I still like Oregon…

This past weekend I was home in Michigan visiting my family again. A last-minute trip led to an amazing opportunity - the chance to watch the Michigan Wolverines play the Oregon Ducks live in the second game of this new college football season. Even more exciting was the location of my seat…well, I guess technically I didn’t have a seat because I was on the Michigan sideline for the whole game with an all-access field pass (thanks Dave!). Regardless of how bad Michigan played, this will go down as one of the most memorable sporting events in my lifetime.  (for a great Michigan Football website see my friends website: UMTailgate.com - he’s been to 95 straight Michigan games both home and away!).

The game itself was rather boring from a Wolverine point-of-view. We took an early lead, but ended up taking the worst loss in Michigan football in 40+ years. Our defense was pathetic and after the first half, our “Heisman-candidate” quarterback Chade Henne did not return from the locker-room. After the game I spoke with some Oregon fans about their team and somehow the conversation shift to Oregon wines.

Do I really hate Oregon? Not a chance. The fans were some of the nicest and classiest I’ve met and it was a pleasure talking with them all. I may not be happy that their football team just handed Michigan the most embarrassing loss of my lifetime, but I still respect their program and more importantly, the wines from the state of Oregon. With over 350 wineries in the state, Oregon produces some of the best wines in the US and some of the best Pinot Noir in the world.

The University of Oregon is situated in the city of Eugene, two hours south of Portland. The Willamette Valley, one of Oregon’s many impressive wine-growing regions begins just south of Portland and spans just beyond the city of Eugene. The Willamette valley is well known for the high quality Pinot Noir being produced in recent years. The wines resemble those of Burgundy - a tribute to the outstanding terroir (mild winters, warm summers, little rain during the growing season, ideal soil conditions) in the Valley regions (Dundee Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, and the Yamhill-Carlton District.)

Pinot Noir from Oregon has been popular in recent years which has had an effect on the prices. Although many great Pinot’s can be found for less than $20, many quality wines are $30 or more. I’ve put together a list of some wines that I feel exemplify the style and class of what Oregon Pinot Noir is known for.

• Panther Creek Pinot Noir Shea Valley (2005)
  
• Lemelson Pinot Noir, 2005, Williamette Valley
• Alloro Pinot Noir “Fattoria” (2006) - $19
• Boedecker Cellars Pappas Wine Company Pinot Noir (2005) - $18 - Lively, eccentric…well defined dark fruits with subtle spice and oak notes. Great value wine. My rating - 89 pts.
• Patton Valley Pinot Noir (2005) - This well priced Pinot ($25) is full of vibrant fruits and subtle spice. Very well balanced wine. A great buy. My Rating - 90 pts
• Dusky Goose Pinot Noir (2005) - Dark fruits, cherry, spice, hint of toast and vanilla with a buttered oak finish. Great now will only get better in the cellar. My rating - 90 pts
• Sineann Pinot Noir Resonance Reserve (2006) - This first attempt at a reserve is simply stunning. Nose is blackberry and dark sour cherry with floral notes. The oak is subtle, buttery and amazing. Wound up a bit, but in 3-5 years may be exceptional. Pricey at around $70, but worth a try. My rating - 92 pts

Despite the big loss for us Michigan fans, here are 7 great reasons to still like Oregon.