The name John Paul Cameron has become synonymous with the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made this side of France. He isn't a household name simply because very little of his wines leave his home state of Oregon, many destined for the best restaurants in Portland or the cellars Burgundy collectors, as John’s wine’s are well loved by even those who drink wines exclusively from the Cote d’Or.

Most of the attention goes to his Abbey Ridge or the estate Clos Electrique bottlings, both coming from old vines in what John considers the two best vineyards for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the U.S. These wines are often spoken about in hushed and reverent tones by Oregon wine insiders and have become rather difficult to get. When you can find them they have price tags that are deservedly high. Luckily for us regular folk, John also crafts wines that are equally remarkable but considerably more affordable.

The two pinots below come from both estate fruit as well as vineyards that John deems worthy. Like his own home vineyard, all are among the healthiest in the Willamette Valley. Biodynamic and organically tended; bees fly around to pollinate cover crops; grass grows between rows of vines to reduce vine vigor; chickens eat grubs and nourish the soil with their waste products. All are dry farmed. As a founding member of the Deep Roots Coalition, the winery is committed to bringing wines that reflect terroir and geological complexity by having the roots dig deep to extract water and nutrients.

Along with the Burgundian varieties John has planted some Italian varieties in his Clos Electrique vineyard having become enamored with them after trips to Piedmont and other parts of Northern Italy. He now makes beguiling and purely delicious wine from varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Nebbiolo, Friullano and more. The Ramato and Guiliano are his tribute to those Italian alpine wines he fell in love with. Whether coming French or Italian varieties, all of John’s wines age beautifully.

Each wine below is an incredible value if you consider that they come from the hands of what many consider America's best living wine grower and maker. They are stunning and while clearly inspired by the great wines of Burgundy and the Italian Alps they have qualities that are unique to both Oregon and Cameron. All of them are phenomenal bargains and thus won't be around for very long.

Cameron Winery Dundee Hills White Blend Giuliano 2022 $39.99
This Italian-inspired white blend of Auxerrois, Friuliano, Moscato, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Ribolla Gialla all from Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique is absolutely stunning! Aromatic and lush with notes of fresh peaches, marzipan, yellow plums, tangerine skin, and salty air dominated the wine’s electric palate. Perfect with raw seafood, pasta with seafood and rich pesto dishes.

Cameron Winery Pinot Grigio Ramato 2022 $36.99
Made with skin contact, a tradition in northern Italy, this vintage has a dizzying array of aromas. White peach juice, mint, cedar, white pepper, tangerine, jasmine and lime zest with notes of peach following through on the palate along with marzipan, green almonds and a refreshing acidity. There is plenty of structure to stand up to some hearty fare and especially good with grilled meats.

Cameron Winery Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir 2021 $44.99
This is John's most powerful wine, a bit darker and more brooding. There is complexity here that is hard to pin down but the aromas and flavors I can put words to include red cane berries crushed together with dark red rose petals, rosemary and lavender. Structure and power in an incredibly elegant frame with a creamy texture that just adds to the immense pleasure. Drop Dead Gorgeous!

Cameron Winery Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2021 $41.99
The 2021 edition of Cameron’s Dundee Hills wine offers a good proportion of fruit from the great La Colina vineyard, and while the wine remains indelibly Cameron, that vineyard’s strong personality also comes through in this full-bodied, sturdily-built pinot noir. On the nose the wine starts with a deep base note of bloody black cherry, black raspberry fruit leather, clay earth and dusty dried herbs. Full bodied and fleshy on the palate with waves of dark fruit including cherry and blackcurrant. Clay lined tannins come throughout, and the acidity comes through towards the finish, and leaves a touch of passionfruit to linger on the finish.