Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley '22

It’s back! Arguably the best-value Pinot Noir in the United States: the Willamette Valley cuvée from Goodfellow Family Cellars.

As many of you know, I’m a former Oregonian, having spent my college years at the University of Oregon before living in Portland for six more. It was an incredible place to learn about wine. My career in restaurants and retail gave me an entry point into the world of Oregon wine, as well as the great wines of Europe and beyond.

Marcus Goodfellow is a longtime friend of mine, and someone I’m really proud of. He went from bartender at the Heathman Restaurant to one of Oregon’s very best winemakers. Through a tremendous amount of hard work, along with training at places like Argyle and Westrey, Marcus eventually took the leap and created a label called Matello. That later evolved into Goodfellow Family Cellars, which today produces roughly 4,000 cases a year—and sells out every vintage.

Though heavily influenced by Burgundy, Marcus is not trying to copy or recreate any particular style. His wines appeal to lovers of both New World and Old World Pinot Noir, thanks to their beautiful fruit, savory nuance, and remarkable balance.

The 2022 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from some of Oregon’s top vineyards, including Whistling Ridge, Durant, Temperance Hill, and others. Fermentation is cool and slow, with native yeasts and whole clusters. The free-run wine is then moved to barrel, using a combination of neutral oak and larger-format puncheons.

The wine opens with beautiful aromas of cherry skin, spiced strawberry compote, and warm spice. The palate is vibrant and silky, with complex flavors that move between red and dark fruit, floral notes, and herbs. This is an incredible value, and a perfect match for something as simple as roasted chicken with root vegetables. At 12.8% alcohol, it is dangerously drinkable.