American Red Wines

A trip to Pinot Camp in Oregon in 2008 (yes, three days of intensive Pinot Noir study, tough work, especially the gala dinners) have converted me (Simon Taylor) into a total Oregon Pinot-phile.

This is the one place in the world which can engender Pinots to rival Burgundy in terms of finesse and longevity. This should not be surprising: after all the northern Willamette Valley, source of 82% of the state’s wine, is the same latitude as Burgundy, and has a very similar climate, albeit being drier in summer (which might necessitate drip irrigation but does keep the vines healthier), and mildly cooler - 68 degrees F being the July average. Harvests are usually at the end of September. Ever since 2008 we have been the sole importer of the splendid Brooks Pinots.