Video 1: Gabi Prefontaine, Willamette Valley Vineyards (Oregon)

Boston’s Pinot in the City event held Thursday, May 2 at The Castle at the Park Plaza hotel was a spectacular smash. Sixty wine producers from Oregon’s Willamette Valley shared their world-class Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay at a magnificent tasting. I couldn’t get to every booth in my  three hours of tasting, so I apologize to all  winemakers and owners who exhibited their fine bottlings. In fact, I selected about 10 wines I wanted to experience for the first time – and actually expanded the exploration to 12. I was truly fascinated by the unique single vineyard distinction of the wines, and how the different soil types and mesoclimates influence the wine’s character. Most of the wineries were classified as “boutique”. These are limited production wineries – usually 20,000 cases produced annually – and operated by families who’ve have a great affinity for the land. Biodynamic farming practices are sweeping through Oregon. In fact, Willamette Valley wineries are taking the global lead in reducing the carbon footprint in vineyards and preserving the environment. Kudos to this pioneering crowd and their respect for Mother Earth. That said, the wines are amazing – complex, elegant and full of finesse and flavor. What follows is the first of five videos from the event. Here, Gabi Prefontaine, assistant winemaker at Willamette Valley Vineyards, delivers insights on Pinot Noir.