The Willamette Valley might have its finest vintage in modern times with the 2010 Oregon Pinot Noir vintage. 1993 was awesome and helped put Oregon on the map with consumers. And from 1998 until 2002 Oregon Pinot Noir enjoyed a number of “good” vintages with approchable delicious pinot noirs that were both affordable, yet drinkable. Mother Nature seemed to smile on an otherwise difficult growing region during those years, but she saved her best for the vintage that’s about to hit the market.

Recently, 2008 was hailed as one of Oregon’s best vintages by wine critics and the ...