Here are some of the highlights from my last day of wine tasting in the Willamette Valley.
I had an exceptionally enjoyable and unforgettable tasting experience at Antica Terra. I also had the privilege of participating in a barrel room tasting at Morgen Long, which was led by the remarkable Chardonnay winemaker, Seth Morgen Long.
My reviews are as follows:
Antica Terra Wines
2021 Botanica Pinot Noir
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, red fruit, spice, clean and beautiful nose, hints of leather, vanilla, oak, and floral perfume
Characteristics: Elegant, smooth, refined, and expressive
Pairing: Aged Brie
My Rating: 98 points
2021 Ceras Pinot Noir
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, earthy leather, umami, mushroom, hints of dry onion, and background spice
Characteristics: Tannic, layered, brooding, evolving in the glass with age potential
Pairing: Smoky dishes or umami-rich foods such as miso-glazed vegetables or grilled mushrooms
My Rating: 98 points
2021 Antica Terra “Aequorin” Chardonnay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Citrus, light elegant nose, subtle fruit, refined and restrained aromatics
Characteristics: Feminine, clean, beautifully acidic, sophisticated and poised with a long finish; impressive aging potential (20+ years)
Pairing: Delicate seafood or creamy cheeses
My Rating: 98 points
2019 The Glories No. 3 (CA/OR)
Varietal: Likely Chardonnay or Chardonnay blend (not listed – may need to confirm or research)
Tasting Notes: Clean, crisp, bright citrus
Characteristics: Fresh, vibrant, lets food take the spotlight
Pairing: Smoked sturgeon rillettes or other smoky fish dishes
My Rating: 95 points
NV Champagne Amaury Beaufort “Le Jardin” Brut Nature
Varietal: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay (approximate blend based on traditional rosé Champagne styles)
Tasting Notes: Strawberry, citrus, slight brioche, with a light pink/rosé color
Characteristics: Beautifully elegant with small, refined bubbles and lively effervescence
Pairing: Oysters, sushi, or goat cheese crostini
My Rating: 99+ points
2022 von Winning Forster Kirchenstück Riesling (Pfalz)
Varietal: Riesling
Tasting Notes: Light, crisp, mineral-driven with stone notes
Characteristics: Clean, focused, with striking minerality — considered the standout Riesling of the tasting
Pairing: Spicy Thai cuisine or fresh crab
My Rating: 98 points
Morgen Long – Seth Long Wines
2022 Willamette Valley Chardonnay – Morgen Long
Varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Citrus, lemon, mineral, stone, saline
Characteristics: Restrained yet highly acidic, structured, bright, clear, crisp, and elegant
Pairing: Oysters, ceviche, or goat cheese crostini
My Rating: 97 points
2022 Witness Tree Vineyard Chardonnay – Morgen Long
Varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Slight hint of petroleum, mineral, citrus, lemon, vanilla, oak
Characteristics: Smooth, layered, and balanced
Pairing: Roast chicken with herbs, brie, or seafood risotto
My Rating: 94 points
2022 Temperance Hill Vineyard Chardonnay – Morgen Long
Varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, oak, fresh grass, lemon, citrus, green apple
Characteristics: Clean, bright, acidic, layered, smooth, beautifully light and refreshing
Pairing: Grilled halibut, citrus-dressed salad, or chèvre
My Rating: 98 points
2022 X Omni Vineyard Chardonnay – Morgen Long
Varietal: Chardonnay (with 0.2% Aligoté)
Tasting Notes: Slight vanilla, floral notes, mineral, oak, spice, lemon citrus, green apple
Characteristics: Smooth, round, acidic, bright, rich, clean, and mouthwatering
Pairing: Seared scallops, creamy pasta, or herbed pork loin
My Rating: 100 points
2021 Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay – Morgen Long
Varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Lemon/lime citrus, spice, stone fruit, green apple, oak, honeysuckle
Characteristics: Delicate yet textured and rich, vibrant acidity, beautiful finish
Pairing: Seared chicken breast, crab cakes, or triple cream cheese
My Rating: 99 points
2022 Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay – Morgen Long
Varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Slight petrol, oak, lemon/lime citrus, white flowers, mineral
Characteristics: Long finish, acidic, clean, and bright
Pairing: Citrus-dressed arugula salad, sushi, or poached cod
My Rating: 98+ points
2022 Pink Label Chardonnay – Morgen Long
Varietal: 96% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Noir lees
Tasting Notes: Strawberry, orange/grapefruit citrus, cranberry, oak, mineral, stone fruit
Characteristics: Bright, crisp, acidic, juicy, dry, mid-plus acidity
Pairing: Charcuterie board, watermelon salad, or shrimp tacos
My Rating: 98+ points
