Pinot season is all year long for us, but for many consumers the holidays are when Pinot Noir shines bright at social gatherings and family feasts. The current issue of Tasting Panel magazine’s “From the Holidays to the New Year” section featuring Portlandia, and recent interview with our Winemaking Director Adam LaZarre, highlights a few of these gems from the PNW.
Here is what Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Meridith May had to say about our current Pinot Noir offerings:
- Portlandia 2021 Pinot Noir, Hyland Vineyard, McMinnville, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($45) Just north of the Van Duzer Corridor, which allows cool breezes to flow directly from the Pacific, the Hyland Vineyard is the second-oldest vineyard in Oregon. A longer-than-average ripening period results in round, well-developed tannins and fine acidity. Espresso-rubbed charcuterie maintains a meaty profile enhanced by notes of leather and earth. Violets and spiced cedar linger on the lengthy finish. 94 —M.M.
- Portlandia 2021 Pinot Noir, Oregon ($22) A trio of appellations—the Willamette Valley, the Rogue Valley, and the Umpqua Valley, which contributed63%, 23%, and 14% of the blend, respectively—define the unique flavor profile of this wine aged ten months in (20% new) French oak. Its scents of sweet tobacco, tilled soil, and ripe cherry are fetching. Bright cranberry is washed with cinnamon and layered with mocha, espresso, and pink peppercorn. 92 —M.M.
Of course Portlandia is more than just killer Pinot Noir, and we have watched the recent success and growth in distribution during 2022 & 2023 leading to Portlandia having the fastest growing brand in the Pinot Noir $15-$20 category, and the fastest growing Cabernet in the country! With the expansion of our new Columbia Valley Sparkling wines, and continued success of the Pinot Grigio, we are looking forward to keeping up the momentum in 2024.
-Cheers!
Read the full interview here, at The Tasting Panel in their Nov/Dec edition.
