Pinot Noir : France v Oregon
In the red corner, weighing in with nearly 2,000 years of history… Burgundy, France. A true veteran of the ring. Pinot Noir first stepped onto the scene in Roman times, 1st century AD, and has been training ever since. Burgundy fights with precision. Tiny parcels, subtle shifts in terroir, and centuries of mastery in matching grape to place.
In the blue corner, the challenger… Oregon’s Willamette Valley. A relative newcomer, but not to be underestimated. Pinot Noir began its American training camp in the early 1960s near Roseburg, before stepping into the Willamette Valley and the spotlight in 1965 with Eyrie Vineyards. Younger, scrappier, and driven, Oregon brings a fresh energy to the bout.
While Burgundy and Oregon produce markedly different styles, Pinot Noir remains unmistakably itself. Transparent, expressive, and deeply tied to place.
Now, let’s let these guys battle it out, where the true winner will be… Us!
@ Humble Vine
Wednesday, May 20th
HOURS: 2-8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Frederic Esmonin, “Les Montuvieres” Burgundy Burgundy, France $20
From Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, where Pinot Noir is all about finesse. The name “Les Montuvieres” is a single vineyard site. The nose is bright and open, with red cherry, wild strawberry, and raspberry layered with subtle earth and spice. Flavors of cherry and cranberry carry through with hints of underbrush and a gentle oak note. The finish is lifted and clean, emphasizing fruit and freshness over weight.
Michel Magnien, Morey St. Denis Burgundy Burgundy, France $55
Morey St. Denis is one of the most quietly prized villages of the Côte de Nuits. Known for wines that balance structure and perfumed fresh fruit. Old vines and heavier soils give this wine weight and richness on the palate. This wine shows fresh cherries and raspberry on the nose with notes of violets, spice cabinet, and classic Burgundian earthiness. No new oak was used. Instead using terracotta amphora and small neutral barrels, keeping the tannins low and the fruit fresh.
J. Cristopher, “J.J.” Pinot Noir Willamette, Oregon $23
Oregon’s Willamette Valley has become a benchmark region for Pinot Noir because its cool climate preserves acidity while still allowing ripe, expressive fruit. The climate here is ideal for the delicate Pinot Noir, and the warm, dry summers allow for steady, even ripening. Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and baking spices. The palate is silky and elegant, with flavors of cranberry, rose petal, and a hint of earthiness, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.
Evasham Wood, Pinot Noir Eola Amity Willamette, Oregon $36
Eola-Amity Hills is one of the Willamette Valley’s most wind-swept and distinctive AVAs, where the marine air and volcanic soils help make Pinot feel taut, savory, lifted, and often gives wines a little more structure and spice than some neighboring areas. Pure red and blue fruits on the nose with savory spice, sea salt and red florals. The palate is a well-poised blend of juicy berries, raspberry leaf, hibiscus tea and a saline minerality. Edgy elegance.
