Date: 02/2025
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
My tasting at Big Table Farm was a celebration of Oregon’s rustic charm and artisanal excellence. Set against the pastoral beauty of the Willamette Valley, the experience offered a deeply personal look into the soul of winemaking—where authenticity, craftsmanship, and a connection to the land shine through every glass. Each wine told a story of thoughtful farming, honest expression, and the unique spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Cranberry, raspberry, strawberry, smoke, and earthy notes
Nose: Expressive, bright red fruit and soft spice
Characteristics: Balanced, elegant, and classic in style
Pairing: Duck confit, mushroom tart, or beet and goat cheese salad
My Rating: 94 points
2018 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Pig label)
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Still closed — not yet showing full character
Nose: Not open or expressive, needs time to evolve
Characteristics: Restrained, subtle, and tight
Pairing: Cellar for a few more years or pair with mild dishes like roast chicken
My Rating: 90 points
2022 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Pig label)
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Juicy red fruit, smooth and integrated
Nose: Floral and expressive
Characteristics: Vibrant and polished with lovely balance
Pairing: Grilled salmon, cherry-glazed pork, or mushroom risotto
My Rating: 96 points
2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Pig label)
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Red cherry, raspberry, soft earth
Nose: Light, perfumed, and youthful
Characteristics: Fresh and lively with balanced acidity
Pairing: Roast turkey, lentil salad, or goat cheese tart
My Rating: 95 points
Pelos Sandberg Vineyard
2014 Pelos Sandberg Pinot Noir
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Red fruit, leather, and smooth earthy tones
Nose: Expressive, savory, integrated
Characteristics: Elegant, mature, and complex
Pairing: Braised lamb, aged cheeses, or mushroom ragù
My Rating: 99 points
2018 Pelos Sandberg Pinot Noir
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, earth, and herbal notes
Nose: Rich, savory, and slightly vegetal
Characteristics: Deep, smooth, and layered
Pairing: Herb-crusted pork loin, grilled mushrooms, or root vegetable gratin
My Rating: 93 points
2022 Pelos Sandberg Pinot Noir
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Weighted fruit, silky and savory finish
Nose: Earthy and slightly floral
Characteristics: Smooth texture with depth and weight
Pairing: Duck breast, eggplant caponata, or wild mushroom pizza
My Rating: 95 points
2023 Pelos Sandberg Pinot Noir
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Red fruit, bright and crisp
Nose: Clean and round with youthful charm
Characteristics: Balanced and approachable with fresh acidity
Pairing: Charcuterie, seared tuna, or beet salad
My Rating: 92 points
Yamhill-Carlton AVA Pinot Noir 202
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Cherry-forward, smooth and easy drinking
Nose: Cherry magic — soft and aromatic
Characteristics: Light, bright, and very drinkable
Pairing: Roast chicken, mushroom flatbread, or chèvre tart
My Rating: 98 points
Sunnyside Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Red fruit-forward, bitey tannins
Nose: Bright and crisp
Characteristics: Vibrant and slightly more structured
Pairing: Grilled pork tenderloin, cranberry compote, or lentil stew
My Rating: 93 points
Funk Estate “Roch” Syrah
2019 Funk Estate Roch Syrah
Varietal: Syrah
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, mocha, black olive, and dark fruit
Nose: Smoky, meaty character
Characteristics: Smooth, smoky, well-done
Pairing: Smoked brisket, black olive tapenade, or charred steak
My Rating: 88 points
2021 Funk Estate Roch Syrah
Varietal: Syrah
Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, red and blue berries
Nose: Smooth and ripe
Characteristics: Round and polished with balanced tannins
Pairing: Barbecue ribs, grilled mushrooms, or lamb chops
My Rating: 90 points
2022 Funk Estate Roch Syrah
Varietal: Syrah
Tasting Notes: Rich and layered with dark fruit
Nose: Polished and slightly smoky
Characteristics: Elegant, deep, and smooth
Pairing: Short ribs, venison, or smoky eggplant
My Rating: 92 points
