Rusty Gaffney

July 1, 2021 Age counts in Pinot Noir plantings By Rusty Gaffney There’s no consensus or legal definition of “old vine” Pinot Noir. Wikipedia states: “In a place where wine production is longstanding, it often means a wine whose vines are 30 to 40 years old.” Although most winemakers believe the term “old vine” should be regulated, the debate continues. At issue is in the perception by many consumers that old-vine wines are superior.

COMMENTARY June 1, 2021 A California Pinot pioneer By Rusty Gaffney Why pay tribute to a California winemaker in an Oregon wine publication? Read on. Dr. David Bruce, who recently celebrated six decades as a winemaker, passed away at the age of 89 on April 28, 2021. During the 1960s, he was one of the first to produce credible Pinot Noir in California.

November 1, 2020 A closer look at the potential impact By Rusty Gaffney Devastating wildfires in both Oregon and California have played havoc on the 2020 vintage. Not all wine grapes have been affected by the smoke, but those that have await the final word on the severity of impact. Depending on exposure of each vineyard site, volatile compounds in smoke can be absorbed by the grapes resulting in unsalvageable harvest or wines of unacceptable commercial quality.