Pinot Noir, blah, blah, blah

Read the email I sent to the Wine Spectator about a recent review of Oregon wine country.

I am sure you realize the power of your words as found in the WS. For good or bad, your magazine can make or break a wine or wine region. Yet it does amaze me how far off the mark you are as concerns the wines of Oregon. If I simply read your recent passage on Oregon in the Feb 28 edition, I would be lead to believe that Oregon produces only three varietals, and the whole of the state's growing season can be summarized by what the Willamette Valley experienced. I am not sure if you are purposely misleading your readers or you just haven't taken the time to investigate the other 15 AVA's in Oregon.

Simply put you are supporting the myth that Oregon is a one-varietal wonder and that is that. I am here to tell you that there is much more than Pinot Noir in Oregon. Here in the Umpqua Valley, where the modern era of wine making began in Oregon, we have pioneered such varietals as Tempranillo and Gruner Veltliner. Our climate is markedly different than Willamette Valley, with a drier and warmer season, we have the option to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, meaty Syrah's, and even a bit of Zinfandel.

We have recently begun a enology and viticulture program at the local Umpqua Community College, which will help supply the growing wine industry here. We are now at 21 tasting rooms and growing.

Like the 90 lbs weakling, we are tired of getting Pinot kicked in our faces by your magazine. How about a little write-up on the upcoming Umpqua Valley AVA!!