Crowley Wines Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley '23

Tyson Crowley may still be a relatively new name to some wine drinkers, but within Oregon’s wine community he has long been regarded as one of the most thoughtful and quietly meticulous voices in the Willamette Valley. After a formative five-year stretch as assistant winemaker at Cameron Winery in Dundee, Tyson produced his first four barrels under his own label in 2005. What began as a small project has grown into one of Oregon’s most compelling boutique wineries, now based at August Cellars, where he produces just 85 barrels annually of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

At the heart of Crowley’s work are the relationships he has built over more than two decades in the region. He works exclusively with dry-farmed, sustainably grown, family-owned vineyards, partnering closely with growers to achieve balance in the fruit well before harvest. His membership in the Deep Roots Coalition reflects this commitment, with all vineyard sites farmed without irrigation, allowing the vines to develop naturally and express their place with clarity.

The 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of fruit from several of these trusted sites, primarily planted to Wadenswil and Pommard clones, often at higher elevations and in cooler pockets of the valley. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, with a gentle extraction regime and restrained use of oak, allowing the wine to remain transparent to vintage and site.

On the nose, bright red cherry, cranberry, and forest floor. The palate is lively and finely structured, with fresh acidity, subtle spice, and a mineral-driven finish that keeps the wine agile and food-friendly. At this price, it may be the best value Willamette Valley Pinot Noir in Oregon, offering an uncommon level of nuance and precision without pretense. Equally at home alongside roast chicken, grilled salmon, or simply enjoyed on its own.