Yamhill
Valley Vineyards is located on a 150 acre estate in the rolling foothills
of Oregon's Coast Range Mountains, one hour southwest of Portland in
the Willamette Valley. The heart of our wine making is dedicated to
Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. We believe that the distinctive,
rich character of our wines is created in the vineyard and reaches full
potential through the timely application of attentive wine making practices.
While keenly aware of traditional methods, we are committed to exploring
new technologies and innovative techniques.
Since
our first vintage in 1983 our wines have consistently won top honors
in tastings and judgings across the nation. Our 1983 Pinot Noir was
the first place preference in the famous Wine Center in New York City.
From our beginning we have been stubbornly dedicated to the pursuit
of a character that is distinctively Oregon and distinctively Yamhill
Valley. Our goal is to bring forth from this unusual and exciting property
the finest possible expression of its intensity, charm and uniqueness.
KUDOS
Insiders'
Wine Line
"The 1999 Pinot Gris has a lush, perfumed nose of peach, pear,
pineapple and green apple with faint spicy, floral notes. The flavors
of white pit fruits and minerals with a hint of grapefruit are very
bright and forward followed by a crisp, fruity, ineral etched finish.
A bargain.
91 Points, "Outstanding" and "Best Buy."
Brian Libby, Alaska Airlines Inflight Magazine
2000 Pinot Blanc "Dry and tangy, it sings rather than shouts."
August, 2001
Wine & Spirits Magazine, February, 2001
1998 Pinot Noir Vintage "Woodland berry scents rise from a bottom
note of earthiness, of tree bark, porcini and black truffles. It tastes
as if the berries had been pressed against the bark, a lovely expression
of earth and fruit. The flavors last, deep and savory, moist and earthy
as the Oregon woods. Appealing now, this will gain complexity with age,
a balanced pinot for seared duck breast in a wild mushroom reduction."
92 Points
Wine Enthusiast
1994 Pinot Noir "Ripe, concentrated, black cherry nose, with hints
of cumin and cinnamon. Lush black cherry fruit melds with tart acidity.
Very big, muscular and dense, with many layers of flavor, packed with
personality."
94 Points, "Rated the fourth best Pinot Noir in America."
The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wine
"There is nothing like having a Pinot Gris in Oregon, close to
its source…For example, we liked the Yamhill Valley Vineyards '96
even before we tasted it because it smelled so rich and creamy. In the
mouth, it reminded us of lemon-meringue pie, an interesting combination
of acid and cream…"
John Baxevanis, The Wine Regions of America "…stylish
and aggressive…Yamhill Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir is big and well-structured,
it is one of the finest in the state."
Audrey Van Buskirk, Willamette Week
"The tasting area has a nice outdoor deck and friendly young servers
who pour generous tastes. Excellent fish pond." The Wine Iconoclast,
May, 2001
1999 Pinot Gris Reserve "The hue is faintly, slightly, ever so
pinkish and bronze. Outrageous aromas of apple/melon play out favorably
on the tongue. The nice acidity binds it all into a marvelous piece
of work."
1998 Pinot Noir Reserve
"Very good indeed." 17.5 points.
Clive Coates, MW. The Vine
Silver Medal, 2001
Northwest Wine Summit
"Highly Recommended"
Tastings.com
Connoisseurs' Guide
1994 Pinot Noir Reserve "If never bombastic, this nicely composed
pinot is clean, well-focused and attractively fruity from first sniff
to lingering aftertaste. Along the way, its cherryish character picks
up nuances of dried flowers and roots, and its texture is supple at
the front with just a bit of firmness at the back. Balance and beauty
make this one worthy of your attention." Two Puffs
Gold Medal, 1997 Northwest Enological Society, Seattle
Silver Medal, 1997 Oregon State Fair
Silver Medal, 1997 San Diego International Wine Competition
Silver Medal, 1997 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"….one of the up and coming stars of Oregon."
David Rosengarten, Joshua Wesson, Wine and Food Companion
"There are probably no Oregon Pinot Noirs more impressive in youth
than Yamhill Valley Vineyards Pinot Noirs and none giving greater promise
of aging potential."
This is the best guide, bar none, to Oregon's
wines. Insightful articles, interesting reviews, in depth interviews- you'll
find them all here. Worth every penny if you're interested in Oregon wine.
