Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris

Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris is a 100% Pinot Gris from Oregon's Willamette Valley, bottled at 12% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned 92 points from The Tasting Panel, and earlier vintages have consistently scored 90+ across multiple critics, establishing this label as a reliable Oregon Pinot Gris at an accessible price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA  |  Style: Stainless Steel–Fermented White Wine  |  Producer: 3 Badge Beverage Corporation

Production & Heritage

Cedar + Salmon is produced by 3 Badge Beverage Corporation, a San Francisco–based wine company known for sourcing quality fruit from premier American appellations. For this Pinot Gris, grapes harvested from Willamette Valley vineyards are gently whole-cluster pressed, then racked clean into stainless steel tanks. Fermentation occurs at a notably low temperature range of 50°F to 55°F, a deliberate choice that preserves the freshness and aromatic purity of the fruit while maintaining bright natural acidity. No oak aging is employed, keeping the varietal character front and center.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: White peach and lemon gelato lead the nose, followed by layers of green apple and citrus blossom. A subtle herbal thread of pine needle and thyme adds complexity beneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is bright and zesty with crisp pear and lime flavors. At mid-palate, softer notes of lemon curd and beeswax emerge, lending a gentle textural roundness. A touch of warm ginger surfaces toward the peak, balancing the citrus-driven core with a subtle spice note.

Finish: Clean and medium in length, the finish carries refreshing acidity alongside lingering hints of ripe pear and soft cedar. The overall impression is balanced and light-bodied without turning thin.

How to Drink Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris

Serve well chilled between 45°F and 50°F. This wine is built for straightforward, refreshing drinking—pour it on its own or alongside a meal without overthinking the glass. Spritz: The crisp acidity and citrus notes make it an excellent base for a white wine spritzer with sparkling water and a lemon twist. Sangria Blanca: Its stone fruit and apple aromas integrate naturally with sliced peaches, green apple, and a splash of elderflower liqueur. Hugo Cocktail: Swap the standard Prosecco for this Pinot Gris to amplify the herbal, floral character alongside fresh mint and elderflower syrup.

Best For

• Casual weeknight dinners with light seafood or salads
• Summer entertaining and outdoor gatherings
• Introducing white wine drinkers to Oregon Pinot Gris
• Pairing with Pacific Northwest cuisine like grilled salmon or Dungeness crab

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris taste like? It delivers crisp, bright flavors of pear, lime, and lemon curd with a refreshing acidity and a clean, balanced finish. Subtle notes of beeswax and warm ginger add depth without heaviness.

How does Cedar + Salmon compare to King Estate Pinot Gris? Both are Willamette Valley Pinot Gris wines, but Cedar + Salmon leans lighter and more citrus-driven, while King Estate typically presents richer stone fruit and a slightly fuller body at a higher price tier. Cedar + Salmon positions itself as a more everyday-accessible Oregon Pinot Gris.

Is Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris good for beginners? Yes—its light body, clean fruit flavors, and moderate 12% ABV make it an approachable introduction to the Pinot Gris grape and to Willamette Valley wines in general.

Where is Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris made? It is produced from Willamette Valley grapes in Oregon by 3 Badge Beverage Corporation, a wine company headquartered in San Francisco, California. The Willamette Valley is widely regarded as one of North America's top regions for cool-climate white varieties.

What foods pair well with Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris? Grilled or roasted salmon highlights the wine's Pacific Northwest identity. Light green salads with citrus vinaigrette mirror its acidity. Soft cheeses like fresh chèvre complement the wine's gentle creaminess. Seared scallops benefit from the citrus brightness, and Thai-style dishes with lemongrass and ginger echo its subtle spice notes.

What sizes does Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, making it strong on value given its consistent critical scores of 90 points and above across multiple vintages.

Why Cedar + Salmon Pinot Gris?

What separates this wine from the crowd of sub-$15 Pinot Gris is the consistency of its critical recognition—earning 92 points from The Tasting Panel for the 2022 vintage and 93 points for the 2017 vintage is unusual at this price tier. The cold fermentation in stainless steel at 50–55°F is a deliberate production choice that preserves aromatic complexity you would normally expect from more expensive bottlings. For a Willamette Valley Pinot Gris that delivers genuine varietal character with bright acidity and clean fruit, this label regularly punches above its weight class.