Sourced exclusively from 15 acres of Pinot Noir from the first plantings at the Estate vineyard in the Salem Hills, Founder Jim Bernau planted these vines using a Christmas tree planter pulled behind his 33-horsepower tractor in 1983. 

On the Nose: Ruby red in the glass, aromas of cherry pie, dried cranberry, cinnamon, fresh boysenberry and graham cracker delight the nose.

On the Palate: The palate carries flavors of strawberry, Italian plums, crushed herbs and cedar. Vibrant tannins and acidity lead to a lingering finish.

Food pairings: The Bernau Block craves savory and grilled meat pairings, including beef Wellington, Oregon lamb chops, smoked salmon, crabcakes and dishes featuring native Oregon truffles.

Peak Drinkability: 2025 - 2035

Accolades:

91 points - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2023 Pinot Noir Bernau Block has a medium red hue and is another spicy wine with notes of leather, pine, baked red cherries, and toasted baking spices. Medium-bodied, it’s more savory on the palate, with ripe tannins and a sanguine iron note felt through the finish, with some of its grip building. Drink 2025-2032."

93/100 - Paul Gregutt
"These old vines were planted in 1983, and include later grafts of Dijon clones. Juicy cranberry/raspberry fruit claims the core, with supple acids and lingering tang. The acids show additional flavors of blood orange, while aging in one fifth new oak brings highlights of spice and cinnamon. Best drinking window should be late 2020s through 2030s."
 

Our experienced winery Ambassadors are here to assist you! Call the winery at (503) 588-9463 and ask to speak with an Ambassador about delaying the shipment of your order, winery pickup, temperature-controlled shipping during extreme heat and other questions you may have about your order.

Willamette Valley Vineyards can be shipped to all U.S. states except IN, ME, MS, NH, NJ, RI, UT and WV; limitations apply to AL, DE, LA and WY.