May is more than the start of warm weather and long evenings; it’s National Oregon Wine Month, a statewide celebration organized by the Oregon Wine Board to highlight the Willamette Valley and the world-class wines it produces. Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay occupy a unique place in the wine world, more structured than California, more approachable than Burgundy, and undeniably alive in the glass. Want the full story on what Oregon Wine Month is, how it started, and what makes this region one of the world’s great wine destinations? Read our Georgia Crown feature. Here in Tennessee, we’re keeping the focus on three standout bottles available to Tennessee retailers right now that give you the best of what the Willamette Valley has to offer this May.
Here’s a preview:
• Illahe Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is a sustainable, expressive estate wine rooted in Oregon’s cool-climate terroir
• Stoller Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023 is a 92-point wine with rich cherry, warm spice, and velvety texture
• Lange Estate Chardonnay Willamette Valley (Classique) is a fruit-forward, elegant white with pear, citrus, and tropical notes
2023 Illahe Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
Illahe Vineyards, whose name comes from the Chinook word for “earth,” is one of the Willamette Valley’s most soulful producers. Set on a south-facing, 80-acre estate with marine sediment soils, the vineyard is farmed sustainably and with a family-first philosophy. The wines are handcrafted expressions of the land, built for the table and made to last.
The 2023 Illahe Pinot Noir delivers a nose of raspberry, wild strawberry, and cedar with warm notes of cinnamon and juniper. On the palate, the mouthfeel is silky and elegant, with red cherry, blackberry, and earthy undertones supported by fine tannins and bright acidity. It’s a wine that rewards attention and pairs effortlessly with food.
Illahe Pairings
• Grilled salmon or halibut
• Herb-roasted chicken
• Wild mushroom risotto
• Soft cheeses
• Charcuterie boards
2023 Stoller Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Stoller Family Estate is one of the most acclaimed names in Oregon wine. Their estate in the Dundee Hills spans 400 acres, the largest contiguous vineyard in that storied AVA, and their commitment to sustainable, LEED Gold-certified winemaking has made them a benchmark for what Oregon can achieve. The 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, a well-deserved recognition of this terrific vintage.
The wine opens with a rich, inviting nose of cherry and warm spices, with the garnet hue glowing deep and beautiful in the glass. On the palate, bramble and dark cherry notes take center stage, building toward a voluminous, persistent finish with firm but yielding tannins. It’s generous and textured, with that signature rocky, mineral character of Dundee Hills fruit running through the core. Enjoy now or age for another five to eight years.
Stoller Pairings
• Grilled Pacific salmon (an Oregon classic)
• Roast chicken or turkey
• Eggplant Parmesan
• Braised duck or pork tenderloin
• Aged hard cheeses
Lange Estate Winery Chardonnay, Willamette Valley (Classique)
Since 1987, Lange Estate Winery has been crafting world-class wines from the Dundee Hills. Wine Enthusiast has called them “one of the great Pinot Noir producers in the United States,” and their Chardonnay is equally worthy of the spotlight. The Classique is sourced from premier vineyard partners, including the renowned Freedom Hill and Durant vineyards, and fermented using a thoughtful combination of stainless steel, neutral French oak puncheons, and a touch of concrete for added texture and complexity.
The 2023 Classique is vibrant and fruit-forward, bursting with aromas of orange blossom, Asian pear, ripe pineapple, and passion fruit. On the palate, it’s rich and layered with baked apple, lemon curd, and a note of toasted hazelnuts on the finish. Malolactic fermentation is kept limited, preserving the wine’s natural acidity and giving it a beautiful sense of energy and freshness.
Lange Chardonnay Pairings
• Grilled shrimp or scallops
• Roast chicken with lemon and herbs
• Creamy pasta or risotto
• Brie or triple-cream cheese
• Light fish tacos
The Willamette Valley is one of the world’s great wine regions, and these three bottles are the perfect way to experience it this May. Whether you’re new to Oregon wine or already a devoted fan, Illahe, Stoller, and Lange give you something worth pouring, sharing, and savoring all month long.
