plot was perfect for Pinot Noir, the family planted a 6-acre vineyard. It quickly grew to 15. As Naumes reflects, “We were drawn to this grape varietal for its subtle and unique characteristics that also grow extremely well here.” The vineyard now includes 40 acres of Pinot Noir grapevines of clones 115, 667, 777 and Wädenswil. Each Naumes Suncrest wine has a distinctive flavor profile based on the specific clone used.
Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Ashland
For co-owner Dionne Irvine, growing Pinot Noir required listening intently to their land and the vines. “The plants will let you know if they are happy. By trial and error, we found that Pinot Noir spoke loudly about its ability to thrive and express itself beautifully at this site.” Their vineyards are situated midway between Willamette Valley and the Napa/Sonoma area. At more than 2,100 feet in elevation, the cool nights and gentle morning sun help retain acids and allow for generous hangtime; creating balanced wines truly unique to this place.
The Irvine & Roberts 2021 Convergence Pinot Noir is comprised of five Pinot Noir clones and named after the meeting of the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges that flank their vineyards. This vintage dances between ethereal aromatics and darker flavors; starting with aromas of rosehips, huckleberry and fresh cherries, then leading to savory elements of tarragon, pine forests and wet stone.
Foris Vineyards, Cave Junction
When asked why include Pinot Noir in the Foris portfolio, winemaker Stephanie Pao responds, “The grape is well suited to Oregon growing conditions. Southern Oregon is generally situated at higher altitudes than the northern part of the state; and depending on the region, it can experience warmer ripening. Timing of phenological events influences how fruit-forward (black or red, depending on the vintage) the wines will be. Often with lower natural acidity compared to the northern part of the state.”
The Foris Vineyards 2021 Rogue Valley Pinot Noir, made with 100 percent estate fruit from the Cedar Ranch and Maple Ranch vineyards, is medium-bodied with a vibrant black cherry, pomegranate character combined with citrus and floral notes. This wine was awarded a double gold medal at this summer’s Oregon Wine Experience.
Dwell Wines, Grants Pass
According to Dwell Wines’ co-owner Brent Gee, Pinot Noir chose them. In 2019, when Brent and his wife Linda first pursued their dream of living on a vineyard and making wine, they Googled “vineyards for sale in Southern Oregon.” The property they eventually purchased appeared in the results. It had 15 acres of young but mature Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines. Given that Oregon Pinot Noir is known among the best in the world, the couple seized an opportunity to contribute to that reputation. They feel Pinots from the south combine the nuances of Northern Oregon with the power and structure of those grown in California. “Southern Oregon Pinot Noir shows off the best of our state’s mild growing season, with cool nights and long, warm, sunny summer days. This combination complements the delicate touch Pinot vines need to thrive,” Gee states.
The Dwell 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir reflects aromatic cedar, dried dark red fruit leather, sassafras and Jeffrey pine. Flavors pop with black and Amarena cherries.
