2019 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir: A Year of Elegance and Depth
The 2019 vintage in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, is often lauded as a stellar year for Pinot Noir. A combination of warm days, cool nights, and a long growing season yielded wines with exceptional balance, elegance, and complexity. This unique terroir, coupled with a meticulous approach from winemakers, has resulted in a collection of Pinot Noirs that showcase the region's potential at its peak.
Why 2019 Stands Out:
- Warm, Dry Conditions: The 2019 growing season was characterized by warm, dry weather, allowing the grapes to fully ripen. This led to wines with higher alcohol content and ripe fruit flavors.
- Cool Nights: The cool nights that are typical of the Willamette Valley preserved acidity in the grapes, resulting in balanced wines with vibrant freshness.
- Long Growing Season: The extended growing season allowed the grapes to develop complex aromas and flavors, resulting in wines with excellent depth and structure.
What to Expect in a 2019 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir:
- Elegant Aromas: Expect to find aromas of red fruit, cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, often intertwined with subtle floral notes and hints of spice.
- Bright, Juicy Flavors: These Pinot Noirs offer a burst of bright, juicy red fruit flavors on the palate. Some might even show notes of plum, blackberry, or even a touch of earthy spice.
- Intriguing Complexity: The 2019 vintage boasts an exceptional complexity. Look for layers of flavor that evolve in the glass, with notes of dried herbs, tobacco, and earthy notes developing over time.
- Silky Texture: The wines often display a silky texture, offering a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.
- Balanced Acidity: The balanced acidity adds to the wine's freshness and complexity, allowing the flavors to sing on the palate.
Willamette Valley 2019: A Year to Treasure:
The 2019 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir vintage is a testament to the region's ability to consistently produce world-class wines. These bottles offer a glimpse into the unique terroir, the artistry of Oregon winemakers, and the magic of a truly exceptional vintage. If you're a Pinot Noir enthusiast, this is a vintage not to miss.
Pairing Suggestions:
2019 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs pair beautifully with a range of dishes:
- Salmon with roasted vegetables: The bright acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the salmon, while the fruity notes complement the roasted vegetables.
- Duck breast with cherry sauce: The earthy and spice notes in the wine play beautifully with the richness of the duck and the sweetness of the cherry sauce.
- Mushroom risotto: The savory notes and earthy flavors of the risotto are perfectly complemented by the subtle spice and complexity of the wine.
Explore the 2019 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir:
If you're looking to experience the magic of the 2019 vintage, seek out bottles from acclaimed producers such as:
- Domaine Serene
- Evening Land Vineyards
- Adelsheim Vineyard
- Cristom Vineyards
- Alexana Winery
A taste of a 2019 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is an experience you won't soon forget. Enjoy!
