The Willamette Valley is home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir made in the US today. They are more synonymous with Pinot Noir made in Burgundy than Pinot’s from California. Also worth mentioning are their great Chardonnay’s that show some great length and complexity. Willamette Pinot’s show great balance are not dominated by fruit, they show more earthy tones, more complexity and layering. This is Pinot Noir country with climate conditions similar to Burgundy, cooler, harsher. Interesting to note that some of the greatest Burgundy producers have purchased land and are now making Pinot Noir in Willamette. Names like Dujac and Drouhin come to mind.