Home


About


Books


Connections


Perspectives


Tasting Notes


Wine Recos


Winery Recos


Recently Commented On

Categories

August 25, 2010

I am consumer, not blogger

I am a wine consumer. I am not a "wine blogger". I am inspired enough on certain occasions to share my wine experiences. I am not always writing for others, while more often doing so for myself. I do buy wine at a retailer, winery, or restaurant just like other consumers. I do not solicit (or shakedown) wineries for free wine samples. I am regularly declining offers for free wine. I am not here to promote a winery's or distributor's product. I do prefer to experience wine with food. I do not bring a laptop to wine dinners. I do...

Continue reading »


August 20, 2010

IPNC 2010: Saturday, July 24 (Day Two)

What an amazing second day this turned out to be. From the morning pairing seminar to the alfresco lunch to the evening salmon bake, it was a day that exceeded expectations on a number of fronts. Here is a summary of my experiences, thoughts, and impressions from Day Two of the International Pinot Noir Celebration 2010. The Grand Seminar Another breakfast of fresh berries...arrive too late for the bacon and sausage...stomach is craving protein...alas, the "Wine is Food" grand seminar offers a mid-morning brunch of lamb and pinot...four wines matched to four preparations...shoulder, loin, leg and shank...winemaker and chef collaborate...Ray...

Continue reading »


August 14, 2010

IPNC 2010: Friday, July 23 (Day One)

What a terrific first day this turned out to be. From the morning's opening ceremonies to the evening's grand dinner event, it was a day that offered a variety of learning experiences, meaningful connections, and outstanding meals. Without further ado, here is a summary of impressions from this amazing Friday at IPNC 2010. Opening Ceremonies Fruit of the rambling vine for breakfast...fresh raspberries, blackberries, marionberries...pastries galore...welcome from Dr. Thomas Hellie, president of Linfield College...quotes winemaker who claimed, "Pinot noir is the tuning fork of the soul"...still resonates with me even now...Ray Isle, MC for IPNC, talks about the "communal bond,...

Continue reading »


August 09, 2010

Links to coverage of IPNC 2010

For anyone impatient with my delayed posts or bored with that provided thus far, here's an ever expanding list of links to articles, reviews, and other commentary on the International Pinot Noir Celebration that occurred July 23 - 25, 2010 in McMinnville. IPNC: Continuing Education in Living Well (PinotFile) Excess -- of food and wine -- is the rule at IPNC in McMinnville (The Oregonian) IPNC 2010: Day One (Snooth) IPNC 2010: Day Two (Snooth) What the IPNC is really like (Matching Food & Wine) IPNC… Wines From Oregon and Beyond (Sip With Me!) The Epiphany of Pinot Noir? (Fermentation)...

Continue reading »


August 08, 2010

More coverage of IPNC 2010 weekend coming soon

With so much to share and so many words to write, my posts on specific experiences at IPNC 2010 will be published in installments over the coming weeks. I intend to breakdown this three day event into a series of five or six posts, focusing on the main seminar, winery tour, grand dinner, and salmon bake. Capping it all off, I will summarize my experiences, takeaways, and impressions in a final commentary. To ease the burden on my sufferable writing skills, I will be filling space with lots of photos captured throughout the weekend. Even still, processing these takes...

Continue reading »


Pre-IPNC 2010 Dinner at Scott Paul

With more than a dozen Willamette Valley wineries hosting dinners on the eve of IPNC weekend, it makes for a tough decision when choosing which one to attend. These Thursday night events are a great way to kickoff what becomes a series of multi-course, multi-flight meals that help define and shape IPNC. The evening Scott and Martha Wright hosted at their downtown Carlton winery on Thursday, July 22, was no exception. In fact, this event exceeded expectations on so many fronts, I probably could have gone home the next day and been happy with that experience alone. The interesting people,...

Continue reading »


August 05, 2010

Drawing vines, contemplating wine

One of the activities I enjoy most with my daughters is drawing pictures with them. Last weekend, my youngest girl asked that I join her at the table to draw. With her colorful markers in hand, I quickly sketched this image, one that was clearly inspired by my recent visit to Pinot noir vineyards in Oregon during IPNC weekend. When my five year old daughter saw this she asked, "Daddy, why do you like wine so much?". This query prompted me to really stop and think deep down why wine, especially Pinot noir, was so compelling to me. A...

Continue reading »


August 01, 2010

Photos: IPNC 2010 Vineyard Tour & Winery Lunch

A few shots captured during the IPNC Vineyard Tour and Winery Lunch hosted by Lemelson on Friday, July 23. More details and photos from this terrific day will be shared soon. A view from my seat on the bus A view from my seat at the blending seminar A view from my seat at the outdoor luncheon...

Continue reading »


July 29, 2010

Outstanding in the Field at Oxbow Farm

On Friday, July 16, Kari and I attended an Outstanding in the Field dinner at Oxbow Farm, which is located about twenty miles east of downtown Seattle in the town of Carnation. This event was met with much anticipation for it was not only our first OITF, but also an occasion to celebrate our wedding anniversary. At first glance, the $180 per plate price might seem an extravagance, but considering the outdoor setting at Oxbow Farm, the five course meal prepared by chef Matt Dillon and his team from The Corson Building, the four different wines poured by James...

Continue reading »


July 24, 2010

Hello from IPNC 2010!

What a terrific event IPNC 2010 has been thus far. If you're interested in following my coverage, please visit my Twitter feed for pics and posts captured at various times each day. That said, trying to distill all of the great people, wines, and food into a series of Tweets would be an injustice to this extraordinary event. As such, I am relying more on visual representation of my experiences by shooting pics and posting them to my Twitter feed. The words will come later next week in more details posts here at BeyondtheBottle.com. While I have some downtime, it...

Continue reading »


July 21, 2010

Off to IPNC 2010

Tomorrow, I head south to Oregon for the International Pinot Noir Celebration in McMinnville. It's been two years since I attended this amazing event. Suffice it to say, I have been awaiting this week for well over a year, when I realized how much I missed out in not attending the 2009 gathering. This year, I am road tripping with my Dad to Portland, who has been in Seattle this past week for a family reunion celebrating his 80th birthday. The last four nights hosting my dad and other members of my extended family have offered a terrific opportunity to...

Continue reading »


July 14, 2010

Why I've turned comments off...

You may have noticed that I am no longer accepting comments here at BeyondtheBottle.com. While I invite folks to share their thoughts, experiences, and opinions about what I post here, I have found the spam overwhelming. It's become an arduous task each day, sifting thru and deleting dozens upon dozens of spam comments that have nothing to do with wine. If you find something worth commenting on, then please send me an email. You can find my contact information in the About section. And please know that I am working on upgrading the spam filter on this site in order...

Continue reading »


Views of Walla Walla Valley

Every 4th of July, we head east to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends in Walla Walla. Here are a few shots of vistas I captured during this recent visit. With unseasonably cool temperatures and blue skies, the weather was absolutely perfect this year. Vineyard Row Country Road Wind Farm...

Continue reading »


June 28, 2010

A case study in Burgundy wine

While it might seem from my lack of posts of late that I may have given up on wine, have no fear for my palate has been experiencing less of the local vine and more of the French kind, specifically pinot noir and chardonnay from Burgundy. My goal over the last several weeks has been to gain a stronger frame of reference by focusing my consumption of these two varieties on the baseline, or better put, benchmark that is Burgundy red and white wine. While I have endeavored to pick up a bottle here and a half case there after...

Continue reading »


June 27, 2010

Row 17 at Domaine Drouhin Oregon

One of my favorite shots from IPNC 2008, captured when I was visiting DDO during the first day of an incredible weekend...IPNC 2010 is just weeks away...can't wait to experience it again....

Continue reading »


June 08, 2010

Haden Fig 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

A garnet red in the glass, the Haden Fig 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) delivered vibrant fruit with an appealing earthiness. On the palate, this bioynamic/organic/sustainable wine offers black fruit flavors balanced with good acidity leading to a long dark cherry finish. One of three debut wines from Erin Nuccio, assistant winemaker at Evesham Wood, this is an Oregon pinot noir crafted in a similar style to that of Russ and Mary Raney. While priced for $24 at the winery, I found it sold for less in various wine shops around Seattle. Time to get some more. P.S. A...

Continue reading »


Haden Fig 2008 Chardonnay Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Haden Fig 2008 Chardonnay Willamette Valley (13.5%) was a clear, golden yellow color delivering lemon, citrus, mineral and talc notes. On the palate, this stainless steel fermented chardonnay (20% in new oak) offered bright acidity, citrus flavors, and crisp minerality. On its own, the Haden Fig displayed a slightly bracing dryness, but with the right foods this can be an asset. I am a fan of this style of chardonnay, which is why I enjoy Chablis. At $14, the Haden Fig offers a fantastic QPR and is yet another example of the quality of chardonnay being...

Continue reading »


June 06, 2010

Scott Paul 2008 Audrey Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

Last November, I sampled this wine for the first time in the Scott Paul tasting room and enjoyed it so much that I immediately bought a half case of futures that were delivered earlier this spring. Last week, I opened a bottle and enjoyed it so much more that I wondered how on earth the other five bottles would last thru the summer. A clear, ruby red color in the glass, the Scott Paul 2008 Audrey Pinot Noir Dundee Hills (13.1%) offered captivating aromas of multi-layered fruit including strawberry, raspberry and cherry, combined with a subtle earthiness and hints...

Continue reading »


Review: The Battle for Wine or Love by Alice Feiring

Alice Feiring's "The Battle for Wine and Love: Or How I Saved the World From Parkerization" is a book I have referenced in various posts since reading it six months ago, but until now had yet to dedicate time to actually review. I attribute my postponement of this task to the mixed emotions I experienced reading it. While I appreciated this book for the learnings it offered about wine, I was put off by what I came to know of the author's personality. On the positive side, "The Battle for Wine and Love" offers useful insights into the historical...

Continue reading »


May 29, 2010

Belle Vallée 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

A clear ruby red in the glass, the Belle Vallée 2007 Pinot Noir (13.6%) was a bit stinky at first but this soon blew off to reveal aromas of bright red fruit and spice. On the palate, this Willamette Valley pinot noir delivered a light mouthfeel combined with delicious flavors of cherry, raspberry and blueberry combined with balanced acidity. We paired the Belle Vallée with grilled flank steak (with a teriyaki-style marinade), rice, and a carrot salad. I enjoyed this wine with our meal, which was purchased at retail for $18. Related Links Daily Glass Review Prince of Pinot Review...

Continue reading »


Connections: WillaKenzie Estate

A couple of years ago, I wrote how WillaKenzie stood out amongst its peers for the approach they took online. Anyone visiting their website's homepage is immediately connected to the sense of place that is WillaKenzie Estate. The ariel shot of their vineyards along with interactive descriptions of varietal plantings, sustainable practices, and wine products offers a terrific means toward understanding the who, what, and where behind this Oregon producer. Even better is the way WillaKenzie Estate integrates what it offers online with that provided offline in their tasting room. For example, the same ariel photo from their site's...

Continue reading »


May 23, 2010

A to Z Oregon Riesling

This Oregon riesling was a clear, light golden straw color in the glass, offering hints of petrol, melon and citrus to the nose. On the palate, the A to Z Oregon Riesling (12.5%) provided a good, clean mouthfeel, with flavors of melon and tropical fruit balanced with nice acidity. I purchased this bottle at my local wine retailer for $13, a price point that offers a terrific QPR. For those seeking a summer sipper or nice accompaniment to spicy grilled foods, the A to Z riesling is one to enjoy as the weather and food heat up in the months...

Continue reading »


Efestē 2008 Evergreen Riesling Columbia Valley

In the glass, the Efestē 2008 Evergreen Riesling Columbia Valley (11.7%) was a clear gold straw color delivering clean citrus and melon aromas to the nose. On the palate, this Washington riesling offered a terrific balance of residual sugar and acidity, wonderful fruit, enticing minerality, and a delicious long finish. At $16, the Efestē Riesling offers a nice quality-to-price ratio. I also liked how the back label described the Evergreen Vineyard from which the fruit was sourced and the style of wine it was crafted into. This is a riesling I will definitely buy again on my next visit to...

Continue reading »


May 12, 2010

Adelsheim 2007 Chardonnay Willamette Valley

The Adelsheim 2007 Chardonnay Willamette Valley (13.8%) is yet another example of how Oregon is distinguishing itself with this grape relative to its neighbors to the north and south. Even before your first sip, the back label offers a useful frame of reference on how this unadulterated chardonnay was crafted: This outrageously fresh white wine is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in the northern Willamette Valley. We make little use of such winemaking tricks as French oak, malolactic fermentation, skin contact and residual sugar. Instead, this is what Chardonnay grapes, grown in Oregon's unique climate, can become with minimal...

Continue reading »


Cooper Hill 2008 Pinot Noir

From the folks at Cooper Mountain, the Cooper Hill 2008 Pinot Noir is a wine that offers one of the better quality-to-price ratios at $18 (you can often find it discounted further). This biodynamic and organic certified pinot noir was a clear garnet read in the glass, offering sweet spicy cherry fruit to the nose combined with notes of earth and talc. On the palate, the Cooper Hill was well balanced with rich red fruit, good acidity, and a long cherry finish. We paired this delicious Oregon pinot noir with slow roasted pork shoulder fajitas that were comprised of fresh...

Continue reading »


Bergstrom 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Bergstrom 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (14.1%) was a clear, garnet red color delivering intriguing earthy, dusty black fruit aromas. On the palate, black cherry fruit was most predominant with pronounced tannins and good acidity overall. While this Oregon pinot noir tasted a bit concentrated and sweet on the first night, it became much earthier and mineral on the second night. It was paired with a Canadian bacon, mushroom, and tomato pizza on the first night and then tried alone a day later. I really enjoyed this wine and would buy another bottle to try...

Continue reading »


April 30, 2010

What I thought then, what I believe now

Just as my palate has evolved these last several years, so have my beliefs about wine changed with the passage of time. I was reminded of this after reading a few posts published when this blog launched three years ago. Looking back on these commentaries, I was a bit surprised with my naivete on some subjects and over-generalizations on others. Here are two posts that convey what I thought back then, but no longer believe now: Breaking the Unspoken Code I entered the blogosphere thinking those writers only publishing positive reviews were biased in that they were attempting to maintain...

Continue reading »


April 26, 2010

One of my favorite poems about wine

This is a terrific poem about wine, one that speaks to the communal joy that comes with sharing a bottle and experiencing a glass (or two) with others. And there is no other piece that effectively captures that moment so often experienced after dinner with family and friends. I first heard this poem read by Garrison Keillor on the radio when traveling to IPNC in July 2008. What a profound moment to have heard this on the same day I was planning to join hundreds of fellow pinot lovers at this event. "The Good Nights" by Joseph Mills On the...

Continue reading »


April 18, 2010

Eco-Friendly Wine: Oregon vs. Washington

A few Sundays ago in The Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt had a column entitled, "Eco-friendly is market smart", which highlighted some of the sustainable practices used in vineyards and wineries around Washington state. While Gregutt showcased a handful of Washington producers (and even one from California), nary a mention was made of what the Oregon wine industry is doing in this area. This got me thinking about the respective approaches Oregon and Washington are taking in producing eco-friendly wine. When multiple searches for relevant stats came up dry, I embarked on a quest to identify the vineyards and wineries...

Continue reading »


List of Oregon's Certified Vineyards and Wineries

Here are the vineyards and wineries in Oregon that have received certification for sustainable, organic, and/or biodynamic practices. This list was compiled based on information found at the Low Input Viticulture & Enology, Salmon-Safe, Oregon Tilth, and Demeter® USA sites. As a result, this list may not always reflect the most current or comprehensive certifications received by an Oregon vineyard or winery. Vineyards Alloro Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Amity Vineyards (LIVE Sustainable/Tilth Organic) Anindor Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Anna Marie Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Apolloni Vineyards (LIVE Sustainable) Aurora Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Avellana Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Bass Hill Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Bayliss Vineyard...

Continue reading »


List of Washington's Certified Vineyards and Wineries

Here are the vineyards and wineries in Washington state that have been certified for some type of sustainable practice, be it organic, biodynamic or otherwise. Washington's list was compiled based on info found at the Low Input Viticulture & Enology, Salmon-Safe, and Demeter® USA sites. As a result, this list may not always contain the most current or complete certifications received by a Washington state vineyard or winery. Vineyards Badger Mountain Vineyards (Salmon-Safe) Double River Estate Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Figgins Estate (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Frenchtown Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Heather Hill (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Les Collines Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Loess Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe)...

Continue reading »


April 07, 2010

IPNC 2010 Featured Wineries Announced

In about three months, over sixty-five wineries from eleven different growing regions around the world will gather in McMinnville, Oregon, for the the 24th annual International Pinot Noir Celebration on July 23 - 25. With the featured wineries announced today, my excitement grows for this event not only due to many of my favorite Oregon producers participating but also pinot noir winemakers from Alsace, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Burgundy, California, Canada, Germany, Italy, and New Zealand. My IPNC ticket is purchased, pre-IPNC dinner booked, and weekend accommodations are reserved. Now all I have to do is count the days until late...

Continue reading »


March 27, 2010

Brooks 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

This is what I have been hoping for in the 2008 line up of Oregon pinot noirs, a wine that balances fruit, earth and acid in an effective manner. The Brooks 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.4%) does just that. In the glass, the '08 Brooks pinot was a clear, ruby color delivering that delightful combination of red fruit and earth that I love. On the palate, this wine provides a terrific mouthfeel, with well balanced strawberry and cherry fruit, acidity, and earth/mineral elements. Tannins were evident, but not overbearing. We paired this wine with homemade mac n cheese, a...

Continue reading »


Matello 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Matello 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.9%) was a clear, garnet red, delivering aromas of dusty cherry fruit and pie crust to the nose. On the palate, this Oregon pinot offered a nice mouthfeel, with generous cherry fruit, good acidity and a decent finish. We paired this wine with a spicy pasta and bean soup my wife made using a recipe from Bon Appetit. The Matello complimented this meal, holding up well to the medium spice in this dish. To ensure the spice wasn't adversely impacting my experience with this wine, it was drunk without food...

Continue reading »


March 23, 2010

The Eyrie Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay Reserve Dundee Hills

What a terrific experience it was drinking The Eyrie Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay Reserve Dundee Hills (13.5%), a wine with a history unlike any other chardonnay from Oregon, as described on the bottle's back label: This cuvee draws together eight select barrels of Chardonnay from our founding vines, first rooted in 1965 - the Willamette Valley's original planting. As their vigor moderates, these mature vines provide fruit of extraordinary quality. The result is a statement of Chardonnay's most elusive virtue: to manifest new facets of place and vintage each time it is revisited. In the glass, the '07 reserve was a...

Continue reading »


Vin du Lac 2008 "Les Amis" Riesling Lake Chelan

In the glass, the Vin du Lac "Les Amis" Riesling Lake Chelan (13%) was a clear, greenish yellow straw color evoking notes of fresh, bright tropical pineapple with hints of orange zest. This 75% riesling, 18% muscat, and 7% gewurtz blend delivered a clean, crisp mouthfeel with nice fruit, well balanced acidity against the slight residual sugar. I really liked this Lake Chelan wine, which I purchased at the winery for $14. It went very well with our spicy Thai food dinner as well as on its own as well. The folks at Vin du Lac suggest it might be...

Continue reading »


March 13, 2010

Westrey 2007 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

Pinot gris is a hit and miss variety with me. Unfortunately, the Westrey 2007 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley (13%) was a miss, for it just wasn't my style due to it being a bit too thick and tropical for my taste. In the glass, the Westrey pinot gris was a bright, greenish gold color offering tropical notes of pineapple, papaya, and melon. It was slightly sweet on the palate at first, with nice fruit leading to bright acidity. Overall, it was too viscous and cloying. When it comes to pinot gris, I favor the crisper, mineral approach, with enough fruit...

Continue reading »


Dunham Cellars 2007 Riesling Lewis Estate Vineyard

In the glass, the Dunham Cellars 2007 Riesling Columbia Valley (13.4%) was a clear, golden yellow color providing notes of petrol, wet stone, and a hint of honeysuckle. This Washington riesling lacked enough acidity to balance the residual sugar, which generated a candied, syrupy finish. We paired the Dunham Cellars riesling with chicken cacciatore on the first night and it was consumed alone on the second. It may best to drink this wine with a more spicy dish, such as Asian fare. I purchased this bottle for $26 while visiting the Dunham Cellars tasting room last year. Related Links Dunham...

Continue reading »


Plowbuster 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Plowbuster is a second label from the folks at Carabella. In the glass, the 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (14.5%) was a clear, garnet red delivering pronounced cherry fruit notes along with hints of talc and toast. This Oregon pinot noir offered generous cherry fruit flavors balanced with decent acidity, although it was a bit sweet and cloying on the finish. We paired this wine with a chopped salad that included chicken and salami accompanied by a loaf of rustic bread. The candied nature of the Plowbuster pinot might appeal to some, but it's not my style. I purchased this...

Continue reading »


Patricia Green 2008 Chardonnay Four Winds Vineyard

I have become a big fan of Patricia Green's wines from the Four Winds Vineyard, therefore I was really excited to find her '08 chardonnay available at my local wine store. The Patricia Green 2008 Chardonnay Four Winds Vineyard (12.5%) drinks like a Chablis, which is a style I really like with this variety. In the glass, this Oregon chardonnay was a beautiful, clear golden yellow color providing notes of freshly sliced lemons, wet stone, and hints of stone fruit. This wine was a bit angular at first due to its bright acidity, but the edges were smoothed out over...

Continue reading »



twitter-beyond-the-bottle.jpg

 Subscribe in a reader




www.flickr.com
This is a Flickr badge showing items in a set called Wine. Make your own badge here.

Alltop, all the top stories



Creative Commons License
This weblog is licensed under a Creative Commons License.