From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: Abbey Ridge Pinot noir radiates aromas of horseradish, rosehips, black pepper and Worcestershire mingling with high notes of strawberry and as always rose petals. The savory palate is resplendent with flavors of ripe strawberries, rhubarb and lavender. Soft tannins, bright lively acidity and a nice long lingering finish typify Abbey Ridge Vineyard. At over 40 years of age, Abbey Ridge is one of the oldest and best vineyards in the state of Oregon.
From The Producer: "Our 2020 Abbey Ridge Pinot noir has complex aromas of cherry, pomegranate, cranberry and spiced oranges mingling with straw, ginger and as always rose petals. Background notes include cracked pepper, black olive and salumi. In the palate, it presents with soft tannins and bright lively acidity followed by a lingering finish. It has a perfect low alcohol of only 12.5%."
Pairing: Classic pairings for Oregon Pinot Noirs include roasted duck, grilled salmon, and mushroom risotto. The rich, gamey flavor of roasted duck pairs beautifully with the wine's complex aromas and flavors, complementing its fruity and savory notes. Grilled salmon enhances the wine's bright acidity and subtle tannins, creating a perfect match. Mushroom risotto's earthy tones harmonize with the savory palate of Pinot Noir, while the creaminess of the risotto balances the acidity.
Pressure Cooker Kalbi Jjim
By Kay Chun
About. When wine insiders are discussing the great winemakers of Oregon, John Paul Cameron comes up in hushed and reverent tones. He, along with his Cameron Winery are living legends, yet few, besides the geekiest of Pinot-philes, have heard of him outside of Oregon. This is in no doubt due to his limited production, about 4000 cases annually, most of it consumed in Portland.
Established in 1984, Cameron is committed to producing wines that express terroir that is truly Oregonian. As a founding member of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization that believes irrigation stands in the way of terroir, their vines are not irrigated; instead they're allowed to dig deep into the soils to find water in some of the best sites in the Willamette Valley.
This commitment to biodiversity is reflected in winemaker John Paul’s vineyards: multiple clones of the same grape are planted in each plot, and throughout the vineyard you’ll find bees pollinating the cover crops that grow between the vines. That vital force is directly reflected in the wines.
Contributing further to their commitment to sustainable farming, the vineyards are also home to cats, goats, and geese, all of whom play an important role, from eating rogue berries that may compete with resources to chasing away vermin, allowing the team at Cameron to eschew the use of certain sprays.
John Paul’s fanatical commitment to organic farming and hands-off winemaking ensures that he’s among the standard bearers for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, not just in the Willamette Valley, but also for the rest of the United States.
