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Three Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs

Costco recently added 3 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs at our local Greenville warehouse.  Here are short comments on each:

Firesteed Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017

 The previous vintages of this wine were my favorite value Oregon Pinot Noir.  I purchased many bottles and even included Firesteed in a presentation I made about wines of Oregon.  My local wine shop told me that many customers bought the wine by the case.  In June 2017, Firesteed was sold to Vintage Wine Estates and Pacific Rim and company.  Therefore, 2017 was the first vintage Firesteed made from harvest to bottling by the new owners.  I am sorry to report that 2017 Firesteed Pinot Noir is a bland, one dimensional Pinot Noir and I will not likely buy more of this vintage.  I hope the new owners can improve with the 2018 vintage.  Costco is selling this for $12.99.

SC Wine Joe rating = 87 points


Averaen Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017

 Averaen is a newer winery in the Willamette Valley.  This Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards throughout the valley.  The wine starts nicely with red cherry notes but lacks follow through to the darker fruit flavors that I prefer.  All in all, this is a decent Pinot at a fair price ($16.99).

SC Wine Joe rating = 88 points


Four Graces Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017

 I tried Four Graces Pinot Noir last summer and I was not enthusiastic about it.  Since that time, I have read several very positive reviews of the wine and when I found it back at Costco ($17.79), I knew I had to give it another chance.  When I first opened this bottle, I was still not that enthused.  I actually finished the bottle the next day and WOW, what a difference!  So, I do not know if it was me or if the wine improved over time.  I found the wine to be a rich, almost creamy array of flavors.  I have bought another bottle which I expect will confirm my positive experience.

SC Wine Joe rating = 90 points



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