Best Values Among a Patricia Green Cornucopia

I've published the first half of my reviews of the fantastic 2021 Pinot Noirs. Here are the super values.

On my website this week you’ll find a deep dive into the splendid new releases from Patricia Green Cellars. I find almost all of these wines are exceptional values. But in the context of Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs, which are expensive to grow and difficult to produce, the wines below are truly sensational.

The rest of the new releases will be profiled on Friday August 4th. In the meantime, if you are one of the many many many admirers of this winery, please send me a note or a comment about one of your favorite Patty Green wines (any wine, any vintage) that captured for you the essence of the winery’s magic.

Patricia Green Cellars 2021 Freedom Hill Vineyard – This is the least expensive among a half dozen Freedom Hill cuvées, a mix of Wadensvil, Pommard and Coury clone fruit from younger vines. Dark fruits, coffee and spice add up to a big, flavorful wine that is, quite honestly, a steal. Previously featured as my Wine of the Week on April 21st. 13.3%; $37 (Willamette Valley) 93/100

Patricia Green Cellars 2021 Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir – Lia's was originally part of the Jacob-Hart vineyard planted in 1988. This multi-clone cuvée saw two out of 16 new barrels. Many if not most of the Patty Green wines are value priced, but this is especially noteworthy. Complex, detailed, elegant, savory and tightly wound, its cascading red and black fruits are supported with bitter herbs and tangy blood orange acidity. A long finish reveals more and more details, including a trailing seam of cinnamon. A sensational value. 400 cases; 13.3%; $37 (Chehalem Mountains) 93/100. Purchase here.

Patricia Green Cellars 2021 Balcombe Vineyard Pinot Noir – This is another site planted to Pommard clone more than three decades ago. Plump and juicy with lush red berry fruits, this is one of the most affordable wines in the Patty Green lineup, and also one of the most instantly accessible. It's bursting with fresh berry flavors backed with snappy acidity. Flavors linger through a lightly peppery finish. Re-tasted after 24 hours the fruit has become downright explosive. 13.7%; $45 (Dundee Hills) 93/100

Patricia Green Cellars 2021 Freedom Hill Wadensvil Clone Pinot Noir – From a 1998 planting, this is aromatically captivating, spicy, with highlights of clean earth, graphite and black cherry fruit. Impressively dense with a slightly chalky mouthfeel, the accent components of bark and earth are perfectly proportioned. The overall focus, depth and detail are very impressive. Previously featured as my Cellar Wine of the Week on May 5th. 13.8%; $48 (Willamette Valley) 95/100

Please send me your thoughts on your most favorite PGC wines old or new, and encourage your friends and co-workers to subscribe to this Substack!