Goodfellow

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON |  2021

If ever there was an overachieving Pinot Noir, it’s Goodfellow’s Willamette Valley bottling. Goodfellow was founded in 2002 and continues to be a small producer, focusing on old-vine plantings in unique and beautiful sites throughout the Willamette Valley. Goodfellow makes only 4,000 cases of wine a year. The wines are all sourced from non-irrigated, sustainably farmed grapes in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. There is great pride in the longstanding relationships that Marcus has developed with various grower-farmers, and their accumulated knowledge, experience, commitment and sacrifice are the foundation of the winery. In the winery, Marcus keeps things simple and traditional, which is the best way to capture the unique expression of each vineyards.

The Goodfellow wines are an excellent choice for fans of both new world and old world styles of Pinot Noir. They’re a sort of bridge for those accustomed to more fruit-forward styles looking to try something a bit more savory, or vice versa. With bright fruit, accents of earth and minerality, and moderate alcohol, the Goodfellow wines are a perfect middle ground, and a great opportunity to discover a small producer setting a new standard for Pinot Noir not only in the region but in the US.

If you haven’t heard, the 2021 vintage in Oregon is being talked about as one of the best vintages in the last decade. Here is the proof. Goodfellow’s Pinot Noir shows a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and savory notes, with moderate tannins and vibrant acidity. Hints of blood orange, red licorice, and soft earthy notes add depth to the red fruit notes on the nose. With that winning combination of aromatics and structure, the wine is easily paired with meats, seafood, and vegetables. Try it with herb-crusted roasted chicken.