Oregon Pinot Noir Earns Historic First-Ever 100-Point Score from James Suckling
MCMINNVILLE, Ore. (May 26, 2026) — Oregon Pinot noir has earned its first-ever perfect 100-point score from James Suckling, one of the world’s most influential wine publications, awarded to Rose & Arrow Estate’s 2023 Touchstone Pinot noir from the Willamette Valley. The review was written by Oregon reviewer Courtney Humiston.
The recognition marks another major moment for the Willamette Valley on the global wine stage, following last year’s historic Decanter 100-point score awarded to Bethel Heights Vineyard’s 2023 The High Wire Chardonnay, the first perfect score for an Oregon Chardonnay from the publication.
Long celebrated for Pinot noir, the Willamette Valley continues to gain international momentum as critics increasingly recognize the region’s ability to produce wines with precision, complexity, and age-worthy structure. The Eola-Amity Hills AVA, where the Touchstone Pinot noir originates, is particularly known for its volcanic soils, cooling Pacific winds through the Van Duzer Corridor, and Pinot noirs that balance freshness, savory complexity, and mineral-driven texture.
Founded in 2012, Rose & Arrow Estate built its reputation through an intensive exploration of geology and terroir, studying volcanic formations beneath the Willamette Valley through electroconductivity mapping and extensive soil excavation. The project was founded by the late Mark Tarlov alongside Louis-Michel Liger-Belair of Burgundy’s Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, with globally respected Chilean terroir expert Pedro Parra helping shape the estate’s approach.
“We have always believed that the Willamette Valley’s volcanic soils had the potential to produce wines of extraordinary individuality and texture,” said Felipe Ramirez, winemaker for Rose & Arrow Estate. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects years of work studying geology, farming with precision, and allowing the vineyards to speak as clearly as possible.”
Ramirez, who grew up in Chile in a family rooted in agriculture and hospitality, joined Rose & Arrow in 2015 after studying winemaking in Chile and France and collaborating with Pedro Parra in South America. Today, he oversees all viticulture and winemaking for the estate.
“This recognition feels larger than any one wine,” continued Ramirez. “It speaks to what the Willamette Valley is capable of. Through years of exploration across the valley, we’ve believed these vineyards could produce wines of true world-class distinction.”
Rose & Arrow Estate farms 7.3 acres across six Willamette Valley vineyards and produces micro-production Pinot noirs and Chardonnay, with a focus on distinct geological formations. The estate celebrates the 10th anniversary of its first vintage in 2026.
For more information about Rose & Arrow Estate, visit Rose & Arrow Estate online.
About the Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) is a non-profit industry association dedicated to achieving global recognition for Oregon’s Willamette Valley as a premier Pinot Noir–producing region. The WVWA represents more than 400 members across wineries, vineyards, and allied industries throughout the Valley. Learn more at willamettewines.com.
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