Winemakers in the state of Oregon, which borders northern California, have enjoyed three consecutive outstanding vintages, from 2014 to 2016, and are making some of the most exciting pinot noirs in the world. The wines, which can emulate the best of Burgundy, have a unique purity of fruit due to the coastal state’s cool climate. James Suckling picks his top 10.

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Domaine Serene Willamette Valley Monogram 2012

Aromas of blueberry, blackberry, asphalt, peach and orange peel. Fantastic. A full-bodied, extremely polished red with velvety tannins. Centre palate is superb. Forest fruits, fresh mushroom and dried flowers. Glorious fruit and length. Much better in 2022 but a joy now. Modern art in the bottle. 98 points

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Soter Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Mineral Springs Ranch 2014

Terrific aromas of strawberry and rose petal. Superb energy and vibrancy. Full body, incredible power and depth, with fabulous balance and intensity. A tightly wound ball of silk. Super quality here. Better in 2020. 98 points

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Domaine Oregon Roserock Eola-Amity Hills Zéphirine 2014

Juicy and intense. Lots of plum and chocolate with cedar undertones. Full bodied and velvety, pretty and gorgeous. Love the fruit and texture. Racy and fine. Drink now. 96 points

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Antica Terra Willamette Valley Ceras 2014

A phenomenal wine with such clarity and energy. Vivid. Full body, firm and silky. A sleeping beauty. Density with polish. The salinity is so cool and gives it complexity. Glorious. Drink or hold. 96 points

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Penner-Ash Yamhill-Carlton Shea Vineyard 2014

Aromas of tar and asphalt with strawberry and cherry character. Smoky. Full bodied, chewy and polished, with beautiful tannins and a long, flavourful finish. Complex. Drink or hold. 95 points

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Antica Terra Willamette Valley Botanica 2014

An extremely fine and polished wine with dried strawberry and cherry character. Full to medium body, ultra-refined tannins and a polished, beautiful finish. A complex and beautiful wine. So hard not to drink now. Better in 2020. 97 points

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Domaine Serene Dundee Hills Grace Vineyard 2013

This is really well-structured for the vintage, with dried strawberry, wet earth and dried flower character. Full-bodied, chewy and very fine. Intense and long finish. A beauty. Needs two or three years to soften. 96 points

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Big Table Farm Willamette Valley 2014

Intriguing aromas of spice, meat, dried berry and lemon follow through to a full body, velvety tannins and a fresh, fruity finish. Linear backbone to this generous wine. Drink or hold. 95 points

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Beaux Frères Ribbon Ridge The Beaux Frères Vineyard 2014

Attractive spicy, rust and stone aromas with plenty of ripe fruit too. Medium to full body, firm yet velvety tannins and a long, flavourful finish. Seriously seductive. Gorgeous. Drink or hold. 95 points

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North Valley Yamhill-Carlton 2014

Terrific density and intensity, with orange peel, white peach and strawberry. Full body, great texture and length. Polished, velvety tannins that remain supple. A wine with great ageing potential. Wow. Better in 2019. 96 points 

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