Focus on Oregon Pinot Noir
Higher than normal rainfall in the Willamette Valley throughout the winter of 05/06 led into a 2006 season that started a week or two later than average, with bud break occurring in late April. A warm May and June followed, with good rainfall that screeched to a halt once summer arrived. July and August were very dry and warm, with no real precipitation, but water stored up from the winter and spring rains helped to maintain vine health and vigor. According to Chehalems Harry Peterson-Nedry, 2006 had almost identical cumulative degree days as 2003, the hottest year on record. There was a danger of vines shutting down but that fear was allayed when moderate rainfall occurred in mid-September, putting the vines back on course. As consumers ponder how long they want to cellar their 2006s, they might consider the warmth of the year. Pinot noirs from hot vintages typically drink better in their youth than they do five to eight years down the road as freshness of fruit is lost and stewy or roasted character can emerge in its place. Yields in 2006 were also much higher than averagein fact, according to Luisa Ponzi, it was one of the largest crops ever. Green harvesting was a necessity due to high vigor, many growers told me, and large clusters of large grapes were the rule.
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Producers in this Article
- ADEA Wine Company
- Adelsheim Vineyards
- Alloro Vineyard
- Amalie Robert Estate
- Amity Vineyards
- Anam Cara Cellars
- Andrew Rich Wines
- Anne Amie Vineyards
- Antica Terra
- Apolloni Vineyards
- Archery Summit Winery
- Argyle Winery
- Ayres
- Barron-Wahl Vineyards
- Beaux Frères
- Belle Pente
- Bergström
- Bethel Heights Vineyard
- Boedecker Cellars
- Brandborg Vineyard & Winery
- Brick House Wine Company
- Broadley Vineyards
- Brooks Wines
- Carlton Hill Vineyard
- Chehalem
- Clawson Creek Vineyard
- Cooper Mountain Wines
- Cristom Vineyards
- Dobbes Family Estate
- Domaine Coteau
- Domaine Drouhin Oregon
- Elk Cove Vineyards
- Erath Vineyards
- Evesham Wood Vineyard
- Foris Vineyards Winery
- Grochau Cellars
- Ken Wright Cellars
- King Estate
- Kings Ridge Wines
- Lachini Vineyards
- Le Cadeau
- Lemelson
- Lenné Estate
- Lost Highway Project
- Maysara Winery
- Montebruno
- Owen Roe
- Patricia Green Cellars
- Patton Valley Vineyard
- Penner-Ash
- Ponzi Vineyards
- Quailhurst Vineyard Estate
- Raptor Ridge Winery
- Ridgecrest Vineyards
- Scott Paul Wine Cellars
- Sineann
- Soléna Estate
- Soter Vineyards
- Stangeland Vineyards
- Stoller Family Estate
- The Eyrie Vineyards
- The Four Graces
- Thomas
- Torii Mor Winery
- Van Duzer Vineyards
- Vidon Vineyard
- WillaKenzie Estate
- Willamette Valley Vineyards
- Wine by Joe
- Witness Tree Vineyard