​Willamette Valley: A Pinot Noir Paradise

Willamette Valley: A Pinot Noir Paradise

The Legacy of the Lange Family

At the heart of Oregon, less than an hour’s drive from Portland, the Willamette Valley has emerged as one of the world’s premier Pinot Noir regions. Yet only sixty years ago, this agricultural valley, dominated by hazelnuts and wheat fields, was far from a wine destination. During the second wave of pioneers in the 1980s, a new generation of winemakers settled in the Dundee Hills, including the Drouhin family and Don and Wendy Lange, who founded Lange Estate Winery & Vineyards in 1987.

From Early Settlers to Today

It all began in the 1960s, when a few daring pioneers planted Burgundy’s most temperamental grape variety on these then-unknown lands. David Lett nicknamed “Papa Pinot,” planted his first vines in Dundee in 1965, convinced that Oregon’s cool climate and latitude mirrored those of the Côte d’Or. Soon after, Dick Erath, Dick Ponzi, and others joined the venture, forming a tight-knit community united by one belief: Pinot Noir could fully express itself here.

After years of dedication and hard work, international recognition came in 1979. At a tasting in Paris, a Pinot Noir from Eyrie Vineyards ranked among the best Burgundy wines, attracting the attention of Maison Drouhin, which established its presence in 1987, cementing the valley’s reputation worldwide.

All of Willamette Valley’s sub-appellations (AVAs): Chehalem Mountains AVA, Dundee Hills AVA, Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Laurelwood District AVA, Lower Long Tom AVA, McMinnville AVA, Mount Pisgah, Polk County AVA, Ribbon Ridge AVA, and Tualatin Hills AVA, express unique characteristics, offering winemakers a diverse palette to showcase their style. Today, the valley hosts over 700 wineries and produces two-thirds of Oregon’s wine.

Beyond the numbers, it is the pioneering spirit, from Lett to Lange, that defines the region: boldness, patience, passion, and a pursuit of authenticity. Pinot Noir reigns supreme here, and every vintage tells a story: of a demanding grape that has found its ideal home, of generous terroir, and of winemakers pushing boundaries. Each clone like, Dijon, 777, 115, Wädenswil, Pomard and others reveals its own subtlety.

Willamette Valley is no longer a gamble; it is a New World symbol capable of competing with historic terroirs while asserting its own elegant and sincere identity. Through its wines, Lange Estate perfectly embodies this blend of tradition and innovation, proving that Oregon has found its voice on the global wine stage.

One of the Valley’s Most Discreet Pioneers

Passionate about music, fly-fishing, and wine, Don Lange brings a precise and thoughtful approach, balancing respect for Burgundy traditions with innovation. Early on, he distinguished himself with Pinots characterized by precise aromatics, silky textures, and elegance that faithfully reflect the terroir.

His success lies in the vineyard and clone selection. The red volcanic Jory soils impart finesse and complexity, while marine sediments and glacial clays provide structure and depth. Sheltered by mountains and influenced by the Pacific, the valley enjoys warm days and cool nights, allowing slow, even ripening essential to preserve Pinot Noir’s acidity and subtle aromas.

Rarely is a Pinot Noir produced from a single clone; it is the blend of different clones and vineyards that shapes a winery’s signature. Lange, however, produces small quantities of exclusive mono-clone wines. Here are a few examples that will be featured at the Winemaker Tasting Event on Thursday, October 9, at Bonde Fine Wine.

Pinot Noir Clonal Series – Clone 115

This refined clone exemplifies the elegance and balance of Willamette Valley Pinots. It produces concentrated, aromatic grapes, resulting in wines of great finesse and subtle complexity. The nose reveals black cherry, ripe raspberry, and plum, with delicate floral notes, underbrush hints, cinnamon, and clove.

On the palate, Clone 115 impresses with silky texture and fine tannins, integrated perfectly with lively acidity for natural balance and structure. The finish is persistent and delicately spiced, reflecting the cool valley terroir. Versatile, it can be enjoyed young for its bright fruit or aged to reveal greater depth.

Clone Wädenswil

Originating from Switzerland, this clone brings body, complexity, and intense expression of Oregon’s terroir. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry, with floral and earthy notes, evolve over time into tobacco, graphite, and dark chocolate. On the palate, fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and silky texture support concentrated, elegant fruit. Wädenswil can be enjoyed young or aged for full complexity.

Clone 777

This Burgundy clone is prized for aromatic richness and elegant structure, producing concentrated, harmonious wines. The nose combines black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry with subtle forest floor, cocoa, and spice. With age, it develops graphite, tobacco, and gentle smokiness. The palate is velvety, with fine tannins and bright acidity, and the finish is long and refined.

Clone Dijon

A hallmark clone, renowned for aromatic intensity and terroir expression, it adds finesse and complexity to wines. Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, with floral and delicate spice notes, evolve into subtle forest floor, tobacco, and cocoa. The palate is silky, with fine tannins and bright acidity, ensuring balance and aging potential. Dijon is ideal for expressive, elegant wines that appeal in youth and gain nuance with time.

Wine Tasting – October 9, 2025

Lange Estate Winery, Pinot Noir from Clonal Series

With Bill Matthes

• Clonal Series, Clone 115
  Lange Winery, Redside Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, OR
• Clone Wädenswil, Vintage 2019
  Lange Winery, Redside Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, OR
• Clone 777, Vintage 2019
  Lange Winery, Redside Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, OR
• Clonal Series, Clone Dijon
  Lange Winery, Freedom Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Mt. Pisgah-Polk County, Willamette Valley, OR