Oregon Pinot Noir used to be a scrappy, underdog affair. Independent producers carved out reputations with low-budget setups, idealism, and incredible wines. But over time, that spirit has faded a little, as international investors and corporate players moved in.

Which is why we’re so thrilled to offer new releases from Love & Squalor — a reminder of what made Willamette Pinot so compelling in the first place.

Winemaker Matt Berson is a true Oregon independent. He started as a cellar rat, worked his way up, and launched his own label in 2006 with little more than a beat-up press and a lot of nerve. He sources Pinot from dry-farmed, sustainable sites in Eola-Amity, Chehalem Mountains, and Yamhill-Carlton — and lets the grapes do the talking. Whole-cluster fermentation, native yeasts, neutral barrels, and time: the wines are made slowly and thoughtfully.

And the name? It’s from Salinger, of course — and it captures the vibe perfectly. These wines aren’t squeaky-clean or overwrought. They have polish, but also bite. There’s something slightly feral at the edges: a wildflower note in the 2021 Pinot Noir, a savory, smoky core in the 2019 Reserve. The ‘21 is all energy and immediacy — floral, snappy, and fragrant. The Reserve, meanwhile, is structured and serious, sourced mainly from Yamhill-Carlton’s Klee and Eola’s Sunny Mountain vineyards, then held back for nearly four years before release.

It’s a pleasure to taste the two side-by-side. The contrast is illuminating — and a great reminder that Pinot can still be personal, expressive, and independent. There’s love here. And yes, a little squalor too. Just the way we like it.

Love and Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021 - $29.99

Love and Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Reserve 2019 - $41.99