Archery Summit Arcus Estate 2000 ($75) - subtle and nuanced, rich, hints of cherry and blackberry, smooth tannins

Argyle Nuthouse 2000 ($40) - distinctive, floral notes, berry flavors that linger

Chateau Benoit 1999 ($14) - earthy, firm tannins, rich fruit

Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyards 1998 ($39) - ripe blackberry and cherry tones, peppery, mellow tannins

Chehalem Rion Reserve 1999 ($50) - smooth, plump berry and light floral flavors

Domaine Drouhin Laurene 1998 ($55) - focused without being heavy, intense, vanilla and berries

King Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Croft Vineyard 1999 ($40) - berries, spice, plum, full and rich

Penner-Ash 1999 ($49) - ripe berry and chocolate notes, light sweetness and good depth, fresh

Ponzi Reserve 1999 ($55) - juicy, plum and berry flavor, intense finish; acidity will mellow with cellaring

Rex Hill Kings Ridge 2000 ($14) - young but complex, deliciously sweet with a clean finish -

TOURING OREGON'S WINE COUNTRY

The entrance to the Willamette Valley wine region is only 20 miles from downtown Portland, and the most popular winery tour covers Yamhill County, which leads the state in acres of wine grapes planted and is home to more than 200 vineyards and 70 wineries. The suggestions below (all near each other) make up a fantastic, but by no means comprehensive, afternoon tour.