2022 Chad Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 750 ml

After last year’s Rainier-soaked fried chicken fiasco, Chad wanted to make sure our meeting didn’t run long.

“It’s got a Beard nomination, you’ll love it,” he deadpanned about the place, as we sat down under the harsh fluorescent lights and looked at the menu. Three options, all noodle soups.

Chad got straight to the point. “No one like me should have gotten fruit like this. Not from this vintage. And sure as hell not for this price.”

“Anyway, they’re a big name—one of the most important wineries in the Willamette Valley,” he whispered, with a rare hint of excitement creeping in. “From a site that…well...it’s historic, fantastic, just…you know, great.” He was gaining steam. “And what’s better, is that 2022 was a cool, classic Oregon  vintage. Coming off of ‘20 and ‘21, everybody wanted more grapes too. But I’ve become buddies with the winemaker, so…”

Chad’s meeting place of choice was not exactly the venue to pour a fine Pinot, so he entrusted us with a bottle before he bolted. As soon as we got back to our hotel, we popped it with a cheffy cheeseburger—and we’re sure there’s not a better $24 wine from Oregon in ‘22.

Glinting with ruby tones around a dark core in the glass, the nose pulled us in right away to the tune of black cherry compote, hints of truffle, and a touch of earth mixed with sweet cola spice. Once we took a sip and tasted its beautiful freshness and intricate complexity, we were on the horn with Chad to lock down every bottle we could.