Our second
day of tasting was in the Salem area. Our first stop of the day was at Witness Tree. The name of the winery comes from a “Witness Tree” or large oak tree on the hill above the winery that was used in the 19th century to mark one of the corners of the property. The survey information is carved in the trunk of the tree and still visible to this day. The winery makes quite a few wines including a mix of whites and Pinot Noirs. The 2005 Vintage Select Chardonnay was quite interesting leaning heavily towards soft brown spices on the aromatics and one of the better Chardonnays we tasted during the trip. The Pinot Noirs are all fairly solid running the gambit between the high 80’s and low 90’s on the WIML scale. Definitely a winery worth watching.
Our second stop of the day was at Cristom. They have a attractive tasting room and make some very solid Pinot Noir. Their Mt. Jefferson Cuvee is a QPR styled Pinot Noir worth seeking out on that basis only and their Louise Vineyard is a perpetual crowd pleaser at the higher end of the scale. Unfortunately they typically only taste a select few of their wines (usually four) and they do charge a tasting fee with is waved with a purchase.
Our third stop of the day was a late addition to the itinerary, a very pleasant surprise and turned out to be one of the better overall tastings we had during the trip. Bethel Heights makes a few solid whites and quite a few single vineyard and “block designated” Pinot Noirs along with their regular cuvee and reserve bottling. As I tasted through their lineup overlooking their stunning property my initial thoughts where “this is the Rochioli of Oregon Pinot Noir”. Worthy praise indeed for this gem of a winery and in my opinion a must stop while in the valley. Yes, I signed up for their mailing list and I hauled back some bottles for the cellar just to get started. Even though any of their Pinot Noirs would be a welcomed addition to your cellar make a point to seek out the 2005 Southeast Block Reserve and the 2005 West Block Reserve.
Our fourth stop of the day is runner up for the goof ball of the year award. Bryn Mawr sits on a hillside just above Bethel Heights with a lovely view. Don’t let the disconnected owner/winemaker/vineyard manager (he was spraying the vines when we arrived) or one of his two chained up dogs deter you from tasting though his lineup. He makes some fairly solid Pinot Noirs with his 2003 Pinot Noir Reserve being the standout here. Be sure and ask to use the bathroom before you leave. He really doesn’t mind you traipsing through his bedroom to use the toilet. Jumping into his homemade Jacuzzi bathtub is totally optional.
Our final stop of the day was at St. Innocent in Salem. If you’re looking for ambience this isn’t the place to go. Located in an industrial park of Salem you get basic no frills wine tasting through their rather extensive lineup. Personally I found all of their whites lacking and their 2005 Pinot Noirs a mixed bag. Their 2005 Cuvee and Justice Vineyard were only serviceable but their Shea and White Rose were good. Make the trek if you’re a fan of these wines. However, when you cross the river from the valley and you see the long line of cars stopped in the left lane of the highway be sure and get in line. Don’t go into town. Trust me on this one.