2021 J.K. Carriere, Vespidae, $48

Winery Info: Jim Prosser worked with a number of Pinot Noir producers in Burgundy, New Zealand, Australia, and Oregon, before starting his own winery in 1999.        

In 2007 he purchased 40 acres on Parrett Mountain just east of Newberg, in the Chehalem Mountain AVA, where his winery is located today. He focuses on producing classically-styled Pinot Noirs, bubbles, Rosé, and Chardonnay, from his St. Dolores Estate Vineyard and other top fruit sources, with a goal of grace over power in his wines. The bee on the label is an homage to the wasps which Jim is deathly allergic to, and his flagship wine, Vespidae (the Latin name for the wasp family), is a further nod to them.

Winemaker: Jim Prosser

Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard: 48% St. Dolores Estate (Chehalem Mountains AVA), 29% Johan (Van Duzer Corridor), and 23% Temperance Hill (Eola-Amity Hills). All dry farmed and organic. Johan is certified biodynamic.

Flavor Profile: This Pinot gets structure and juiciness from the St. Dolores fruit, lushness from Johan, and balancing acidity from Temperance Hill. It is dark, and expressive, with aromas of coffee, earth, and spice, along with vibrant red fruit flavors and notes of savory herbs.

Availability: 729 cases produced. This wine was just released so it should be available for a while.

Drinking Window: You could enjoy it now, with decanting, but it should continue to develop for another five years.

Food Pairing: Try it with roast glazed pork, or coq au vin.

2021 The Eyrie Vineyards, Pinot Gris, $32

Winery Info: Eyrie is one of the most historic and important wineries in Oregon. It was founded by David Lett who planted the first Pinot Noir grapes in Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 1965. His award-winning wines helped put Oregon on the international wine map and earned him the nickname, “Papa Pinot.” He was also the first to plant Pinot Gris grapes in the United States and some of the New World’s oldest vines contribute to this bottling. Today his son Jason carries on the family legacy, focusing on natural, minimal intervention winemaking, and their wines continue to be known for their elegance and light-handed style.

Winemaker: Jason Lett

Grapes: 100% Pinot Gris, fermented in steel tank, with full malolactic fermentation. Aged 11 months on its natural yeast lees.

Vineyard: From their certified organic estate vineyards: Sisters, Eyrie, Roland Green, and Daphne, all in the Dundee Hills AVA.

Flavor Profile: 2021 was warmer than normal, but cooled in the fall, allowing sugar levels to rise slowly while the flavors continued to develop. This wine is a true reflection of the vintage, the terroir, and the old vine fruit. It is expressive and savory, with supple texture, good acidity, and notes of nuttiness and earth.

Availability: 1,821 cases produced. This wine is still in good supply.

Drinking Window: Delicious now, although it could continue to develop for several years.

Food Pairing: Enjoy it anytime, with chicken or seafood dishes.