Here at the Anthem we give California a hard time. Mostly in jest, mostly. So, in an effort to get a little perspective we've sought out a "Behind Enemy Lines Correspondent" Charlotte Chipperfield a California based sommelier. Charlotte runs down the Oregon versus California Pinot Noir debate for us...
Let’s face it, every industry has a diva. The fashion industry has their models and the wine industry has Pinot Noir. That’s right, Pinot Noir. Often the most demanding of all grapes. Tending to be thin skinned, (taking offense easily), and insisting on ideal growing conditions. Requiring an environment not too windy, not too harsh, not too dry, not too wet, nor too hot, hence, the diva mentality. With all dramatics aside, Pinot Noir may be demanding but given these ideal conditions and time to reach its maturity, this diva produces exceptional fine wines.
Here on the West Coast, Pinot Noir can be found thriving in both Oregon and California. But much like the state's collegiate football teams there is some animosity, (in the friendliest of manners of course), between these states and their ability to outscore each other in producing award winning Pinots. Having been raised in Oregon and having spent most of my adult life in California, you can image me sitting on the 50 yard line with webbed feet and bear claws trying to decide which end-zone to run towards…or am I?
-Wild Hog Vineyard photo from Cork & Caftans wine blog
Bergstrom Winery has been producing wine in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley forjust over 12 years. Their 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir has strong depth and character exuding a high acid structure, dark cherries, baking spices, minerality, and a touch of mushroom or earthiness.
Wild Hog Vineyard of the Russian River Valley has been making wine since 1990. Their 2008 Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Noir explodes with big fruit flavors, tart fruits, strawberries, blackberries, red plums, light to medium bodied with a slight effervescence.
As you see, two very different drinking experiences. So which states scores the most points when it comes to producing fine Pinots? Oregon may sit on the same parallel as Burgundy but don't be
fooled by the nuances of earthiness and silky tannins, Oregon could be charged with emulating its Burgundy cousin in displaying similar subtleties and complexities but I will let you gather the evidence before that trial. While, Californian winemakers deal with a warmer climate they are also creating a distinctly fruit dominating style of Pinot not to be dismissed. Pinot Noirs from this star studded state tend to display an ease of drinkability and an element of "je ne sais quoi" of their own. This race is tough to call and ultimately is up to the consumer and their individual palate but there is no denying a driving competitive factor is the climate.
It is, however, evident that our thin skinned diva is versatile as much as picky. And as to not offend our diva, let’s just say I'm positioned towards the end-zone that allows me to enjoy basking in the sunshine clawing my way through blackberry bushes over waddling through puddles in a forest hunting for mushrooms.-Charlotte
