During my first winery trip to Oregon in early 2004, Erath was the first winery that I visited. I purchased a bottle of the 1999 Leland.

After visiting more wineries -- and purchasing more wine -- I was disapointed that I purchased at the first winery that I visited, since most of the later ones were much better.

A couple of months ago, I decided to open the 1999 Leland. I did not want to open one of my 'better ones.' Much to my surprise, the 1999 Leland was great. It must have been going through a closed phase when I visted the winery. Now I wish that I had more.

The 1998s are drinking extremely well now.

I am not a true Pinot aficionado nor do I claim to be... but the 2003 Lemelson 'Jerome' Vineyard Private Reserve was a wonderful wine. It has rekindled my enthusiasm for pinot's and the Oregon region. I intending on taking a little road trip to the Oregon wine country this summer. I hope to visit some of the following suggested wineries. Can't wait!

BB

The Lemelson Jerome Reserve is a blend from several vineyards. According to the Lemelson Spring 2005 mailer, the 2003 Jerome consisted of barrels from Chestnut Hill, Stermer, Meyer and Johnson Vineyards.

The '03 Jerome is significantly better than the '02. However, IMO, the '02 & '03 Lemelson Stermer Vineyard are both better than the '03 Jerome. And, the Stermer is less expensive.

purple teeth beat me on the JK Carriere recommendation. that is my favorite OR winery--i love the white pinot and basically everything he makes. the provaceteur is the best (what i will call) mid-price point pinot...

anyway, others i like are:
-Archery Summit
-A to Z
-Drouhin
-Foris
-Dashwood
-Elk's Cove
-King's Estate
-Cristom
-Beran

it seems endless...they are really great pinots.

There have been a lot of fabulous wineries listed above. My addition is anything by Torii Mor, I am especially a fan of their single vineyard Pinot Noirs. I got on their allocation list just before it closed, whew!

I'm also a big Torii Mor fan. Another producer I like is Patricia Green.

I just purchased a Sass Willimatte Valley 2004. Has anyone had any experience with Sass?