Oregon Returns to Form

The state's vintners smile as 2021 delivers vibrant reds on the heels of struggles with 2020

Overhead shots of Bethel Heights' estate and vineyards
Bethel Heights’ estate vineyards in Eola-Amity Hills yielded a range of outstanding Pinot Noirs in the 2021 vintage. (Andréa Johnson)

If you’re a fan of Oregon Pinot Noir who follows your favorite wineries from vintage to vintage, there might be a gap in your collection when it comes to 2020. Summer wildfires raised questions about smoke taint, which resulted in significantly fewer 2020s being released and a quick pivot to focus on the 2021 vintage. 

Read senior editor Tim Fish's tasting report on the latest red and white wines from Oregon’s Willamette Valley in the excellent 2019 and 2021 vintages, as well as the challenging 2020 vintage, with top bottlings and good values from Beaux Frères, Bergström, Domaine Drouhin and more. Plus, get a closer look at how the Wädenswil clone of Pinot Noir has shaped the history of Willamette Valley wine.

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