More and more wineries in Burgundy are (literally) setting up roots in Oregon, lured by the call of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. In Wine Searcher, Katherine Cole speculates on whether this influx of Burgundian expertise might lend itself towards developing a future Grand Cru classification of Oregon vineyards. (And by future, like a century from now.) Admitting that its an exercise fraught with complications and ripe for debate, nevertheless Cole puts forth a list of five vineyards that future generations may revere along the lines of the top sites in the Côte d'Or:
1) Abbey Ridge Vineyard
2) The Eyrie Vineyard
3) Jessie Vineyard
4) Maresh Red Hills Vineyard
5) Thomas Vineyard
Is Grand Cru a concept that can exist in Oregon? Recall the controversy when California winery Sea Smoke labelled Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays with the "California Grand Cru" monker. Not only did it touch off a fantastic stretch of puns ("Blowin' Sea Smoke", "What were they sea smokin'?"), but also touched a nerve with Burgundy lovers. Of course Cole is not suggesting Oregon Pinot Noir will ever have "Grand Cru" attached to the label,but does the Grand Cru concept as it relates to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay solely reside in Burgundy?
