Who Loves Oregon Pinot Noir?

Featured For Sale
Written By Andrew Crews

Self rooted and dry farmed Clone 777.

2016 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley — $165 - SOLD OUT

Harvested 9/29/ 2016 — Brix = 26.25 and pH = 3.35

Pinot Noir is back! More details soon but the vineyard is located in the Yamhill – Carlton AVA of the Wilamette Valley. This AVA is home some of the most famous names Pinot Noir, including :  Dick Shea, Ken Wright, and Lynn Penner-ash. The Pinots here are known to be darkest and most structured wines of the whole valley. Get yours!

Currently Available Pinot Noir Below:

Featured
2026 Certified Organic Gamay – Willamette Valley, Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA Grape Must
2026 Certified Organic Gamay – Willamette Valley, Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA Grape Must
$235.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive frozen or partially frozen.

Croft Vineyard – Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA

Brix: 22.5 | pH: 3.10 | TA: 6.5 g/L | YAN: 115 mg/L | Glucose + Fructose: 232 g/L

Potential Alcohol: ~13.5–14.1% ABV based on measured fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose: 232 g/L). Most likely finished alcohol: ~13.8% ABV if fermented dry.

(Full ETS Lab Report in photos or CLICK HERE)

Harvested and destemmed: September 28th, 2026

A Tiny, Dry-Farmed Gamay Block from One of Oregon’s Longtime Organic Vineyards

This is one of the most distinctive lots we brought in for 2026: certified organic Gamay from a tiny 0.85-acre block at Croft Vineyard, planted in 2012 near the lower portion of the vineyard at approximately 350 feet elevation. Since the block was planted, Croft has kept this Gamay entirely within its own estate wine program. The 2026 harvest marks the first time fruit from this block has ever been offered outside the winery.

The block is almost entirely Bellpine soil, with a small vein of Jory running along its edge. Shallow groundwater allows the vineyard to be entirely dry-farmed, giving the vines access to natural moisture without irrigation.

Croft has farmed organically since 1983 and has been certified organic since the early 2000s. Its current Oregon Department of Agriculture certification shows an effective date of 2019 because the vineyard changed certifiers from Oregon Tilth to ODA that year. Croft remains USDA Organic certified, and Gamay is specifically included among the vineyard’s certified winegrape crops.

The Gamay occupies Block 3G — just 0.85 acres and 18 rows, planted in 2012. The exact clone is not currently known. The vines originated from the same Gamay material once planted by Al MacDonald at Seven Springs Vineyard, and the grower is still working to determine whether additional records survive identifying the clone.

What We Saw at Crush

We harvested and processed this fruit on Monday, September 28, and it was beautiful. The fruit came in exceptionally clean, with substantial skins and a field reading of approximately 23° Brix.

What immediately stood out was the flavor. The berries had an incredibly fresh, concentrated, almost grape-jam character — deeply fruity without tasting heavy or overripe. There was also a noticeably aromatic quality to the fruit, along with more skin structure than you might expect from Gamay.

It is intensely expressive raw material, with enough freshness to make a lively young wine but enough depth and skin structure to take in a considerably more serious direction.

The Grape Behind Beaujolais

Gamay is the traditional red grape of Beaujolais, where it can produce remarkably different styles depending on how the winemaker handles it.

On the fresh and youthful end of the spectrum, Gamay can make vibrant, highly aromatic wines built around its natural fruit character. A wine made in that spirit could be ready relatively quickly and would be a wonderful holiday wine — bright, fresh, and particularly well suited to charcuterie, cheeses, appetizers, and roast poultry.

But Gamay does not have to be simple or short-lived. More structured expressions can be given greater extraction and élevage, producing wines with considerably more depth and the ability to develop with bottle age. Given the substantial skins and concentration we saw while processing this fruit, there is plenty here for a winemaker who wants to pursue that more serious style as well.

We will also be publishing a dedicated How to Make This Wine guide with our recommendations for fermentation, extraction, pressing, and finishing this particular Gamay once the complete ETS analysis is back.

Highlights

  • Vineyard: Croft Vineyard

  • AVA: Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon

  • Varietal: Gamay

  • Block: 3G

  • Block size: 0.85 acres / 18 rows

  • Planted: 2012

  • Elevation: Approximately 350 feet

  • Field Brix: Approximately 23°

  • Harvest date: September 28, 2026

  • Soils: Predominantly Bellpine with a small vein of Jory

  • Farming: USDA Certified Organic and entirely dry-farmed

  • At crush: Thick-skinned, exceptionally clean fruit with intense fresh grape-jam character and lifted aromatics

  • Winemaking potential: Fresh and fruit-driven or deeper, structured, and age-worthy

  • ETS analysis: Pending

Farming Practices

Certified Organic

☑ USDA Certified Organic

☑ Completely dry-farmed

☑ Organically farmed since 1983

The vineyard’s current ODA certificate carries a 2019 effective date because Croft transitioned its certification from Oregon Tilth to the Oregon Department of Agriculture at that time.

Extremely limited. Just 0.85 acres of certified organic Gamay from a singular Oregon vineyard site.

Read more →
2026 Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Ribbon Ridge AVA Grape Must
2026 Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Ribbon Ridge AVA Grape Must
$235.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Ribbon Ridge AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Brix: 22.2 , pH: 3.29 , TA: 4.2 g/L , YAN: 79 mg/L, Glucose + Fructose 231 g/L

Potential Alcohol: ~13.5–14.0% ABV, calculated from measured glucose + fructose (231 g/L). Most likely finished alcohol: ~13.7% ABV if fermented dry.

(Full ETS Lab Report in photos or CLICK HERE)

Harvested and destemmed: September 28th, 2026

Lichtenwalter Vineyard - Planted 2005 - CLONE Dijon 115.

The Ribbon Ridge AVA is Oregon’s smallest appellation — a narrow spine of land within the Chehalem Mountains, itself entirely inside the Willamette Valley. Dedicated almost exclusively to Pinot Noir, it is defined by its hallmark ancient marine sedimentary soils.

The Lichtenwalter Vineyard lies between 300–500 feet on a southeast-facing slope that encourages even ripening. It is LIVE Certified, Salmon-Safe, and organically farmed (though not formally certified), and sits among esteemed neighbors such as Beaux Frères, Patricia Green Cellars, and Trisaetum. Wines from these estates typically range from $40 to $150 per bottle, underscoring the prestige of Ribbon Ridge fruit.

What sets Ribbon Ridge apart is not only its reputation for producing high-scoring Pinot Noir, but its geology. The ridge is a distinct, eastward-tilted marine formation dating back 40–50 million years. Unlike the mixed soils of Chehalem Mountains and Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge soils are entirely marine in origin — fine sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone. Over millennia, these materials have weathered into deep, finely structured soils that drain well yet hold just enough water. Nutrient levels are moderate, restraining vine vigor naturally while maintaining vine health, even without irrigation.

As RibbonRidgeAVA.org explains:

“Ribbon Ridge is a distinct, natural, geological formation… The soils generally exhibit good water-holding capability, but are not overly generous in nutrients, tending to restrain vine canopy vigor while maintaining good health, even in non-irrigated vineyards.”

This terroir produces Pinot Noir with exceptional aromatic intensity and balance: dark red and black fruits framed by bright acidity, often with a subtle seashell-like minerality that reflects its ancient oceanic past. Local winemakers highlight its darker fruit character, expressive spice notes, and structural backbone of acidity with soft, spicy, almost earthy tannins.

For a deeper dive into Ribbon Ridge and the voices of its winemakers, see Wine Enthusiast’s feature on the AVA.

Extremely limited. Singular to Ribbon Ridge.

Read more →
2025 Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Ribbon Ridge AVA Grape Must
2025 Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Ribbon Ridge AVA Grape Must
$210.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Ribbon Ridge AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Brix: 24.1 , pH: 3.42 , TA: 4.7 g/L , YAN: 95 mg/L

(Full ETS Lab Report in photos and here)

Harvested and destemmed: September 24th, 2025

Lichtenwalter Vineyard - Planted 2005 - CLONE Dijon 115.

The Ribbon Ridge AVA is Oregon’s smallest appellation — a narrow spine of land within the Chehalem Mountains, itself entirely inside the Willamette Valley. Dedicated almost exclusively to Pinot Noir, it is defined by its hallmark ancient marine sedimentary soils.

The Lichtenwalter Vineyard lies between 300–500 feet on a southeast-facing slope that encourages even ripening. It is LIVE Certified, Salmon-Safe, and organically farmed (though not formally certified), and sits among esteemed neighbors such as Beaux Frères, Patricia Green Cellars, and Trisaetum. Wines from these estates typically range from $40 to $150 per bottle, underscoring the prestige of Ribbon Ridge fruit.

What sets Ribbon Ridge apart is not only its reputation for producing high-scoring Pinot Noir, but its geology. The ridge is a distinct, eastward-tilted marine formation dating back 40–50 million years. Unlike the mixed soils of Chehalem Mountains and Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge soils are entirely marine in origin — fine sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone. Over millennia, these materials have weathered into deep, finely structured soils that drain well yet hold just enough water. Nutrient levels are moderate, restraining vine vigor naturally while maintaining vine health, even without irrigation.

As RibbonRidgeAVA.org explains:

“Ribbon Ridge is a distinct, natural, geological formation… The soils generally exhibit good water-holding capability, but are not overly generous in nutrients, tending to restrain vine canopy vigor while maintaining good health, even in non-irrigated vineyards.”

This terroir produces Pinot Noir with exceptional aromatic intensity and balance: dark red and black fruits framed by bright acidity, often with a subtle seashell-like minerality that reflects its ancient oceanic past. Local winemakers highlight its darker fruit character, expressive spice notes, and structural backbone of acidity with soft, spicy, almost earthy tannins.

For a deeper dive into Ribbon Ridge and the voices of its winemakers, see Wine Enthusiast’s feature on the AVA.

Extremely limited. Singular to Ribbon Ridge.

Read more →
2022 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills OR Frozen Grape Must
2022 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills OR Frozen Grape Must
from $185.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons or 4.25 gallons of grape must (selection further below).

Notice: For the lowest shipping rates available, we recommend purchasing 4.25 gallon pails separately from 5 gallon pails.

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

Brix: 22-24, pH: 3.2-3.4, TA: .7-.8

Harvested October 18th, 2022

“Oregon’s speciality is Pinot Noir, a delicate and temperamental grape considered by many to make the most sensual red wine in the world.” – Karen MacNeil, The Wine Bible

Like Burgundy in France, the Willamette Valley in Oregon is located on the 45th parallel. Both areas experience approximately the same number of degree days and an average rainfall of around 40 inches a year. Unlike Burgundy, however, Oregon receives almost all of its precipitation during the winter. This reduces the disease pressure Oregon growers face and also extends the growing season.

The property neighbors Domaine Serene 'Jerusalem Hill Vineyard ($102 per bottle) and Drew Bledsoe’s newly acquired Hopewell Vineyard. Other super premium producers such as Elton Vineyard abound nearby. The vineyard features a mixture of well draining Woodburn sedimentary soil (deposited during the Missoula Floods some 13,000 to 15,000 years ago) and volcanic Jory Clay soils. Jory Clay is much sought after for Pinot Noir.

"Pinot Noir from Jory soils are renowned for their bright red cherry and red-fruit flavour profile, with a high acidity and softer tannins.

- Amanda Barnes, Around the World in 80 Harvests

The vines are 100% 114 Clone planted in the year 2000.

Read more →
Andrew Crews
Previous

Harvest is complete. We begin Shipping 2016 Grapes on Oct. 31st!
Next

Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel Wine Grapes for Sale