Abbott Claim’s Pinot Noir Secures #1 Spot in Decanter’s Top 50 US Wines List
Portland, Ore. (December 20, 2024) – Willamette Valley wines have once again solidified their standing among the world’s best, earning prominent recognition on five distinguished wine lists: Wine Spectator’s Top 100, Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wines of 2024, Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 100 Wines of the Year, James Suckling’s Top 100 US Wines of the Year and Decanter’s Top 50 Best US Wines of 2024.
Abbott Claim in the nested Yamhill-Carlton AVA has earned another milestone for the region, with its 2021 Due North Pinot noir claiming the #1 spot on Decanter’s prestigious Top 50 Best US Wines of 2024 list. Last month, ROCO Winery’s Sparkling wine made history as the first Willamette Valley wine to secure the number one position on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines of 2024 list.
Decanter, the world’s oldest wine publication based in the United Kingdom and among one of the most prestigious globally, shares its content with enthusiasts across 100 countries. For its 2024 list of Top 50 US Wines, Decanter evaluated more than 3,000 wines tasted and reviewed between January and November. Only current or soon-to-be-released vintages were eligible, as library wines were excluded.
Clive Pursehouse, North American Editor of Decanter, said, “The brilliant, yet sometimes challenging growing conditions in the Willamette Valley suit Pinot Noir and Chardonnay perfectly. Those conditions, combined with talent, be it multi-generational, home grown, or transplanted bring an abiding sense of creativity and community that is too rare and makes the Willamette Valley a special place producing exceptional wine. When I think of the caliber of wines that I’ve had, and know there are still some I’ve not tasted, 9 of the top 50 doesn’t feel too big. It feels representative, it feels right.”
Joining Abbott Claim on Decanter’s list were:
- Cristom Vineyard’s 2022 Louise Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills AVA
- Bethel Heights’ 2022 Casteel Pinot noir, Eola-Amity Hills AVA
- Ambar Estate’s 2022 Lustral Estate Chardonnay, Dundee Hills AVA
- Eyrie Vineyards’ 2019 South Block Pinot noir, Dundee Hills AVA
- Hundred Suns’ 2022 Own-Rooted Pinot noir, Willamette Valley AVA
- Walter Scott’s 2022 X-Novo Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills AVA
- Martin Woods’ 2022 Syrah (a Willamette Valley producer sourcing fruit from The Rocks District of the Columbia Valley)
- Arteberry Maresh, 2022 Weber Pinot noir, Dundee Hills AVA
The Willamette Valley’s presence on other esteemed lists further underscores its excellence. ROCO Winery’s 2013 RMS Delayed Disgorgement Sparkling wine took the #1 spot on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines of the Year last month. Meanwhile, Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of 2024 list celebrated five Willamette Valley Pinot noirs, with Drouhin Oregon Roserock’s 2022 Eola-Amity Hills Pinot noir earning the #6 position. Seven Willamette Valley wines also earned spots on Jeb Dunnuck’s prestigious Top 100 wines of the year list and eleven spots on James Suckling’s Top 100 US Wines of 2024 list.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Willamette Valley wines consistently recognized on these global platforms,” said Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. “These accolades speak to the region’s exceptional quality and the dedication of our winemakers. With representation from across our nested AVAs, these wines exemplify the complexity and excellence that define the Willamette Valley.”
About Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) is a nonprofit industry association dedicated to achiev- ing recognition for Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley as a premier Pinot noir–producing region. Currently, the WVWA has more than 400 members representing wineries, vineyards, industry, and hospitality business- es throughout the Willamette Valley region. To learn more about the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, visit willamettewines.com.
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