If you’ve seen the movie Sideways you know that Pinot Noir is all the rage in wine consumption. The quest for the perfect Pinot nearly drove the main character mad! The movie actually takes place in California and while some great Pinot comes from the Golden State, you’re just as likely to find an excellent representation of the varietal in Oregon.

Just to give you a little background, Pinot Noir was first planted in Oregon in the mid sixties. The climate was right. The soil was perfect. The grapes flourished. Over the years people have grown to love Oregon Pinot and there are plenty of reasons. Wine makers in the region have become the experts and it shows in the vintages they consistently produce.

I am by no means an expert on wine, that’s what sommeliers are for, but I do taste a bit, enjoy lots, and I love to share good finds! My list below are all wines I have recently tasted and enjoyed. I am lucky enough to live near wine country and it’s not unusual for a few friends to join me on a jaunt from one winery to another. On these little escapes from the city we find many a good glass.

2006 Erath Pinot Noir – I get hints of cherry and raspberry on the nose and some fruit and spice, maybe a little caramel on the pallet. It’s very drinkable ( I just had a bottle last weekend) and it’s very affordable. Priced at $19 in the winery tasting room. I consider this a good bottle to take to a dinner or wine tasting party. It’s mellow enough that even non wine drinkers can enjoy it.

2006 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir – This is a soft wine, very drinkable and it’s just getting better and better. Over time it will be incredible. The nose is filled with berries and even a hint of chocolate. The pallet contains vanilla and fruit. It’s an exceptional value for just $25 a bottle at the winery and tasting room.

2003 Laurel Ridge Barrel Select Pinot Noir – The bouquet greets you with a hint of vanilla and cherry, the pallet is followed by deeper cherry and a hint of oak. Very smooth and enjoyable. It’s an older vintage so it’s had time to sit, mellow, and become a classic Pinot. Fantastically priced at $24.

2006 Rex Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – A full nose of raspberry, blueberry and even a hint of tobacco greets you with this wine. The taste give you that traditional earthy, musky Pinot scent with a bit of juicy fruit. This is drinkable now and will get even better with time. A good price at only $28.

All of these are available at the winery tasting rooms and may even be available nationally. Most wineries are able to ship to consumers as well. Each state has a different law so check the winery web sites or call them to ask about shipping if you want to try these little gems out! Cheers!