Willamette Valley, Oregon

**Willamette Valley, Oregon** is one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated wine regions, stretching south of Portland in the northwest United States, and one of the world's benchmark homes for cool-climate Pinot Noir. **Wines & grapes** — Pinot Noir is the signature grape, producing elegant, perfumed reds. Whites are led by Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, with Riesling and sparkling wine also important. **Character** — A cool, wet, marine-influenced climate and a long, gentle ripening season give wines of finesse, bright acidity and restraint rather than sheer power. Soils range from volcanic "Jory" red basalt to marine sedimentary types, and terroir-focused sub-AVAs like the Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills are prized. **Good to know** — Its cool, damp autumns make vintages variable, rewarding careful growers and giving each year its own character.

Wines

• Dry Riesling Nicholas Estate — Anam Cara Cellars
• Laurelwood District Pinot Noir — Ponzi Vineyards
• Yamhill-Carlton — Ken Wright Cellars