Willamette Valley 1987 Vintage Report
Defining the 1987 vintage in Willamette Valley requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.
Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (12.8°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (7mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.
**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.
About Willamette Valley
Oregon's Willamette Valley is the New World's answer to Burgundy. Its cool, wet climate is ideal for Pinot Noir, producing wines with earthy complexity, bright red fruit, and delicate structure.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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