Ultimate Pinot Noir Challenge Results

The Ultimate Pinot Noir Challenge was recently held in Portland, Oregon (see PinotFile, Volume 5, Issue 50). A total of 78 “civilian” judges and 9 professional judges attended. The event was sponsored by VINworks Wide Education (www.oregonvinworks.com). Listed below are the order of the top 10 challengers from one to ten.

2003 Stoller Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

This wine was reviewed in the PinotFile, Volume 5, Issue 40): 14.3% alc., 1,290 cases, $36. · A fruit-driven wine reflective of the hot vintage. The palate is sturdy, hearty, full and long with nice earth and ripe black cherry flavors. Subtle oak undertones are enticing. The cherries linger and linger on the long finish which is a tad warm. For lovers of New World-styled Pinot Noir, this is your cup of tea.

There is also a 2004 Stoller Vineyards JV Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $22 that is made from young vines from the estate vineyard. Both wines are still available (one source is www. winex.com).

2004 Andrew Rich Wines Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2003 Amity Vineyards Schouten Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2004 Archery Summit Winery Renegade Ridge Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2004 Anam Cara Cellars Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2003 La Bete Saint Vincent Cuvee Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2004 King Estate Domaine Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2005 Maysara Jamsheed Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2002 Cuneo Cana’s Feast Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2004 Gypsy Dancer A&G Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

E, Harry Ryan, a certified sommelier who organized the event told me that the participating civilians loved the tasting challenge format. He plans to do the same type of Pinot Noir Challenge for California Pinot Noirs and then take the top 15 from Oregon and California and do a “North American Ultimate Pinot Noir Challenge” in Las Vegas.