Oregon – Latest Releases (2022)
OREGON REPORT: 2022 Vintage
by: JEREMY YOUNG
2022 Vintage Report
The 2022 vintage in the Willamette Valley stands out as a year that challenged winemakers but ultimately delivered exceptional wines, showcasing the region’s resilience and adaptability. After a wet, cold spring and an unprecedented mid-April frost, early concerns were high as vine growth was delayed by up to four weeks in some areas. However, as summer unfolded, the weather stabilized, leading to healthy fruit development. The combination of a cooler early season, late ripening, and a hot, dry October allowed for extended hang time on the vines, enhancing the complexity and structure of the fruit.
Weather Challenges and Recovery
The growing season started with frost affecting many vineyards, particularly early budding varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Some vineyards saw frost damage as high as 75%, forcing winemakers to rely on secondary bud growth. For example, Hazelfern Vineyards reported significant frost damage but was still able to harvest “beautiful, ripe fruit with ideal acidity” later in the season. I can attest to the fact that their wines are stunning.
Winemakers in the Eola-Amity Hills, Dundee Hills, and other AVAs noted that the vines, benefiting from a water-saturated spring, were able to produce a robust canopy to protect the fruit through the hotter days of summer.
By late summer and early fall, the Willamette Valley experienced a near-perfect ripening season. Warm days and cool nights allowed for slow, even sugar accumulation, with natural acidity being retained across the board. October became one of the warmest on record, allowing the fruit to reach phenolic ripeness while still maintaining the elegance and vibrancy that the region is known for
This balance between acidity, ripe flavors, and fine tannins is one of the key characteristics of the 2022 vintage, ensuring that many of these wines will age beautifully.
Signature Characteristics of 2022
Winemakers across the Willamette Valley are optimistic about the long-term potential of the 2022 wines. Greg Jones of Abacela Vineyards described the year as one that “set the stage for phenomenal ripening,” resulting in wines with “wonderful flavors and balance.” Across the valley, wineries are reporting wines with remarkable depth, high natural acidity, and striking aromatics. Pinot Noir, in particular, has been praised for its complexity and intensity. The late-ripening period allowed for the development of both red and dark fruit characteristics alongside floral and earthy notes. Some winemakers have even compared 2022 to standout vintages like 1999 and 2011, years known for their elegance and ageability
Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards echoed this sentiment, highlighting the intense and dark colors and the wines’ firm structure, which suggests a vintage built for aging. Chardonnay, another star of the Willamette Valley, also thrived in 2022. The combination of cool nights and warm days preserved the grape’s hallmark acidity while allowing ripe fruit flavors to shine through. Walter Scott Wines, renowned for their Chardonnay, produced wines that exhibit a perfect balance of minerality, ripe citrus, and tension—a hallmark of the vintage.
Standout Producers
00 WINES
00 Wines is a notable winery from Oregon known for its innovative approach to winemaking, particularly with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Founded by Chris and Kathryn Hermann, 00 Wines focuses on producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines with a distinctive Burgundian influence. Sourcing fruit from premium vineyards in the Willamette Valley, 00 Wines is celebrated for crafting wines with precision, elegance, and a deep sense of place, offering a unique expression of Oregon’s diverse terroir.
Walter Scott
Walter Scott Wines, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is renowned for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Founded in 2008 by Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon, the winery emphasizes crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Walter Scott focuses on sourcing fruit from some of the best vineyards in the area, including Seven Springs, Justice, and Freedom Hill. Known for their minimalist winemaking approach, they prioritize balance, purity, and ageability in their wines. With a commitment to sustainable practices, Walter Scott Wines has garnered critical acclaim for its precise and elegant expressions of Oregon’s cool-climate varietals.
Lingua Franca
Lingua Franca Wines, based in Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills AVA, is known for producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a focus on expressing the unique terroir of the region. Founded by Master Sommelier Larry Stone in collaboration with Burgundy legend Dominique Lafon and winemaker Thomas Savre, the winery combines Old World expertise with Oregon’s dynamic winegrowing conditions. Lingua Franca emphasizes organic and sustainable farming practices, sourcing fruit from their estate vineyard and nearby sites. Their wines are celebrated for their precision, balance, and elegance, reflecting the purity and complexity of Oregon’s cool-climate varietals with a nod to Burgundian winemaking traditions.
Bergström
Bergström Wines is one of Oregon’s most respected family-owned wineries, renowned for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in 1999 by Dr. John and Karen Bergström, and now led by their son, winemaker Josh Bergström, the winery is deeply committed to biodynamic farming and sustainable practices. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Bergström Wines focuses on expressing the unique terroir of the region, with vineyards in notable AVAs like Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge. Known for crafting wines with balance, elegance, and ageability, Bergström has built a reputation for its refined, site-driven wines that reflect the purity and complexity of Oregon’s cool-climate varietals.
Martin Woods
Martin Woods Wines is a boutique winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, celebrated for its focus on site-specific, terroir-driven wines. Founded by Evan Martin, the winery is known for its small-batch production of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay, as well as more unusual varietals like Grüner Veltliner. Sourcing fruit from high-elevation and cool-climate vineyards, Martin Woods emphasizes traditional, hands-off winemaking techniques, including native yeast fermentations and minimal intervention. The resulting wines are elegant, complex, and expressive of Oregon’s distinctive landscapes, with a particular focus on showcasing the unique character of less-explored vineyard sites and varietals.
Conclusion: A Vintage to Watch
The 2022 vintage in the Willamette Valley is being hailed as one of exceptional promise, despite the challenging start to the growing season. The late-ripening period and the warm, dry autumn allowed for full flavor development while retaining the fresh acidity that makes Oregon wines so distinctive. Winemakers are optimistic that this vintage will produce wines that are not only delicious upon release but will also age gracefully for years to come.
With early reviews already highlighting the depth, complexity, and balance of the wines, the 2022 vintage is poised to further cement the Willamette Valley’s reputation as one of the premier wine-growing regions in the world. Whether you’re a lover of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or sparkling wines, this is a vintage you won’t want to miss.