Firesteed Pinot Noir

Firesteed Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from Oregon's Willamette Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2017 vintage earned a Gold medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition and a Silver at the Oregon Wine Awards, underscoring this label's consistent quality at a competitive price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon  |  100% Pinot Noir  |  Winery: Firesteed Cellars

Production & Heritage

Firesteed Cellars built its reputation by doing something unusual in Oregon: sourcing Pinot Noir from select vineyard sites across the state's most desirable winegrowing regions and blending them at a scale that allows genuine value pricing—a rarity among Oregon producers. The grapes are fermented in stainless-steel tanks using selected yeasts propagated from cellars in Burgundy, a nod to Pinot Noir's ancestral home. Aging takes place in a combination of small French oak barrels (approximately 15% new oak) and larger stainless-steel tanks, preserving bright fruit character while adding measured structure and spice.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with vibrant raspberry and cherry, followed by cedar, leather, and a thread of exotic spice. Later pours reveal subtle floral perfume and a faint suggestion of black tea.

Taste: On entry, the palate is fruit-forward with fresh strawberry and cranberry leading into a mid-palate of darker cherry and plum. Earthy undertones and a savory, almost brothy quality emerge alongside hints of vanilla and toast from the French oak aging. The acidity is well-calibrated, keeping the red fruit flavors focused and lively.

Finish: Silky, fine-grained tannins carry the wine into a smooth, lingering finish marked by baking spice, vanilla, and a whisper of French oak. The length is moderate but satisfying, with a final echo of cranberry and earth.

How to Drink Firesteed Pinot Noir

Serve slightly below room temperature—around 58–62°F—to bring out the full spectrum of aromatics without muting the fruit. A standard Burgundy glass with a wide bowl concentrates those cherry and floral notes effectively. This Pinot Noir also works well in wine-based cocktails: try it in a Pinot Noir Sangria with stone fruits and a splash of brandy for a seasonal punch; in a New York Sour, where the wine floats atop bourbon and citrus, adding berry depth and color; or in a classic Kir, substituting it for the traditional white wine and topping with a small measure of crème de cassis to amplify its dark fruit character.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want genuine Oregon Pinot Noir without opening a special bottle
• Introducing a red wine drinker to the Willamette Valley style
• A casual dinner party where versatility across courses matters
• Building a case of dependable, food-friendly reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Firesteed Pinot Noir taste like? It leads with bright cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earthy, savory undertones and hints of vanilla from French oak aging. Silky tannins and balanced acidity give it a smooth, approachable character.

How does Firesteed Pinot Noir compare to A to Z Wineworks Oregon Pinot Noir? Both are multi-vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir blends positioned in the value tier, but Firesteed uses Burgundy-origin yeasts and roughly 15% new French oak, which tends to lend a slightly spicier, more structured profile. A to Z Wineworks emphasizes broader Oregon-wide sourcing and a fruit-forward, immediately accessible style.

Is Firesteed Pinot Noir good for sipping neat? Yes—its balanced acidity, soft tannins, and layered fruit make it a straightforward, enjoyable glass on its own, especially when served at cellar temperature around 60°F.

Where is Firesteed Pinot Noir made? Firesteed Pinot Noir is produced by Firesteed Cellars using grapes sourced from select vineyard sites across Oregon's premier winegrowing regions, with a focus on the Willamette Valley.

What foods pair well with Firesteed Pinot Noir? Its acidity and earthy quality make it a natural match for roast duck or duck confit, where the fruit cuts through richness. It pairs well with cassoulet or braised pork, where its savory undertone mirrors the dish. Grilled salmon with herbs works thanks to the wine's moderate weight, and mushroom risotto echoes its earthy aromatics. Aged Gruyère or other nutty, semi-firm cheeses also complement the oak spice and berry fruit.

What sizes does Firesteed Pinot Noir come in? Firesteed Pinot Noir is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Firesteed Pinot Noir worth the price? Firesteed positions squarely as a value-tier Oregon Pinot Noir, delivering Willamette Valley character—French oak aging, Burgundy-origin yeasts, and genuine varietal expression—at a price point that undercuts most small-production Oregon peers. It consistently over-delivers for its category.

Why Firesteed Pinot Noir?

Oregon Pinot Noir has earned a global reputation, but the majority of the state's wineries produce at such small volumes that entry-level prices remain steep. Firesteed Cellars solves that problem by blending fruit from multiple select vineyard sites across Oregon's top appellations, achieving a scale of production few competitors match while maintaining hands-on winemaking: Burgundy-origin yeasts, stainless-steel fermentation, and careful aging in French oak. The 2017 vintage's Gold at the Sunset International Wine Competition is evidence that the approach works. For anyone who wants authentic Oregon Pinot Noir character—bright red fruit, silky tannins, earthy depth—without the boutique markup, this bottle consistently earns its place on the table.