Welcome to "Wine Tastings", an editorial introduction shaped by the expertise of Gina Ogorzaly, the Director of Wine at Zupan’s Markets, and whose knowledge anchors this section.
She draws on decades of industry experience giving her a unique comprehensive perspective to curate a dynamic assortment of wines from the Pacific Northwest. Her discerning approach guides every choice, for this edition, she has selected three standout picks in three categories—red, white, and sparkling—offering readers a trusted, perspective that reflects both her professional depth and personal passion.
We are delighted to feature her suggestions here, connecting you to exceptional wines with clarity and warmth—for the love of vino. Cheers!
Resonance, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2023
The summer of 2023 was warm and dry, offering a perfect maturation process for the wines. In late August, the nights cooled off, promising great flavors and an excellent surprise-—a nice acidity. With the favorable weather conditions, Résonance Vineyard was harvested, from September 16th, due to the high elevation of the site, the last day of harvest was on October 6th.
Tasting Notes
The wine shows an intense ruby color and an intense aromatic complexity, with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, rose, and black tea. The wine is harmonious in mouth, with nice tannic structure, fruity aromas and a refreshing finish.
Beaux Freres, Le Cousins Pinot Noir, 2023
This Pinot Noir leans into grace over weight, shaped by careful farming and a restrained hand in the cellar. A temperate season allowed the fruit to ripen evenly, bringing depth without heaviness and preserving a natural sense of lift. The overall impression is polished but not precious, with fine structure and a quiet earthiness that gives the wine both charm and poise.
Tasting Notes
Bright red cherry and raspberry lead, layered with subtle spice, earth, and floral notes. The palate is silky and vibrant, with fine tannins and balanced acidity carrying through to a smooth, lingering finish.
Hundred Suns, Gamay Noir, 2024
Drawn from three dry-farmed sites across the valley, this bottling shows how a warm season can still deliver freshness when the fruit holds its natural lift. Volcanic soils bring depth, while native fermentation and aging in amphora and neutral oak keep the profile open and lightly textured. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it feels generous without losing its shape, with plenty of energy carrying the wine from start to finish.
Tasting Notes
Fresh cherry and red plum open first, followed by rose petal, spice, and a hint of forest floor. Silky and finely drawn, it carries a gentle tension through the finish.
Morgen Long, Eola Amity Chardonnay, 2023
This Chardonnay reflects a
measured, detail-driven approach, where site and season are allowed to unfold naturally. A steady growing year preserved freshness while building quiet depth, and careful cellar work focused on texture rather than influence. The result is a wine that feels composed and intentional, balancing lift and weight without excess, and offering a clear, unforced sense of place.
Tasting Notes
Fresh citrus and orchard fruit lead, with subtle hints of almond. The palate is focused and smooth, carried by bright acidity and a gentle mineral edge, finishing long and understated.
Big Salt, Big Salt, 2024
This coastal white captures the spirit of ocean-influenced vineyards, where cool breezes and a long growing season shape vibrant, expressive fruit. Adding the whole fruit gives texture while preserving freshness, creating a wine that feels both lively and layered. Bright acidity and aromatic lift define the style, offering an easygoing yet thoughtful balance that makes it as refreshing as it is distinctive.
Tasting Notes
Dry and zippy, with notes of salty lemon, ginger, and aloe. The palate is fresh and textured, showing citrus, light florals, and a subtle saline edge. Crisp, energetic, and refreshing with a clean finish.
King Estate, Domaine Pinot Gris, 2023
Crafted in the Willamette Valley, this organically farmed and Biodynamic® wine reflects a deep commitment to purity and precision. Estate-grown fruit is carefully selected from top vineyard blocks, ensuring only the highest quality makes it into the bottle. Thoughtful farming and meticulous winemaking preserve the natural expression of the land, resulting in a wine that balances richness with freshness and showcases both tradition and place.
Tasting Notes
Aromatic and inviting, with notes of ripe pear, tangerine, nectarine, and honeysuckle. The palate layers Bosc pear, melon, and Meyer lemon with soft floral tones. Balanced and smooth, with bright acidity and a clean, elegant finish.
Bergstrom, Zupan's Markets 50th Anniversary Pinot Noir Rosé 2025
Made in commemoration of Zupan's Markets 50th anniversary, this exclusive bottling of Bergström Pinot Noir Rosé was made with select parcels from estate vineyards in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, known for its 60-million-year-old marine sedimentary sands, compressed sandstone and shale bedrock. The Pinot Noir was hand-picked when the natural acidity was at its most succulent, the results give off bright, youthful, fresh aromas and flavors.
Tasting Notes
A luminous pink-salmon hue with brilliant clarity. The nose opens with vibrant aromas of fresh wild strawberries and cherry plum blossoms, layered with delicate mineral notes. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Lytle-Barnett, Brut, 2018
A mild, dry winter led into a cool spring and moderate summer for the 2018 vintage, with nearly 90 days without rain. While this stressed the vines, it eliminated disease pressure, resulting in exceptionally clean fruit. Warm autumn days and cool maritime nights allowed grapes to ripen fully while preserving acidity, producing wines that are both rich and focused with freshness and balance.
Tasting Notes
Pale straw with fine, persistent bubbles, this Brut opens with floral notes, white peach, and pastry. The palate reveals honeycrisp apple, lemon, and pie crust, finishing with almond and baked apple nuances. Elegant, layered, and refreshing.
Planet Oregon Wines, Rosé Bubbles, 2025
Planet Oregon Wines blend sustainability with pure enjoyment. Grapes are farmed responsibly in the Willamette Valley, protecting waterways and minimizing environmental impact through careful monitoring of energy, waste, and emissions. This renowned Oregon region, nestled between mountain ranges and near the Pacific, provides ideal conditions for vibrant wines. Committed to giving back, a percentage of sales supports environmental initiatives that help keep air, water, and land clean for future generations.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of summer berries and ruby red grapefruit lead to a fresh, lively palate of blood orange and cherry. Crisp, bubbly, and refreshing, with bright acidity and a clean finish.
