Resveratrol, the “powerful antioxidant” found in red wine, is known to prolong cell life and at least in theory “helps prevent cancer,” said Ray Isle in Food & Wine. While “scientists are fairly certain that the amount of resveratrol in a single glass of wine doesn’t help much,” one can never be too careful. In my hunt for healthy wine options, I sought out the best pinot noirs from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Why Oregon? Pinot noir from a cool climate is “particularly high in resveratrol.”
2008 Lemelson Vineyards Six Vineyards ($20). This “balanced red” is made from the harvest of vineyards throughout Willamette Valley.
2009 Argyle Willamette Valley ($25). A classic Willamette Valley pinot noir—with flavors of “black cherry” and “a touch of earth.”
2008 Stoller JV Estate ($25). This “crisp red comes from the newest vines at Stoller”—hence its JV, or “jeunes vignes,” label.
