This is the first Oregon Pinot Noir I have tasted and the reason is two-fold; firstly we do not see much USA wine in SA wines shops, and secondly Pinot Noir from Oregon enjoys such success within the state of Washington, that it sells out fast. Thus, I was over-joyed receiving my first Oregon Pinot Noir from visitors Larry and Jerrol Stapleton.Â
Washington StateÂ
Over the past few decades, Oregon’s climate, particularly the Willamette Valley, has shown itself to be especially well suited for Pinot Noir and this Pacific Northwest state seemed to set the standard for North America Pinot. However, in the late 1980s, excellent Pinot Noirs finally began to emerge with consistency from various California regions; in appellations such as Chalone, Mount Harlan, Los Carneros, the Russian River Valley, and the Santa Lucia Highlands, as well as in Santa Barbara County. In recent years the notably cool climate of the Anderson Valley, in Mendocino County, has also proven to be an area capable of some very expressive Pinots — here the variety does double duty, also serving as a base for excellent traditional method sparkling wines.
Patricia Green Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir 2005
Dusty, forest floor, barnyard, with little expression of fruit to begin opening up to reveal cherries and forest floor dustiness. On the palate red fruit of ripe and sour cherries with strawberry freshness. With time the palate revealed a delicious earthiness mingled with sweet and sour cherries.
Alcohol of 13,5%, in balance with fruit and wood.  Acid stood slightly apart from the fruit and wood. Good firm tannins added structure and depth to the wine. 15/20