Day 1 - Tuesday July 8th My brother is visiting for a week from Minnesota. We usually go to Walla Walla as he prefers the big reds cabernet and syrah. However we decided to mix it up this time and visit Oregon.
Morgen Long - Our first stop was visiting Seth Morgen Long to try some of his world class Chardonnay. I always enjoy Seth’s wines and visiting with him. A unique experience. Saying Seth is passionate about Chardonnay is an understatement. He did a great job explaining his philosophy and wine making style. I was impressed most by his X-Omni and Witness Tree bottlings. Seth explained that a new owner/vineyard manager had taken over Witness Tree and is making big improvements. My son Pinot Paul gave everything here 100 points.
Patricia Green - I had reached out to Jim before hand and setup an appointment. We started out in the tasting room while Jim finished some business. Enjoyed the rose, Sauvignon Blanc (always a favorite of mine), and a couple of pinots. Jim then arrived and drove us through the vineyards to a special tasting spot on the far side of the vineyard. Jim gave us a perspective of several 2023 Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir bottlings. Spent much time with us going through and discussing all of the wine. Everything was excellent. If pressed I would say the Patty’s Block was my favorite. Jim was an excellent host and everyone enjoyed their time. Thanks Jim. Of course Pinot Paul gave everything 100 points.
St Innocent - We’ve been club members here for years. We always get treated like VIPs by Mark, Vicki Ann, and staff. Enjoyed the wines as always. Didn’t take many notes as we were talking to Mark most of the time. Food is excellent here. Enjoyed a burrata, tomato, and peach salad. Mark was excited how the growing season is progressing.
Evesham Wood - Always a must stop for us when we are in the area. Chris is a true professional and loves to visit with us. Really enjoyed the Julilette and Willamette Valley Chardonnays. The Eola Amity Pinot Noir was drinking great and was a great value. Some of the best wines for the money in Oregon.
We tried dropping in at a few other places without a reservation but they were both full. Surprising for mid week. I guess it is the peak Summer season.
Big Table Farm - My brother has had quite a few of their wines. The tasting was in the old Scott Paul space in Carlton. They had some nice Chardonnays that I liked here.
Abbott Claim - They have built a beautiful winery here in the last few years. The tasting was in the underground barrel room. Wines here were excellent especially the Chardonnay. A bit more than I would usually spend but my brother scheduled it and I wasn’t going to say no.
Anderson Family - I always enjoy the down to earth experiences here. We have been club members for yerars. Cliff and Mark are making excellent wines here at reasonable prices. I love their 2018 Chardonnay.
Longplay - We always enjoy our visits here. Todd is a great host and always keeps the Bowie records going for my son Paul. He is a big fan of Changes One. Wines were great as always. The Lia’s, Jory Bench, and Hi-Tone Pinots were my favorite on this trip.
All and all it was a great trip. My brother’s first time to Willamette Valley. He was super impressed by some of the Chardonnay produced in Oregon. He thinks (and I agree) that Oregon has some of the best Chardonnay in America.
He did a great job explaining his philosophy and wine making style. I was impressed most by his X-Omni and Witness Tree bottlings. Seth explained that a new owner/vineyard manager had taken over Witness Tree and is making big improvements. My son Pinot Paul gave everything here 100 points.