tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1 2010-02-07T22:11:47Z A consumer's perspective on Oregon and Washington wine. Movable Type 3.2ysb5-20051201 tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.476 2010-02-07T21:15:27Z 2010-02-07T22:11:47Z

For anyone who has been following my posts these last couple of years, it should be readily apparent that I am biased toward Oregon wine. That said, this bias may not exist for reasons solely associated with my subjective taste preferences. In the last year, I have come to realize my personal journey with wine, especially that comprised of Oregon fruit, may be just as much about my past as it is about my palate. While I am a Texan by birth and an Okie by childhood, both branches of my family tree have firm roots in the state...

Thad W. For anyone who has been following my posts these last couple of years, it should be readily apparent that I am biased toward Oregon wine. That said, this bias may not exist for reasons solely associated with my subjective taste preferences. In the last year, I have come to realize my personal journey with wine, especially that comprised of Oregon fruit, may be just as much about my past as it is about my palate. While I am a Texan by birth and an Okie by childhood, both branches of my family tree have firm roots in the state... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.475 2010-02-07T00:16:47Z 2010-02-07T00:29:15Z

A clear straw color in the glass, the Vin de Lac 2008 Viognier Lake Chelan (14.3%) offered citrus fruit and wet stone notes to the nose. Crisp acidity with a pleasing minerality in the beginning but then followed by a bit of heat to the back of the throat on the finish. While it showed promise, the higher alcohol relative to other Lake Chelan 2008 viogniers I have tried recently would prompt me to pass on another bottle of the Vin de Luc Vie! ($18). Related Links Wine Press Northwest Review Vin de Lac Site...

Thad W. A clear straw color in the glass, the Vin de Lac 2008 Viognier Lake Chelan (14.3%) offered citrus fruit and wet stone notes to the nose. Crisp acidity with a pleasing minerality in the beginning but then followed by a bit of heat to the back of the throat on the finish. While it showed promise, the higher alcohol relative to other Lake Chelan 2008 viogniers I have tried recently would prompt me to pass on another bottle of the Vin de Luc Vie! ($18). Related Links Wine Press Northwest Review Vin de Lac Site... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.474 2010-02-07T00:05:15Z 2010-02-07T00:15:25Z

Full Disclosure: This wine was provided as a free sample from the producer. In the glass, the Pacific Rim 2008 Sweet Riesling Columbia Valley (8.5%) was a clear, yellow-green gold color with pronounced petrol on the nose followed by tropical fruit, especially pineapple. This Washington riesling was pleasantly sweet with enough acidity to provide a terrific balance. Flavors of pineapple, peach, and minerals were evident in this medium full wine. I really enjoyed the Pacific Rim sweet riesling and at $10 this is a wine to have often with spicy Asian fare or on its own. Related Links Pacific Rim...

Thad W. Full Disclosure: This wine was provided as a free sample from the producer. In the glass, the Pacific Rim 2008 Sweet Riesling Columbia Valley (8.5%) was a clear, yellow-green gold color with pronounced petrol on the nose followed by tropical fruit, especially pineapple. This Washington riesling was pleasantly sweet with enough acidity to provide a terrific balance. Flavors of pineapple, peach, and minerals were evident in this medium full wine. I really enjoyed the Pacific Rim sweet riesling and at $10 this is a wine to have often with spicy Asian fare or on its own. Related Links Pacific Rim... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.473 2010-02-06T17:48:08Z 2010-02-06T19:41:03Z

Last year, I really enjoyed Doug Tunnell's 2007 Gamay Noir, and ended up buying half a case of this Biodynamic certified wine. Therefore, it was with much anticipation that I tried the Brick House 2008 Gamay Noir Ribbon Ridge (13.5%), a natural wine that while different in some ways from the '07, it is one I will definitely stock up on. The '08 Brick House Gamay Noir ($24) was a clear, garnet red in the glass, offering perfumed notes of strawberry and cherry fruit, dusty spice, and earth. In the mouth, this Oregon gamay delivered a nice silky texture, with...

Thad W. Last year, I really enjoyed Doug Tunnell's 2007 Gamay Noir, and ended up buying half a case of this Biodynamic certified wine. Therefore, it was with much anticipation that I tried the Brick House 2008 Gamay Noir Ribbon Ridge (13.5%), a natural wine that while different in some ways from the '07, it is one I will definitely stock up on. The '08 Brick House Gamay Noir ($24) was a clear, garnet red in the glass, offering perfumed notes of strawberry and cherry fruit, dusty spice, and earth. In the mouth, this Oregon gamay delivered a nice silky texture, with... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.472 2010-02-06T17:15:05Z 2010-02-06T17:25:38Z

In the glass, the Patricia Green 2008 Pinot Noir Balcombe Vineyard Dundee Hills (13%) was a deep garnet red, delivering strong notes of earth following by black fruit. In the mouth, this was a well balanced Oregon pinot, a bit funky on the first night and then a tad sweet and concentrated on the second. We paired the Patricia Green Balcombe ($32) with grilled trout that was served with a mango/avocado salsa and farro. The next dinner we matched it was grilled lamb loin chops, roasted broccolini, and white beans. This pinot offered a nice compliment to both meals, which...

Thad W. In the glass, the Patricia Green 2008 Pinot Noir Balcombe Vineyard Dundee Hills (13%) was a deep garnet red, delivering strong notes of earth following by black fruit. In the mouth, this was a well balanced Oregon pinot, a bit funky on the first night and then a tad sweet and concentrated on the second. We paired the Patricia Green Balcombe ($32) with grilled trout that was served with a mango/avocado salsa and farro. The next dinner we matched it was grilled lamb loin chops, roasted broccolini, and white beans. This pinot offered a nice compliment to both meals, which... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.471 2010-01-31T23:15:35Z 2010-02-01T00:10:51Z

A little over a week ago, I published a commentary that focused on the more commonly raised arguments against disclosing wine ingredients. In this second post of a two part series, I wanted to highlight the reasons why wineries should voluntarily disclose any and all additives used in the production of their wine. First and foremost, all consumers deserve to know what's included in the wines they drink. We have just as much a right to know what's in our wine, as we are entitled to know what's in any food item or non-alcoholic beverage. It's time for wine...

Thad W. A little over a week ago, I published a commentary that focused on the more commonly raised arguments against disclosing wine ingredients. In this second post of a two part series, I wanted to highlight the reasons why wineries should voluntarily disclose any and all additives used in the production of their wine. First and foremost, all consumers deserve to know what's included in the wines they drink. We have just as much a right to know what's in our wine, as we are entitled to know what's in any food item or non-alcoholic beverage. It's time for wine... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.470 2010-01-28T05:05:34Z 2010-01-28T15:55:21Z

In the glass, the Scott Paul 2007 La Paulée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.1%) was a beautiful ruby red color, with notes of strawberry fruit, a subtle earthiness, and hints of spice. The red berry fruit flavors continued on the palate with strawberry and raspberry being most predominant, combined with well balanced acidity and a delicious finish. This is a terrific expression of Oregon pinot noir, sourced from four leading vineyards in four different sub-appellations in the Willamette Valley. Like all Scott Paul pinots, it's naturally fermented, with no cultured yeasts or additives used in the winemaking process. For anyone...

Thad W. In the glass, the Scott Paul 2007 La Paulée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.1%) was a beautiful ruby red color, with notes of strawberry fruit, a subtle earthiness, and hints of spice. The red berry fruit flavors continued on the palate with strawberry and raspberry being most predominant, combined with well balanced acidity and a delicious finish. This is a terrific expression of Oregon pinot noir, sourced from four leading vineyards in four different sub-appellations in the Willamette Valley. Like all Scott Paul pinots, it's naturally fermented, with no cultured yeasts or additives used in the winemaking process. For anyone... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.469 2010-01-26T05:39:29Z 2010-01-26T05:53:31Z

The Benson Vineyards Estate 2008 Pinot Gris Lake Chelan (13.1%) was a clear, straw color in the glass, delivering notes of ripe melon, wet stone, and a bit of citris. In the mouth, this pinot gris offered muted fruit flavors, nice acidity, but a flat finish. We paired the Benson Estate pinot gris ($18) with various meals, including chicken teriyaki and braised beef short ribs, but it just didn't meet the bar for us. I'd pass on buying another bottle of this wine - pinot gris is a tough sell relative to more flavorful varieties. Related Links A Visit to...

Thad W. The Benson Vineyards Estate 2008 Pinot Gris Lake Chelan (13.1%) was a clear, straw color in the glass, delivering notes of ripe melon, wet stone, and a bit of citris. In the mouth, this pinot gris offered muted fruit flavors, nice acidity, but a flat finish. We paired the Benson Estate pinot gris ($18) with various meals, including chicken teriyaki and braised beef short ribs, but it just didn't meet the bar for us. I'd pass on buying another bottle of this wine - pinot gris is a tough sell relative to more flavorful varieties. Related Links A Visit to... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.468 2010-01-26T05:28:38Z 2010-01-26T05:34:24Z

In the glass, the Benson Vineyards Estate 2008 Viognier Lake Chelan (14.0%) was a light yellow-green straw color with hints of lemon, minerals, and tropical fruit. This Washington viognier offered a clean, crisp mouthfeel, although the alcohol created a bit of a burn on the finish. I really liked the minerality, bright acidity, and stonefruit flavors in this Lake Chelan wine. At $19, this wine offers a good quality-to-price ratio. In fact, after enjoying this and another Lake Chelan vigonier, I am starting to prefer the fruit from this region of our state, specifically for its acidity and minerality. Related...

Thad W. In the glass, the Benson Vineyards Estate 2008 Viognier Lake Chelan (14.0%) was a light yellow-green straw color with hints of lemon, minerals, and tropical fruit. This Washington viognier offered a clean, crisp mouthfeel, although the alcohol created a bit of a burn on the finish. I really liked the minerality, bright acidity, and stonefruit flavors in this Lake Chelan wine. At $19, this wine offers a good quality-to-price ratio. In fact, after enjoying this and another Lake Chelan vigonier, I am starting to prefer the fruit from this region of our state, specifically for its acidity and minerality. Related... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.467 2010-01-26T05:03:21Z 2010-01-26T05:26:58Z

This Washington chardonnay offered a pleasant surprise, primarily due to it tasting like a crisp Chablis. The Benson Vineyards Estate 2008 Chardonnay Lake Chelan (14.5%) was a clear golden yellow in the glass, providing scents of pear and wet stone to the nose. This steel fermented wine was sharp on the palate, but in a good way, for there are far too many Washington chardonnays that are cloying, viscous, and vanilla for my taste. I really liked the minerality and acidity in this wine, although the alcohol showed a bit of heat on the back of the throat. It also...

Thad W. This Washington chardonnay offered a pleasant surprise, primarily due to it tasting like a crisp Chablis. The Benson Vineyards Estate 2008 Chardonnay Lake Chelan (14.5%) was a clear golden yellow in the glass, providing scents of pear and wet stone to the nose. This steel fermented wine was sharp on the palate, but in a good way, for there are far too many Washington chardonnays that are cloying, viscous, and vanilla for my taste. I really liked the minerality and acidity in this wine, although the alcohol showed a bit of heat on the back of the throat. It also... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.466 2010-01-26T04:48:39Z 2010-01-26T05:01:00Z

Full Disclosure: This wine was provided as a free sample from the producer. In the glass, the Pacific Rim 2008 Gewürztraminer (12%) was a pretty golden yellow, delivering vibrant tropical fruit notes, with ripe melon being most predominant. Flavors of mango and pineapple combined with a terrific balance between sweet (1.7% RS) and acid (TA .76). We enjoyed this Pacific Northwest wine (83% Washington fruit and 17% Oregon) on its own and with spicy Asian food. It's a terrific rendition of gewürztraminer, without the cloying, viscosity and pina colada flavors of many of its peers. What a delicious wine for...

Thad W. Full Disclosure: This wine was provided as a free sample from the producer. In the glass, the Pacific Rim 2008 Gewürztraminer (12%) was a pretty golden yellow, delivering vibrant tropical fruit notes, with ripe melon being most predominant. Flavors of mango and pineapple combined with a terrific balance between sweet (1.7% RS) and acid (TA .76). We enjoyed this Pacific Northwest wine (83% Washington fruit and 17% Oregon) on its own and with spicy Asian food. It's a terrific rendition of gewürztraminer, without the cloying, viscosity and pina colada flavors of many of its peers. What a delicious wine for... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.465 2010-01-22T03:56:53Z 2010-02-02T05:00:06Z

Recently, I have engaged in a debate on the merits of disclosing wine ingredients and have come away surprised at the arguments that have been made against my stance. While the counterpoints are numerous, I have yet to hear an argument against disclosure that holds any water, one that might make me take pause and rethink my stance on this important topic. In the first of a two part series, I thought it would be useful to summarize the arguments I have heard thus far and why each of these suffers in terms of its power of persuasion. In...

Thad W. Recently, I have engaged in a debate on the merits of disclosing wine ingredients and have come away surprised at the arguments that have been made against my stance. While the counterpoints are numerous, I have yet to hear an argument against disclosure that holds any water, one that might make me take pause and rethink my stance on this important topic. In the first of a two part series, I thought it would be useful to summarize the arguments I have heard thus far and why each of these suffers in terms of its power of persuasion. In... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.464 2010-01-19T03:16:56Z 2010-01-26T05:36:11Z

In the glass, the Nefarious Cellars 2008 Viognier Defiance Vineyard (13.6%) was a clear light golden yellow color, delivering hints of pineapple and melon with a bit of wet stone and minerality. In the mouth, this estate viognier was a bit fizzy, which didn't distract from enjoying the delicious fruit flavors and crisp acidity. I especially liked the minerality and texture in this Lake Chelan wine. We paired the Nefarious with a winter squash ravioli topped with a mushroom sauce and a butter leaf lettuce salad with chunks of Breton ham and mozzarella dressed in olive oil and white wine...

Thad W. In the glass, the Nefarious Cellars 2008 Viognier Defiance Vineyard (13.6%) was a clear light golden yellow color, delivering hints of pineapple and melon with a bit of wet stone and minerality. In the mouth, this estate viognier was a bit fizzy, which didn't distract from enjoying the delicious fruit flavors and crisp acidity. I especially liked the minerality and texture in this Lake Chelan wine. We paired the Nefarious with a winter squash ravioli topped with a mushroom sauce and a butter leaf lettuce salad with chunks of Breton ham and mozzarella dressed in olive oil and white wine... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.463 2010-01-16T05:18:38Z 2010-01-16T05:53:22Z

I can't believe it's taken me almost two years to open another bottle of this terrific white wine from Oregon, comprised of fruit you just don't see very often amongst New World wines. The Adelsheim 2008 Auxerrois Ribbon Springs Vineyard Ribbon Ridge AVA (13.2%) was a clear, light yellowish green color in the glass, offering muted mineral, wet stone notes and very subtle scents of fruit (the label suggested Asian pear, which is spot on). Even after letting the auxerrois warm up a bit, the scents remained understated. In the mouth, the Adelsheim auxerrois delivered well balanced acidity and what...

Thad W. I can't believe it's taken me almost two years to open another bottle of this terrific white wine from Oregon, comprised of fruit you just don't see very often amongst New World wines. The Adelsheim 2008 Auxerrois Ribbon Springs Vineyard Ribbon Ridge AVA (13.2%) was a clear, light yellowish green color in the glass, offering muted mineral, wet stone notes and very subtle scents of fruit (the label suggested Asian pear, which is spot on). Even after letting the auxerrois warm up a bit, the scents remained understated. In the mouth, the Adelsheim auxerrois delivered well balanced acidity and what... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.462 2010-01-16T05:02:44Z 2010-01-16T05:41:53Z

After enjoying their delicious 2006 estate pinot noir, I was even more excited to open their 2007, a vintage that I find much more to my liking. In the glass, The Eyrie Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills (13.5%) was a clear, garnet red delivering an incredible combination of strawberry and raspberry fruit along with notes of earth and forest floor. This estate grown pinot noir was well structured and balanced, with delicious cherry fruit, great acidity, silky texture, and a long captivating finish. We paired The Eyrie Vineyards pinot noir with a roasted pork tenderloin, cooked medium rare, and...

Thad W. After enjoying their delicious 2006 estate pinot noir, I was even more excited to open their 2007, a vintage that I find much more to my liking. In the glass, The Eyrie Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills (13.5%) was a clear, garnet red delivering an incredible combination of strawberry and raspberry fruit along with notes of earth and forest floor. This estate grown pinot noir was well structured and balanced, with delicious cherry fruit, great acidity, silky texture, and a long captivating finish. We paired The Eyrie Vineyards pinot noir with a roasted pork tenderloin, cooked medium rare, and...