The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Planet Oregon is the value brand from Soter Vineyards. This summertime sparkler is 100% Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, made by the carbonated method rather than the much more expensive methode champenoise. It's the color of pale strawberry flesh, quite delightfully fruity with berry and cherry, and underscored with grapefruity acids. Big, bold and penetrating, it's a fine value and a great sparkling wine for hot weather sipping. Great for cocktails and punches also.

3300 cases; 13%; $24 (Willamette Valley) 90/100