Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to taste, and even visit, Bradley Vineyard, where the grapes were grown for this wine. Grapevines, planted in 1983 by John Bradley and his brother Richard, are considered old vines by Oregon standards. The 20-acre vineyard is situated on south and west hills on the outskirts of the town of Elkton, within the slightly larger wine appellation designated as the Elkton Oregon AVA. After John died unexpectedly in 2014, his widow Bonnie took over the vineyard management (and family wine label Bradley Vineyards) with help from their son Tyler.

Terry Brandborg, Monte Ferro’s winemaker, also lives in Elkton and has purchased grapes from Bradley Vineyard since relocating there from San Francisco. There’s something special about the fruit from that vineyard– bright acidity with a distinctive earthiness– that always makes me happy as I sip! This 2019 Monte Ferro Pinot displays those characteristics while also being complex and rich, yet light. This is a Pinot for pondering!

While their wines are made in Elkton, Monte Ferro Winery is near Lake Oswego. If you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to visit them and try their wines for yourself.