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April 12, 2011

Brick House 2008 "Evelyn's" Pinot Noir

In the glass, the Brick House '08 "Evelyn's" Pinot Noir (13.5%) was a clear, garnet red color delivering these ethereal notes of fresh summer red berries with a hint of spice. The aroma was so delicate, so lovely, so pretty - an elegant wine. In the mouth, this Ribbon Ridge Pinot noir was well balanced and structured with a delicious combination of fruit, acidity, tannin and minerality. I wanted to experience more of the sights, smells and tastes of this wine after every sip. Glad to know there are a couple more bottles in the cellar to enjoy in the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:51 PM |

February 07, 2011

The Hands of Harvest

Here's a short video containing several dozen photographs from last Fall's wine harvest in the Willamette Valley...best viewed in full-screen, HD mode...enjoy....

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:15 PM |

February 03, 2011

Cameron 2009 Giuliano Willamette Valley

This is a deliciously fun white wine in so many ways. The Cameron 2009 Giuliano (13.2%) is a blend of five varieties: friulano, auxerrois, pinot bianco, pinot grigio, and moscato. As a result, it's full of pretty floral notes in the glass, with these lively scents of apricot, peach, pear, and pineapple. Each sniff brings another layer of fruit to the surface, all of which is resting on an appealing foundation of minerality. The Giuliano blend provides a full mouthfeel, with a viscosity that avoided becoming syrupy. I really liked the residual sugar balanced against the crisp acidity in this...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:51 AM |

January 21, 2011

Well deserved praise for 2008 Oregon Pinot noir

Eric Asimov, wine critic at The New York Times, gives high marks to Oregon Pinot noir after he and several others in a panel tasted twenty different wines from 2008. Asimov joins an expanding chorus of reviewers heaping praise on this vintage - you can see his list of recommendations here. While Asimov cautions that his top ten picks aren't necessarily the "best" Oregon Pinot noir from 2008 (rather, just the favorites from the twenty tasted), I am not surprised to see some of the producers featured on his top ten list of recommendations. Belle Pente (#1), WillaKenzie (#2), Adelsheim...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:19 AM |

January 11, 2011

Brick House 2008 Chardonnay Ribbon Ridge AVA

I love this wine for so many reasons... It's an incredibly delicious, captivating wine, a Chardonnay made in the style of white Burgundy (e.g., whole cluster, neutral oak, native yeast, lees, unfined/unfiltered). The estate's twenty year old Dijon vines (clones 75, 76, 78, 99) are cultivated using sustainable practices (e.g., certified biodymanic and organic). The Chardonnay fruit is hand-picked and hand-crafted, with minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process. At only $24, it's an inexpensively priced Chardonnay considering the high quality, especially to others in its category. The 2008 Brick House has special memories attached to it as well. I first...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:10 PM |

November 21, 2010

Seven of Hearts 2008 Chardonnay Yamhill-Carlton

In the glass, the Seven of Hearts 2008 Elvenglade Vineyard Chardonnay Yamhill-Carlton (13%) was a light, golden yellow color revealing floral citrus notes combined with a pleasing spice and minerality. On the palate, this mostly barrel fermented chardonnay had a predominant vanilla flavor, but it was tempered by the lemon peel and tropical fruit notes as well as the bright acidity. The lingering finish was pleasing due to the wine's minerality. I liked this $24 wine and look forward to future vintages from this producer. Related Links Travel Oregon Blog Review Seven of Hearts Web Site...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:44 PM |

Biggio Hamina 2009 Pinot Grigio Cougar's Mark Vineyard WV

I am not a big fan of Oregon Pinot gris, as most seem monochromatic to me. I rarely buy it, opting instead for more interesting white varieties from the state such as Chardonnay and Riesling. My subjective palate even finds Pinot blanc more intriguing than most Pinot gris. The Biggio Hamina 2009 Pinot Grigio Cougar's Mark Vineyard Willamette Valley (12.9%) is an exception and enough of a standout that I would definitely buy more of this $17 wine. In the glass, this wine was a clear, light straw color, providing tropical notes of melon and pineapple combined with mineral scents...

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Posted by Thad W. at 05:04 PM |

November 15, 2010

Photos: Belle Pente's biodiversity

When it comes to wine, there are tasting rooms, there are wineries, and then there are farms. Belle Pente Vineyard and Winery is a true farm, with a range of biodiversity that might surprise those who visit, including me. I arrived expecting to find rows of grapes, but instead came upon a diverse collection of animals grazing in the pastures surrounding the Belle Pente estate vineyard. Case in point, a small herd of Scottish highland cows with two six month old calves. Their moms were highly attentive to anyone approaching the fence, especially with a camera pointed at them...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:37 PM |

November 13, 2010

Video: Harvest Day 2010

Last month, I had the opportunity to spend two days at Lemelson Vineyards, capturing a variety of activities during the peak of harvest in the Willamette Valley. This short video offers an intimate look at the hard work and team effort that goes into harvest each year, from the pick in the vineyard at sunrise to the sort in the winery thru sunset. Harvest Day 2010 from Beyond the Bottle on Vimeo....

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:34 AM |

November 11, 2010

Review: Farm to Fork, Dundee, OR

It's a rare occasion when I will eat at the same restaurant twice in one month, let alone the same week. And I have yet to recall a situation where I have chosen to eat another meal in the same restaurant within a 24 hour period. Well, Farm to Fork in Dundee, Oregon, is now the only restaurant where I have eaten four meals (two dinners, one lunch and one breakfast) within such a short period of time. It's that good, plain and simple. Granted, I was staying at the Inn at Red Hills making it extremely convenient to...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:31 PM |

Cameron 2008 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

Cameron has become one of my favorite producers in the Dundee Hills AVA of Oregon. Year after year, these folks know how to craft outstanding wines from Dundee Hills fruit. The 2008 Cameron Pinot Noir Dundee Hills AVA (12.8%) is yet another example of excellent viticulture and fine winemaking. I could wax poetic about my experience drinking this wine, from the garnet red color in the glass, to the delights this bottle revealed in terms of fruit, acidity, and minerality over consecutive nights. But to be honest, Michael Alberty of Story Teller Wines in Portland does this wine better justice...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:39 PM |

November 07, 2010

Photos: Chardonnay fruit at Belle Pente and Brick House

The fruit at both Belle Pente and Brick House tasted absolutely delicious on the vine. I am looking forward to opening a bottle of each 2010 Chardonnay a year from now. Chardonnay in Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay in Brick House Vineyard Related Links More coverage of Belle Pente Vineyard More coverage of Brick House Vineyards...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:47 PM |

November 04, 2010

Photos: Filling the bins with fresh picked fruit

Here are two of my favorite shots from the Belle Pente Vineyards harvest last month. It was amazing seeing how quickly these bins filled with fresh picked fruit. The pace this crew undertook to pick the fruit and load each bin was humbling. Thank goodness there are folks like the ones who worked this vineyard to bring this harvest in and eventually bring the fruit to our tables. Again, I am humbled by their hard work harvesting. Filling the bins with fresh picked fruit Clean clusters of delicious Pinot noir...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:29 PM |

November 03, 2010

Photos: Friends sorting Brick House Pinot noir

For a number of harvests now, several of Doug Tunnell's longstanding friends travel from distant lands to lend a hand picking grapes, sorting fruit, and doing whatever else that is needed. As old friends do, there was a lot of back and forth between Doug and his mates, which made for good fun as they worked a long day from the vineyard's rows to the barn's sorting table, processing bin after bin. I observed that there is more than just fruit that goes into Brick House wines; friendship plays an important part in crafting each bottle. Related Links More coverage...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:10 PM |

November 02, 2010

Photos: An afternoon at Brick House Vineyard

Upon arriving at Brick House Vineyards to shoot one afternoon during harvest, Doug Tunnell and Melissa Mills invited me to first sit down with the rest of their crew to have a glass of wine as they finished up a late lunch. That's what it is all about - taking pause and soaking it all in before getting back to work. I like that approach and appreciated the kind welcome from Doug and Melissa, who were such gracious hosts throughout my stay. Grace is a word that aptly describes Brick House wines, ones that I am a big fan of...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:04 PM |

November 01, 2010

Photos: Picking Pinot at Belle Pente

In yesterday's post and photo, I described how steep this vineyard was to climb and how out of shape I was trying to ascend it. Here are a couple of shots captured as the crews quickly harvested Pinot noir in this section of the Belle Pente estate vineyard. For more photos of harvest and other wine-related scenes, click on any photo or the Flickr module in the right hand column. Hope you are enjoying these images from harvest in the Willamette Valley. B>Related Links More coverage of Belle Pente Vineyards...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:59 PM |

October 31, 2010

Photos: Sunrise on Belle Pente Vineyard

With the sun about to rise over the horizon, I raced past the crew that had started picking Pinot noir at the bottom of the Belle Pente vineyard to find a high point from which to shoot. As I ascended the hillside, it dawned on me how steep this vineyard was and how bad of shape I was in. I instantly gained respect for those picking fruit, a group of men and women, young and old, who would quickly and methodically move up these slopes, without ever seeming to pause for a rest. I arrived to take this shot out...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:44 PM |

October 30, 2010

Photos: Harvest in the Willamette Valley

For three pristine days this month, I had the privilege of visiting several producers in the northern Willamette Valley, who were all at their peak of harvest activities. At each location, crews were hand picking tons of Pinot noir in the vineyard, while teams in the winery were hand sorting countless bins of fruit. It was a truly connective experience each day walking the rows and tasting the fruit at sunrise, following the harvest through early afternoon, and then finally watching clusters being sorted well past sunset. During harvest, the day's work is clearly never done until the last bin...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:20 PM |

October 15, 2010

Love & Squalor 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

There is something very telling about a wine when you unexpectedly discover during your meal that the bottle is almost, if not entirely, empty. You're so caught up in the enjoyment of it with your dinner, that you honestly forget about how much you (or those around you) have consumed. Not until you reach for another pour when suddenly that bottle feels unexpectedly light...and unfortunately empty. Such is the case with Love & Squalor Pinot noir. When my wife and I first experienced this wine more than year ago at clarklewis, we were shocked at how quickly a bottle of...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:36 PM |

Evesham Wood 2009 Chardonnay Willamette Valley

After enjoying a several bottles of this wine over the last few months, I realized that it had yet to be covered as a tasting note. As evidenced by the aforementioned consumption pattern, I am a big fan of this reasonably priced Oregon chardonnay ($14). The Evesham Wood 2009 Chardonnay WV (12.5%) was a clear, light golden yellow in the glass, delivering floral aromas of pear, peach, and lemon, combined with scents of crisp minerality. This Chablis-style chardonnay offers balanced fruit, acidity, and minerality on the palate - very refreshing with a lasting finish. We paired this Evesham Wood chardonnay...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:40 PM |

Evesham Wood 2009 Blanc du Puits Sec Eola-Amity Hills

The Evesham Wood 2009 Blanc du Puits Sec (12.5%) is delicious Alsatian-style wine, blending 90% Pinot gris and 20% Gewürztraminer, with small quantities of two other German grapes, Rieslaner and Kerner, included. In the glass, this Eola-Amity Hills white wine was a light yellow straw color in the glass delivering aromas of pineapple, pear, melon and peach fruit along with hints of spice. The Blanc du Puits Sec offered a light mouthfeel, with a nice balance between fruit, acidity, and residual sugar. We enjoyed this Evesham Wood with spicy Thai food and also as an aperitif the next evening before...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:38 PM |

September 30, 2010

Evesham Wood 2007 Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills

For those who might have dismissed the 2007 vintage, I encourage you to get your hands on the Evesham Wood 2007 Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills (13%). This wine is delayed gratification in the bottle...or better put, grace in the glass. Granted, I am clearly biased here - I remain a huge fan of the 2007 vintage in Oregon, as these are my kind of Pinot noir. Graceful, elegant, understated, ethereal...all fitting descriptions for the Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec. The last time I experienced this Evesham Wood pinot was the 2005, a bottle that made me an...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:50 PM |

St. Innocent 2008 Freedom Hill Chardonnay WV

After enjoying their 2007 last year and the 2008 this year, I am hooked on St. Innocent Freedom Hill Chardonnay. In the glass, this Willamette Valley chardonnay is a clear, vibrant yellow gold, delivering round aromas of floral peach and pear to the nose. On the palate, bright notes of fruit and acidity combine to make you want to sip more of this delightful wine. And the minerality that arrives in the finish is really appealing, prompting me to fill my glass again. I stocked up on the 2007 for the same reasons I am going to buy more of...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:34 PM |

September 29, 2010

Cristom 2008 Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir

I really enjoyed the 2007 vintage of this wine, therefore was looking forward to trying the 2008, which did not disappoint. That said, the Cristom 2008 Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir at 14% was a bit higher in alcohol relative to the 2007, which showed in the finish. Even still, we enjoyed this Cristom Pinot noir with our grilled King salmon, farro, heirloom tomatoes, and olive bread. A clear garnet red in the glass, the 2008 Mt. Jefferson Cuvee conveyed predominant red fruit aromas with an earthiness that followed. On the palate, there was balanced fruit flavors and acidity with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:25 PM |

Crowley 2007 La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir WV

A terrific wine, one that I am so thankful to have more of in the cellar. In the glass, the Crowley 2007 La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13%) was a clear, deep garnet red color, delivering wonderful red berry fruit, earth, forest floor, and spice to the nose. On the palate, the Crowley La Colina ($36) was an incredibly well balanced wine, combining a harmony of cherry fruit flavors, complimentary acidity, and decent tannins. A smooth, round lingering finish. I have become a big fan of Tyson Crowley's wines with each bottle opened. His 2007s are reason enough...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:00 PM |

September 14, 2010

Hand-washed dishes vs. machine-picked grapes

Our dishwasher broke down yesterday, therefore I have spent the last two nights hand-washing more dishes and glasses than I care to count, let alone remember. Hopefully, our dishwasher will be repaired tomorrow afternoon, whereupon I will be relieved of this manual, time-consuming task. In the meantime, I have a newfound appreciation for the benefits this machine has brought to our lives, let alone millions of other households around the world. This appliance has reduced what was once hours of manual scrubbing into a quick load of mechanized cleaning. The dishwasher, and other appliances like it, are truly beneficial machines....

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:53 PM |

September 04, 2010

Biggio Hamina 2008 Pinot Noir: Ana, Deux Vert and Zenith Vineyards

A while back, we had the pleasure of hosting Todd Hamina to dinner at my home while he was visiting Seattle. Todd brought over several of his 2008 vineyard designate pinot noirs to open with our meal of chicken cacciatore, which Kari crafted in her magical red Le Creuset. What a terrific occasion it was having Todd join us at our table to enjoy his recent releases while getting to know more about him, his family, and his path to becoming a winemaker (see this OWP article for a more detailed profile). Starting with his inaugural 2007 pinots, I...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:09 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:41 PM |

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,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:59 PM | | Comments (2)

August 08, 2010

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,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:10 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:24 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:08 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:43 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:08 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:30 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:26 PM | | Comments (1)

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:21 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:51 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:50 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:34 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:10 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:31 PM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:59 AM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:42 AM |

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:16 PM | | Comments (2)

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:37 PM | | Comments (2)

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:12 PM |

ADEA 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

This is one of half a dozen 2007 pinot noirs I purchased while visiting with Dean and Ann Fisher, owners of ADEA Wine Company, in Gaston last November. I had the pleasure of running into Dean and Ann again last week at the WVWA tasting event in Seattle. In the glass, the ADEA 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) is a clear garnet red offering notes of bright red cherry fruit combined with an enticing earthiness. Flavors of candied cherry were most predominant balanced by good acidity. This wine offered a full mouth feel, primarily due to a bit of...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:27 PM |

March 11, 2010

Thanks for visiting, Willamette Valley wineries!

What a terrific event the Willamette Valley Wineries Association hosted this afternoon for members of the wine media and trade. I was fortunate to be one of several hundred folks who enjoyed sampling some of Oregon's finest wines from over fifty producers. Tonight's sold out consumer tasting event is expected to draw over 450 attendees. Many wineries were represented by owners and/or winemakers themselves, which offered a great opportunity to connect with the people and learn more about how each wine was crafted. Best of all, the WVWA provided each attendee with a tasting booklet detailing who was there...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:58 PM |

March 08, 2010

Now is the Time for Oregon Wine

This Thursday, March 11, the Willamette Valley is coming to Seattle for a tasting event that will showcase more than fifty different wineries from Oregon. The line up of producers attending this first-time event is strong, for there are many of my favorite wineries from the valley pouring a broad selection of their wines. While pinot noir easily comes to mind when thinking of Oregon wine, this state is becoming more and more renowned for the quality of its chardonnay, gamay noir, pinot blanc, and riesling. In fact, when looking for food friendly wines that are enjoyable now or...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:00 PM | | Comments (1)

February 13, 2010

Evening Land Celebration 2008 Gamay Noir Eola-Amity Hills

The more Oregon Gamay noir I experience, the bigger fan I become for this wonderful variety. The Evening Land Celebration 2008 Gamay Noir Eola-Amity Hills (13.2%) has raised my level of appreciation further. In the glass, the Celebration '08 Gamay noir was a deep, purple and garnet color, offering nice floral notes of red fruit along with earth and spice, specifically hints of pepper and curry. This wine delivered terrific acidity, with a lot of tannins, which tended to dampen the fruit flavors a bit. We paired this organic/biodynamic wine (uncertified) with an Italian lasagna-like dish. It was a...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:24 PM | | Comments (1)

Evening Land Celebration 2008 "Les Gamines" Eola-Amity Hills

Wow, this blend of 60% gamay noir and 40% pinot noir is a wonderfully intriguing wine for $26. And it is one of my favorites thus far amongst 2008 Oregon wines tasted. In the glass, the Evening Land Celebration 2008 "Les Gamines" Eola-Amity Hills (13.4%) was a clear, garnet red, delivering perfumed notes of red fruit with a dusty earthiness. There were layers of scents to this wine from the strawberry and cherry fruit to an intriguing, earthy minerality. The bright acidity and predominant tannins in the mouth suggest this uncertified organic/biodynamic wine will age well, yet it still...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:30 PM |

February 07, 2010

Connections: Oregon Vines and Family Roots

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:15 PM | | Comments (1)

February 06, 2010

Brick House 2008 Gamay Noir Ribbon Ridge

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:48 AM |

Patricia Green 2008 Pinot Noir Balcombe Vineyard

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...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:15 AM |

January 15, 2010

The Eyrie Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

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,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:02 PM | | Comments (1)

December 22, 2009

Biggio Hamina 2007 Pinot Noir Ana Vineyard Dundee Hills

In early November, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Todd Hamina tasting thru a variety of his 2007 and 2008 releases. As a result of my visit, I brought home a mixed case of his vineyard designate '07s along with a few '08s that I promised not to open for a few months. While the 2008s lie still in my cellar, I am starting to open some of the 2007s at my dinner table. The Biggio Hamina 2007 Pinot Noir Ana Vineyard Dundee Hills (12.5%) made quite a statement the other night during dinner. In fact, I...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:43 PM |

St. Innocent 2007 Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard

The St. Innocent 2007 Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills AVA (13.5%) is one of my new favorites from this vintage. In the glass, this Oregon pinot noir was a clear, ruby red color delivering a wonderful combination of red berry fruit, earth and spice. On the palate, there was terrific acidity in this wine with a nice mouthfeel. A very slight sourness in the finish will hopefully disappear with time. Overall, this Eola-Amity Hills wine was a delicious pairing to our dinner of pasta with tomato sauce and a butter leaf lettuce salad with chopped Breton ham...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:19 PM |

December 17, 2009

Review: Thistle Restaurant

While visiting the Willamette Valley last month, I had the opportunity to dine at Thistle in McMinnville. What a terrific experience it was sitting at the open kitchen bar, meeting chef/owner Eric Bechard and enjoying a wonderful dinner with local wine. I started with a glass of Evesham Wood '08 Chardonnay and paired it with a starter from the chalkboard menu on the wall, the duck liver parfait served with fresh bread and pickled grapes ($9). What a terrific combination with the rich, rustic duck pate and crisp acidity of the Evesham Wood chard. Eric ended up steering me...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:35 PM |

December 09, 2009

Patricia Green 2008 Estate Old Vines Pinot Noir

Before opening the Patricia Green 2008 Estate Old Vines Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge (13.6%), I enjoyed reading the bottle's label describing where the grapes were sourced (26 acres of mixed clones planted in 1984) and the vineyard manager who oversees their cultivation. In the glass, this Patricia Green pinot noir was a slightly cloudy garnet red, delivery an earthiness that gave way to red fruit and then to perfumed floral notes. The fruit and floral perfume was then replaced with another level of earth that made this wine very intriguing. Overall, I liked the texture of this wine and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:51 PM |

December 03, 2009

The Eyrie Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

The Eyrie Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills (13.5%) demonstrates astute viticulture and fine craftsmanship relative to its ripe vintage peers. What a terrific wine this was to enjoy over several nights. In the glass, this Eyrie pinot noir was a slight cloudy, ruby red delivering notes of perfumed and floral strawberry fruit, earth, and then cherry. The combination of red fruit and this forest floor component was incredibly enticing. In the mouth, this wine offered a silky texture, with a clear concentration of fruit, but not overwhelming like other Oregon pinot noirs from this same vintage. There were...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:57 PM |

November 28, 2009

Connections: Scott Paul Wines

It's only fitting that Scott Paul Wines serve as the inaugural post for my new "Connections" series. This Carlton-based producer truly epitomizes what it means to connect consumers to the larger context offered in wine, especially that which exists between the old and new worlds of winemaking. How does Scott Paul accomplish these connections? First and foremost, Scott Paul has distinguished itself for pouring and selling an ever expanding portfolio of Burgundy wines alongside their Oregon pinot noirs: Cuvée Martha Pirrie, La Paulée and Audrey. Not only does this approach offer a constructive frame of reference to each tasting...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:32 PM | | Comments (2)

November 27, 2009

Profile: The Allison Inn & Spa

If you're planning a visit to the Willamette Valley, then The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg deserves to be at the top of your list of places to stay. Granted, there are less expensive options available in the valley, but for those seeking a more inclusive resort experience, The Allison is it. A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to spend two nights at The Allison (full disclosure: a special rate was provided), which opened in September to considerable fanfare. Why the fuss? Until now, nothing like this hotel and conference center existed in the Willamette Valley....

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:45 AM | | Comments (2)

November 22, 2009

Maysara 2007 Pinot Noir "Jamsheed" McMinnville

The Maysara 2007 Pinot Noir "Jamsheed" McMinnville AVA (13.7%) is a clear, garnet red in the glass, delivering dusty bright notes of strawberry fruit giving way to herbs, earth, and curry spice. This Demeter Certified Biodynamic® wine offers a clean, silky mouth feel, with vibrant cherry fruit, bright acidity and an earthy finish. We paired the Maysara "Jamsheed" with a Pagliacci mushroom primo seasonal pizza featuring "wild Chanterelles, woodsy Shiitakes, rich Portobellos and mild Buttons. The mushroom blend accompanies mozzarella and provolone cheeses, onions, freshly roasted red peppers, capers and fresh parsley on olive oil seasoned with thyme and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:08 PM | | Comments (2)

November 21, 2009

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay Dijon Clone

Full Disclosure: This wine was provided as a free sample from the producer. In the glass, the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay Dijon Clone (14.5%) was a beautiful clear, golden yellow. Aromas of wood, cream, and ripe tropical fruit were a bit overwhelming. Flavors of old, over-ripe pineapple and melon were predominant. This Oregon chardonnay was over-extracted, over-oaked, and over-alcohol. It was far too cloying and viscous for my taste. The only thing pleasing about this wine was its color - the smell and taste made this undrinkable. Unfortunately, it is yet another far too common example of how such...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:47 PM |

November 19, 2009

WillaKenzie 2007 Chardonnay Clos Marco Willamette Valley

In the glass, the WillaKenzie 2007 Chardonnay Clos Marco Willamette Valley (13.5%) was a very light, greenish gold color, offering notes of pear, melon and yeast on the nose along with minerals and wet stone. This Oregon chardonnay had a very nice texture in the mouth, delivering a mix of crisp acidity and a bit of honey ending in a nice, lasting finish. Flavors of pear and peach were present as well. We paired the WillaKenzie with smoked salmon pasta that was tossed in a sauce of sauteed shallots, olive oil, this wine, and fresh dill. A green leaf...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:28 PM |

November 17, 2009

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Elton Vineyard

Full Disclosure: This wine was provided as a free sample from the producer. In the glass, the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Elton Vineyard was a clear, ruby red color delivering floral notes of red and black fruit along with cedar and wood. In the mouth, this Oregon pinot noir was well balanced, with good texture and bright acidity. Tannins were present as was a predominant flavor of oak, even though 20% new French oak was used. We paired the WWV Elton Vineyard with grilled beef tenderloin and sauteed cremini mushrooms served on a bed of egg noodles with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:45 PM |

November 15, 2009

WillaKenzie 2008 Pinot Blanc Estate Grown Willamette Valley

The WillaKenzie 2008 Pinot Blanc Estate Willamette Valley (13.8%) was a clear, light green-yellow in the glass delivering floral fruit notes of peach, apricot and apple along with hints of talc and minerals. This Alsatian style pinot blanc offered a rich mouthfeel, with crisp acidity and a slightly sweet finish (.3% residual sugar). We paired this certified sustainable wine with some comfort food: black beans w/sauteed onions on steamed rice with grated cheddar cheese and fresh chopped tomatoes on top. At $18, the WillaKenzie 2008 Pinot Blanc offers a terrific quality-to-price ratio. I am glad to have picked up two...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:48 PM |

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Riesling WV

Full Disclosure: This wine was provided as a free sample from the producer. The WVV 2007 Riesling Willamette Valley (10%) was a clear. light golden yellow in the glass with faint notes of petrol, wet stone, and minerals. In the mouth, this Oregon riesling offered nice floral honeysuckle flavors with crisp acidity leading to a slightly sweet finish (residual sugar = I found this Willamette Valley Vineyards riesling to be a terrific wine, one that we enjoyed on its own as well as a lead to a various meals over the three nights we tasted it. Depending on where you...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:32 PM |

November 13, 2009

La Paulee de Carlton 2009

What a terrific Saturday it was last weekend as a result of my attending the 4th annual La Paulee de Carlton, hosted by Scott Paul Wines. The event kicked off Saturday afternoon at the Scott Paul winery in Carlton, where a packed tasting room was enjoying a variety of new and old world pinot noir (no tastings fees were charged) with various appetizers available as well. Upon entering the place, I was immediately approached by Martha Wright, who along with her husband, Scott, are proprietors of Scott Paul Wines. The warm greeting shown by both Martha and Scott was extended...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:30 PM |

November 10, 2009

Brick House 2007 Chardonnay Ribbon Ridge

In the glass, the Brick House 2007 Chardonnay Ribbon Ridge (13.5%) was a clear, light golden yellow color with creamy notes of yeast and minerals. Even though the fruit flavors were a bit muted for my taste, this Oregon chardonnay offered nice acidity, good balance, and a delicious finish. While not captivating, it did complement our coq a vin. Overall, I was a bit conflicted with this wine, for I wasn't blown away neither was I turned off. Even at its $29 price point, I would be willing to give this Brick House chardonnay another try. Related Links Katherine...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:31 PM | | Comments (1)

November 07, 2009

A fall weekend in the Willamette Valley

The wet, windy weather aside, this has been a terrific two days in the northern Willamette Valley. You can expect a number of posts on where my travels took me and the experiences I had soon. In the meantime, here's a quick run down of the people met and places visited this weekend. On Friday, I had a nice visit with Todd Hamina of Biggio Hamina as well as Dean and Ann Fisher of ADEA in Gaston. I then met up with Steve Lutz of Lenné Estate in Yamhill. Capping off the day, I had a wonderful dinner at...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:30 PM |

November 05, 2009

Brick House 2007 Cuvee du Tonnelier Pinot Noir

Plain and simple, the Brick House 2007 Cuvée du Tonnelier Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge (13.4%) is a terrific wine. In the glass, this Oregon pinot noir was a light, cloudy ruby red offering spice, then strawberry and raspberry, followed by wet earth on the nose. In the mouth, the Brick House Cuvée du Tonnelier delivered terrific red berry fruit flavors, great acidity, and a long delicious finish. A myriad of flavors continued to be discovered as this wonderful wine evolved in the glass. We paired it with two hearty soups, a white bean chicken and a black bean chili. This...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:54 PM |

November 01, 2009

Paul Gregutt makes a case for Oregon riesling

In today's Pacific Northwest magazine, Paul Gregutt offers recommendations for three mixed cases of wine, one of which is comprised of rieslings from Washington and Oregon. It appears Gregutt has developed a certain fondness for Oregon riesling just as I have over the past year. Here is an excerpt from Gregutt's introduction to his mixed case of Pacific Northwest riesling: Washington has reclaimed riesling as a signature grape, but it also thrives up and down the coast. These days, I am especially fond of Oregon rieslings, which are widely available at winery tasting rooms, but not always brought up to...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:32 PM | | Comments (2)

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Dry Riesling WV

Full Disclosure: This wine was provided as a free sample from the producer. In the glass, the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Dry Riesling Willamette Valley (11%) was a clear, light gold color, offering notes of petrol, honeysuckle, strong minerality, especially wet stone. In the mouth, the WWV riesling delivered bright acidity creating a crisp, clean texture wrapped with delicious fruit flavors leading to a pleasingly long finish. We drank this wine first on its own and then alongside a salad, which was comprised of green leaf lettuce, thinly sliced Washington honeycrisp apples, red grapes, oil and vinegar. I really enjoyed...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:12 PM |

Arcane Cellars 2008 Riesling Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Arcane Cellars 2008 Riesling Wheatland Estate WV (11.5%) was a clear, light yellow straw color, delivering signature petrol as well as floral and mineral aromas to the nose. I really liked the crisp acidity combined with the off-dry finish, all surrounded by delicious fruit and mineral flavors. We enjoyed this Oregon riesling with Tuscan white bean soup, which had a nice spicy kick to it. The Arcane Cellars '08 riesling was a delicious compliment to our meal. At $15, this is a wine worth buying several bottles to enjoy with any type of spicy food...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:52 PM |

October 26, 2009

Domaine Drouhin 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Domaine Drouhin 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.9%) was a clear, garnet red with high toned cherry fruit and dusty hints of menthol on the nose. This Oregon pinot noir offered a full mouth feel with black cherry and blackberry flavors balanced with nice acidity and a bit of a sweet finish. After being opened for 24 hours, the menthol scent faded while the acidity seemed to brighten. On the first night, we paired this Domaine Drouhin with a Greek stew and a red cabbage and carrot slaw. The next evening we paired it with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:06 PM |

October 13, 2009

St. Innocent 2007 Chardonnay Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley

In the glass, the St. Innocent 2007 Chardonnay Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley (%) was a clear, light yellow color with hints of pear, minerals, and lemon on the nose. I really enjoyed this Oregon chardonnay, which offered terrific acidity and mineral characteristics along with an ever so slightly creamy texture in the finish. We enjoyed this wine over two consecutive dinners, one a homemade chicken pot pie and the other pasta aioli. At $23, the St. Innocent chardonnay offers a decent quality-to-price ratio, one that would prompt me to pick up another bottle or two. Related Links St....

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:10 PM |

Evesham Wood 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The Evesham Wood 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13%) is usually one of several early releases coming out of Oregon, with this bottle being my second taste of the '08 vintage. In the glass, the Evesham Wood was a clear, garnet red with big cherry fruit on the nose followed by earth and spice. This Oregon pinot noir offered nice red berry fruit flavors (mostly cherry) and a very smooth texture. It was bit flat for lack of acidity. We paired this wine with homemade thin crust pizza and an arugula salad. At $18, this is a very approachable...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:57 PM | | Comments (1)

October 11, 2009

Evening Land Celebration 2007 Gamay Noir Eola-Amity Hills

The Celebration 2007 Gamay Noir Eola-Amity Hills (12.8%) was a clear, light ruby red in the glass with muted red fruit on the nose (plum?) along with hints of licorice and fennel. In the mouth, this Oregon gamay noir offered decent fruit but threw a bit of a curve ball on the finish. It was hard to put my finger on it, but it took a funky, slightly herbaceous detour with every sip. We paired the Celebration gamay noir with grilled Korean sesame chicken thighs, baby bok choy, and steamed rice. The acidity in this wine matched well with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:59 PM |

Ken Wright Cellars 2007 Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Ken Wright Cellars 2007 Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley (12%) was a clear, light yellow color with ripe tropical fruit, minerals, and yeast notes being most predominant. In the mouth, this wine had a funky twang to it, which wasn't pleasing. I found the Ken Wright pinot blanc made in style that wasn't to my liking. There was little of the fresh, floral fruit one gets with pinot blanc. And this wine was far too viscous and cloying with a off-putting finish to boot. At $24, there are better and more inexpensive Oregon pinot blancs I...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:33 PM |

October 03, 2009

Round 3 Recos: Oregon 2007 Pinot Noir

With these "Round 3" recommendations, another twenty-nine bottles of Oregon pinot noir from the 2007 vintage have been opened and evaluated at my dinner table. This brings the grand total of coverage to sixty-six '07 pinots that have been tried with a meal these last nine months. From the first eighteen bottles of Round 1, through another nineteen wines in Round 2, and then finally with those comprising Round 3, I have remained a big fan of the 2007 vintage. In covering these wines, no speed tastings were held nor were any product samples used. Each and every bottle...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:44 PM |

Antica Terra 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

As part of my "Round 3" line up of Oregon pinots, the Antica Terra 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) was not only the final bottle to be opened, but also the most expensive at $45. As such, there was considerable anticipation in giving this wine a try, for I had heard favorable things about its quality. In the glass, the Antica Terra 2007 Pinot Noir was a clear, medium garnet red delivering bright strawberry and raspberry fruit notes combined with a dusty earthiness. In the mouth, this Willamette Valley pinot noir offered red fruit flavors and acidity that...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:10 PM |

Love & Squalor 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Love & Squalor 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.2%) is a clear, medium garnet red color, offering red berry fruit notes with menthol and earth. The menthol, which was initially as strong as eucalyptus, eventually blew off. In the mouth, this Oregon pinot noir offered good fruit with balanced acidity, making it a nice, food friendly wine. I have drunk this wine on two separate occasions, with the most recent experience revealing the notes and flavors described above. The first experience I had was ordering a bottle at clarklewis during a weekend trip to Portland....

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:39 PM |

September 27, 2009

Beacon Hill 2007 Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley

I have to say, it's refreshing when a winery is honest about what they have produced in a bottle of wine. Such is the case with the folks at Beacon Hill, whose label and web site describe the Beacon Hill 2007 Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley (13%) in a manner that is consistent with what I experienced: Lightish, nice color, black cherry/ blackberry, poco brick spice. Rose petals, short finish, nice, clean, elegant. This is our only wine made from purchased fruit, with a dash of our own berries to add a little stuffing. Simple and bright in the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:02 PM |

Belle Pente 2007 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

The Belle Pente 2007 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills (12.9%) is hands down one of my top five favorite Oregon pinot noirs from the 2007 vintage. I picked up a bottle of the Belle Ponte Dundee Hills back in July for $22, a bargain price considering how delicious this wine is now and how wonderful it will most likely be after more time in the bottle. In the glass, the Belle Pente was a clear ruby red delivering an earthy funk at first that blew off in due course to reveal strawberry fruit and floral perfume. In the mouth, this...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:09 PM |

September 24, 2009

Love & Squalor 2007 Riesling Willamette Valley

What a terrific wine the Love & Squalor 2008 Riesling Willamette Valley (12.4%) is to enjoy with spicy Asian cuisine. This Oregon riesling was a very light straw color in the glass, providing slight hints of petrol and citrus notes. Citrus fruit flavors, crisp acidity, light texture and a long finish made this wine very enjoyable. There was just enough residual sugar to make this wine shine, without the usual viscous, cloying nature of some rieslings. We paired the Love & Squalor riesling with beef tenderloin yakitori marinated in miso, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. At...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:00 PM | | Comments (2)

Trisaetum 2007 Riesling Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Trisaetum 2007 Riesling Willamette Valley (11.5%) was a light yellow hay color with tints of green on the edges. On the nose, there was the slight petrol signature along with wet stone, minerals, and sweet honey suckle. Flavors of honey, melon and tangy fruit predominated with a sweet and sour finish that was a bit too cloying and viscous for my taste. I wasn't captivated with this Oregon riesling and found it's sweet/sour flavor profile and texture a bit off-putting. At $25, I would pass on getting another bottle of this wine. Related Links Trisaetum...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:50 PM |

September 15, 2009

Belle Pente 2005 Riesling Willamette Valley

I've had the good fortune of enjoying a variety of Belle Pente pinot noirs recently, one of my favorite producers who also happens to make a very delicious riesling. The Belle Pente 2005 Riesling Willamette Valley (13.1%) is a beautiful golden yellow color in the glass, with signature petrol, wet slate, and citrus fruit on the nose. This Oregon riesling offered wonderful citrus fruit and mineral flavors, balanced with crisp acidty and just enough residual sugar. I really liked the texture of this wine. Overall, it went very well with our spicy Kung Pao Beef dinner, a dish crafted...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:26 PM |

September 13, 2009

Evesham Wood 2008 Grüner Veltliner Willamette Valley

When I discovered that Evesham Wood had grown and produced a grüner veltliner from Oregon, I could not wait to give it a try. After pairing a bottle with dinner the other night, it's clear the Evesham Wood 2008 Grüner Veltliner Willamette Valley lives up to its billing: For fans of racy acidity and intense varietal character, these wines are sure to please. This includes our first ever bottling of grüner veltliner (or “gru-vee” as it’s come to be known by afficianados). Considering the young age of our planting, our version already seems to have the unmistakable flinty mineral...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:26 PM |

Belle Pente 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The Belle Pente 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (12.5%) is comprised of fruit "from selected blocks of several Yamhill County vineyards". From what I understand, this bottling was labeled in previous vintages as the Yamhill-Carlton District pinot noir. However, this year their web site declared it "a Belle Pente "economic stimulus package" Pinot Noir!", pricing it under $20. What a terrific value this Oregon pinot noir offers at the $18 price point I purchased it at retail. In the glass, the Belle Pente pinot noir was a cloudy, ruby red color, initially offering a predominant earthiness that eventually morphed...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:46 PM | | Comments (1)

J. Albin 2007 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

At $15, the J. Albin 2007 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley (13.5%) is a wine worth serving often. In the glass, this Oregon pinot gris is a clear, steely yellow color delivering floral citrus and tropical fruit to the nose. In the mouth, it's a refreshingly clean and crisp fruit-forward wine, without the cloying viscosity that comes with some Pac NW pinot gris. We enjoyed a glass of the J. Albin pinot gris as an apertif while cooking dinner over several nights. Considering it's price point and overall quality, this is one to have on hand whenever a crisp, refreshing...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:52 PM |

St. Innocent 2007 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The St. Innocent 2007 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) was a deep garnet red in the glass, offering bright and pungent blackberry and black cherry fruit with hints of strawberry to the nose. In the mouth, the St. Innocent Shea pinot was light and crisp, but lacking flavors of fruit that one would expect. It was a bit flat and watery overall, with a slight, lingering finish of cherry fruit. We paired this Oregon pinot noir with a grilled NY strip steak (seasoned with salt/pepper) that was cooked medium rare, sliced, and then placed on top of...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:40 AM |

September 04, 2009

North Valley 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The North Valley 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.6%) was a clear, medium ruby red in the glass, offering hints of eucalyptus and talc on the nose without much fruit present. This Soter produced pinot was a bit short on its fruit forwardness, being mostly sour and cloying in the mouth. We paired the North Valley pinot with a dinner of grilled chicken thighs, fresh corn, and a rice pilaf. At $30 a bottle, I found it fell far short of its expected quality-price ratio. It just did not meet the bar, therefore I would pass on getting another...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:19 PM | | Comments (1)

Freja 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

This is an Oregon pinot noir that did not meet the bar; one that I would recommend avoiding. The Freja 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13%) was a slightly cloudy, medium garnet in the glass, with fleeting hints of fruit overtaken by predominate notes of menthol, eucalyptus and talc. Sour, watered-down flavors became overwhelming tannic with a finish that tightened the throat. We briefly paired this $18 wine with a dinner of grilled chicken thighs, fresh corn, and a rice pilaf. I even tried it again a night after we opened it to see if the Freja had settled...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:59 PM | | Comments (2)

August 31, 2009

Crowley 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The Crowley 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13%) is my kind of Oregon pinot noir. I had a good feeling about this wine when it appeared in the glass as a clear, light ruby red, offering strawberry fruit with hints of earth interwoven throughout. My feelings were confirmed by flavors of delicious red berry fruit, balanced acidity, and a silky smooth finish. Nothing viscous, cloying, candied, or sour about this Oregon pinot noir. Just a good combination of fruit plus acidity equalling goodness. We paired the $25 Crowley pinot noir with a dinner of homemade spaghetti ala matriciana, a...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:49 PM |

August 18, 2009

Coverage of IPNC 2009

During and after it was held in late July, I have been following the coverage of IPNC 2009 from bloggers and columnists alike. Kathleen Cole's column today entitled, "Tasting world of pinots, right in McMinnville" speaks to how IPNC can effectively expand one's frame of reference on this captivating variety. As a result of reading Cole's column and the other posts, it seems IPNC 2010 can't come soon enough, for I can't wait to attend next year's event. Here's an overview of the coverage published to date: Martha Holmberg and Katherine Cole of OregonLive.com Alder Yarrow of Vinography.com Washington...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:42 PM |

August 16, 2009

Walter Scott 2007 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills

When opening a bottle at my table, I really appreciate it when the label provides some insight as to the who, what and where of the wine. Even if the label falls short but the producer's web site delivers on these same fronts, then I can be a bit forgiving of what the label lacks. It's hard to forgive, let alone forget, how the Walter Scott 2007 Pinot Noir Eola Amity Hills (13%) came up short on its label, on its non-existent web site (a URL is featured on the label, while the domain has yet to be registered),...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:33 PM | | Comments (8)

St. Innocent 2007 Villages Cuvée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

In the glass, the St. Innocent 2007 Villages Cuvée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) is a clear, light ruby red with strawberry and fruit notes leading to hints of menthol. This is a very food friendly wine in terms of its acidity. Fruit flavors were a bit toned down, but it offered a nice long cherry finish that wasn't candied like other Oregon pinot noirs can be. We paired the St. Innocent pinot noir with braised chicken thighs that were cooked in a single pot with white onions, fennel, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This delicious meal was served...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:17 PM |

August 14, 2009

Harmonia 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

A medium dark garnet red in the glass, the Harmonia 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.5%) delivered muted strawberry and blueberry notes at first followed by a predominant earthy funk. This was a creamy pinot noir with balanced acidity and lasting cherry finish. We paired the Harmonia with a wild King salmon grilled to medium rare and then placed on a bed of stir-fried yakisoba noodles. A coconut milk, red curry paste, brown sugar sauce was drizzled over the salmon, completing this amazing dish. This was an interesting Oregon pinot noir for $20, but even still I would pass on...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:47 PM |

August 02, 2009

Evesham Wood 2008 Rosé of Tempranillo “Vin d'Une Nuit”

I subscribe to the notion that the lighter the color of rosé, the better the wine. Such is the case with the Evesham Wood 2008 “Vin d'Une Nuit” (12.5%), a rosé of tempranillo from Oregon that was a refreshing wine to have during the recent heatwave here in Seattle. This isn't a wine that makes you say "wow!"; rather, it's a wine that prompts you to say, "ahhh!". In the glass, the Evesham Wood rosé a very light peach color with a slight perfume of red berry fruit and notes of minerality. The Vin d'Une Nuit offered clean, crisp...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:51 PM | | Comments (3)

Belle Pente 2007 Cuvée Contraire

In the glass, the Belle Pente 2007 Cuvée Contraire Willamette Valley (12.7%), a rosé of pinot noir and gamay noir, is a light, watermelon red color with slight hints of red berry fruit on the nose. This wine came around more as it warmed up from its refrigerated state. This Belle Pente rosé offered bright red berry fruit flavors with balanced acidity. It was slightly viscous and cloying, but not so much that it turned me off. Overall, we found this to be a refreshing, delicious rosé. Not sure I would buy another bottle at the $17 price point,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:42 PM |

August 01, 2009

Cameron 2007 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

In the glass, the Cameron 2007 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills (12.5%) is a clear, garnet red offering notes of bright strawberry and raspberry fruit followed by hints of earth. These red fruit flavors continued in the mouth, with a predominant cherry signature adding to the mix. Balanced acidity and a long tasty finish made the Cameron pinot a delightful wine to drink with our dinner. We paired the Cameron with grilled King salmon, a caprese salad, and a fresh loaf of olive and rosemary bread. This wine showed well on the first night, and was even better a day...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:08 PM | | Comments (1)

July 25, 2009

Round 3: Oregon 2007 Pinot Noir Tastings

If you've been a regular visitor to this blog these last seven months, then you've witnessed firsthand how smitten I am with 2007 Oregon pinot noirs. It all started in January with my "Round 1" tastings of a dozen and half newly released 2007 pinots and continued in March with another two dozen wines in "Round 2". After stocking up in Portland last weekend, it is now time for "Round 3", a line up that includes fifteen new Oregon 2007 pinot noirs: Antica Terra 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) - $45 Beacon Hill 2007 Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:00 PM | | Comments (3)

July 12, 2009

Couldn't agree more about '07 Oregon pinot noir

In this month's guest column for Oregon Wine Press, Ken Collura provides a commentary on Oregon's 2007 Pinot Noirs. Collura argues in "Setting the Record Straight" that those criticizing this vintage are most likely seeking a different style of wine, more Syrah-like than a true Pinot. He goes on to describe the 2007 Oregon Pinot Noirs in terms of what they are not (e.g., huge, fat, overripe, etc.) versus what they are (e.g., bright, finesse-driven, food-friendly, etc.). I could not agree more with Collura's assessment of the 2007 Oregon Pinot Noirs. Although I have yet to try as many...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:46 AM | | Comments (3)

July 10, 2009

Walnut City Wineworks 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The Walnut City Wineworks 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.8%) is a clear, ruby red in the glass, with pronounced cherry fruit notes on the nose combined with dusty menthol. This Oregon pinot noir is like liquid sweet cherry pie, with not enough acid to cut through all of the ripe sugar. We paired the Walnut City pinot noir ($19) with filet mignon (seasoned with salt/pepper), grilled red peppers, and seasoned rice. This wine was too fruity, too cherry, too sweet for our taste. As such, I would pass on buying another bottle. Related Links Walnut City Wineworks Site...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:24 PM |

July 09, 2009

International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) 2009

In two weeks, hundreds of pinot noir fans will gather in McMinnville, Oregon for the 23rd annual International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC). Billed as "Planet Earth's Premier Pinot Noir Event", it is a monumental event, a weekend like no other focused on a single variety. If you're looking for a transformative wine event, then this is the one to attend during the weekend of July 24 - 26. Tickets are still available, but hurry they usually sell out every year. For those unable to attend, you will likely be able to follow the coverage at Vinography.com and Enobytes.com, whose...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:05 PM |

June 29, 2009

Grochau Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The GC 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) was a garnett. slightly cloudy, red in the glass, offering perfumed notes of strawberry and cherry fruit. This was a very bright, very fruity Oregon pinot noir, with bold cherry flaovrs but not much in the finish. The Grochau Cellars pinot was paired with grilled pork loin, fresh Washington asparagus, and a rice pilaf. At $20, it was a decent Oregon pinot, one that didn't blow me away, but didn't turn me off either. As such, I would buy another bottle for another go - it would be interesting to see...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:29 PM |

June 22, 2009

H Wines 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

A clear ruby red in the glass, the Hamacher "H" 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) offered notes of strawberries, cherries, and raspberries fresh picked in the fields with hints of earth and soil. This Oregon pinot noir delivered fresh fruit flavors with good acidity and a lasting cherry finish. It paired well with Mesquite grilled organic whole chicken, fresh Washington asparagus, and a Caprese salad. At $25, this wine offers a decent quality-price ratio, which would compel me to buy another bottle or two for later in the year. Related Links Hamacher Wine Notes Dr. Vino's Review...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:47 PM |

June 21, 2009

Domaine Serene 2004 Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir

The Domaine Serene 2004 Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (14.1%) was a slightly cloudy, garnet red in the glass, delivering notes of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry fruit, followed by earth and cola. Wonderful fruit and acidity combined in a pleasant mouth feel from the smooth tannins leading to a long delicious finish. We paired this $35 Oregon pinot noir with grilled King salmon seasoned with olive oil, Kosher salt, and ground pepper served on a bed of lentils alongside a salad of tomoatoes, feta cheese and olives. A Greek yogurt sauce with cucumbers, fresh dill, and peppers made...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:55 PM |

June 16, 2009

Domaine Drouhin 2007 Arthur Chardonnay Dundee Hills

Ah, what a terrific wine the Domaine Drouhin 2007 Arthur Chardonnay Dundee Hills (13.9%) is to the eyes, nose, and mouth. It's not often that I would spend $30 on a bottle of white wine, but this Oregon chardonnay is well worth every penny. A light, golden straw color in the glass, the Arthur was a very aromatic, floral wine, delivering notes of pear, honeysuckle, and pineapple. These scents repeated themselves as flavors, with a fullness to the wine that was not cloying, offering a long, lasting finish. The acidity was very well balanced, making this a delicious food-friendly...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:18 PM | | Comments (1)

J. Scott Cellars 2007 Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley

The J. Scott Cellars 2007 Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley (13.5%) was a greenish, gold straw color in the glass, offering some volatile aromas of tropical fruit. Flavors of ripe melon, pineapple, and apple were present along with balanced acidity and residual sugar. We paired this $15 Oregon pinot blanc with chicken enchiladas in a tomatilla and chili sauce with a green leaf lettuce and sliced avocado salad on the side. Overall, it was okay, but not a wine that would compel me to buy another bottle. Related Links J. Scott Wine Notes...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:05 PM |

June 08, 2009

Maysara 2007 Pinot Blanc McMinnville

What a terrific Oregon pinot blanc, reminding me once again how delicious this variety can be. The Maysara 2007 Pinot Blanc McMinnville (13%) is the first Demeter certified biodynamic wine in the Pacific Northwest, according to the Maysara web site, which makes drinking this that much more pleasant. In the glass, the Maysara pinot blanc is a clear, light golden straw color, offering these delightful floral aromas of honeysuckle combined with pineapple and melon. Flavors of pear and green apple predominate with a crisp acidity and enticing minerality. We paired this wine with teriyaki chicken thighs on steamed rice....

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:43 PM |

June 06, 2009

Raptor Ridge 2007 Pinot Noir WV

The Raptor Ridge 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) was a clear garnet color in the glass delivering ripe cherry, dusty earth, toasted caramel, and jammy aromas to the nose. This Oregon pinot noir was a bit viscous in the mouth, being long on jammy fruit flavors and short on acidity, causing it to come off as flat. We paired the Raptor Ridge with grilled Copper River sockeye salmon, roasted Washington asparagus, and tomato orzo. It was a delicious Pacific Northwest dinner, however, the Raptor Ridge fell a bit short of our preference in Oregon pinot noir. At $33,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:23 PM |

King Estate 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

The King Estate 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir Signature Collection (13%) was a clear, ruby red in the glass, offering notes of dusty earth, slightly sour strawberry fruit, and hints of herbs. On the palate, this pinot delivered flavors of strawberry and cherry fruit with an earthiness that was pleasing along with its food-friendly acidity. All of this led to a nice, long finish, making it a delicious accompaniment to our Korean bbq hangar steak, sliced into strips and then placed into lettuce leaves along with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, rice and julienned carrots. At $27, the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:45 PM | | Comments (3)

May 25, 2009

Broadley Vineyards 2007 Estate Pinot Noir

The Broadley Vineyards 2007 Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) was a deep ruby red in the glass offering notes of fresh raspberry and cherry fruit with hints of earth. These flavors continued to open up with every glass we enjoyed with our grilled Copper River king salmon which was served on a bed of herbed orzo with fresh asparagus and a caprese salad alongside. At $33, this was a more expensive Oregon pinot noir than others I have been drinking in the 2007 vintage. Although it offered fruit sourced from its vineyards, I am not sure if this...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:17 PM |

Meditrina (5) NV

The Meditrina (5) is an approachable blend of syrah (48%), pinot noir (27%), and zinfandel (25%) from Sokol Blosser in Oregon. In the glass, this wine looks like a syrah, with a deep purple color, while delivering notes of red berry fruits, earth, and toast. This is a very drinkable wine, one that offered good fruit, balanced acidity, and a decent finish. We paired it with a dinner of a rich, hearty sausage sauce on soft polenta with fresh roasted asparagus alongside. At 10,000 cases, a $15 price point, a stylistic name/label, and it's own web site, the Medtrina...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:37 PM |

May 02, 2009

Cristom 2007 Pinot Noir Mt Jefferson Cuvee

What a terrific Oregon pinot noir. In the glass, the Cristom Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Mt Jefferson Cuvee Willamette Valley (13.5%) is a clear, ruby red giving off scents of dusty earth and perfumed notes of strawberry/raspberry fruit and mint. On the palate, the Cristom has a very nice, clean mouth feel, with red berry fruit flavors and balanced acidity, all leading to a deliciously long finish. We paired the Mt Jefferson cuvee , which is a blend of fruit from 13 different vineyards, with fresh wild King salmon which was seasoned with fennel salt and olive oil and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:10 PM |

April 25, 2009

Dining with Robert Parker's Beau-Frère

On Thursday night, I had the opportunity to dine with Robert Parker's beau-frère, Mike Etzel, who in partnership with his brother-in-law established the aptly named Beaux Frères winery in Oregon during the late eighties. My dinner invitation came from a business vendor, whose team treated our advertising group to an evening of El Gaucho food and Beaux Frères wines. This winemaker's dinner was hosted by Etzel, who ended up sitting at our table for most of the meal, making for an interesting and enlightening experience. I found the circumstances surrounding this free dinner a bit ironic, considering the storm...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:30 PM | | Comments (3)

April 18, 2009

Patricia Green 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Oregon

It's not often one comes across an Oregon sauvignon blanc, for this variety is the lowest production grape in the state. Seeing a bottle of Patricia Green 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Oregon for $18 at my local retailer, I was intrigued enough to give it a try. The Patricia Green sauv blanc was a light golden yellow/green color in the glass. On the nose, it delivered a fragrance of fresh asparagus, green pepper, and grass. In the mouth, the flavors were lacking while it definitely lived up to the winemaker's notes of being "high-toned". I found the dry, sour finish...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:47 PM |

Brick House 2007 Gamay Noir Ribbon Ridge

One of my new favorites from Oregon, the Brick House 2007 Gamay Noir Ribbon Ridge ($24) is a terrific wine. In the glass, this clear, garnet-colored Oregon gamay delivered an intriguing spectrum of scents including fresh strawberry and raspberry fruit, slightly perfumed floral notes, and hints of earth, all integrated together in a captivating way that kept my nose coming back for more. I became smitten with this wine just smelling it - seriously, it was that mesmerizing. In the mouth, the Brick House gamay noir (13.4%) was a fresh, bright beautiful wine, offering flavors of red berry fruit...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:25 PM | | Comments (5)

March 31, 2009

Round 2 Recos: Oregon 2007 Pinot Noir

Earlier this year, I started seeing an increasing number of newly released 2007 Oregon pinot noirs at local wine stores and grocers. After amassing a mixed case and a half of these wines, I decided to embark on a tasting experience that would entail opening a single bottle over the course of 18 separate dinners. This experience and the resulting recommendations of wines I would want to drink again became "Round 1". As more Oregon pinot noir from the 2007 vintage entered the retail channel, I found myself eager to sample more of these wines, thus creating a "Round...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:24 PM |

March 27, 2009

Biggio Hamina 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

After so much similar tasting Oregon pinot noir these last few weeks, the Biggio Hamina 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (12.5%) was a welcome and delicious departure in style and substance. As mentioned in yesterday's post, I was eager to finish off Round 2 of the 2007 Oregon pinots and move on to something else due to many of these wines starting to blend together due to their similarities. I had yet to realize what this last wine would afford in terms of its contrast with the other 17 bottles in this round. The Biggio Hamina was unique from...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:42 PM | | Comments (1)

March 22, 2009

Silvan Ridge 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir was a clear ruby red in the glass with a dusty earthiness to the nose combined with hints of menthol and modest strawberry and cherry fruit. The fruit seemed to come alive in the finish, which was primarily comprised of cherry flavors, with a somewhat viscous and cloying aftertaste. We paired the Silvan Ridge 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.5%) with a single dish meal of chicken cacciatore in a bowl of spaghetti. This is one of my favorite dishes Kari crafts, but unfortunately the Silvan Ridge was a bit too muted and flat, while the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:43 AM |

March 14, 2009

Sharecropper's 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir is all about cherry fruit. The Sharecropper's 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.0%) is a medium ruby red in the glass with full cherry notes that repeat themselves in even stronger flavors on the palate. This wine was a bit viscous in the mouth offering bright acidity, but mostly it was all about cherry fruit. We paired the Sharecropper's with a hearty Tuscan white bean soup Kari crafted along with a mixed green salad that included blood red oranges. A fresh baked baguette completed the meal. We tried this wine again on a 2nd night with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:41 AM |

March 11, 2009

J. Albin 2005 Laurel Vineyard Pinot Noir

Here's how I would characterize the J. Albin 2005 Laurel Vineyard Pinot Noir (13%): a fresh cedar box full of ripe red cherries with some spice tossed in for extra measure. From the scents wafting up from my glass to the flavors dancing across my tongue, this Oregon pinot was all about cedar, cherries, and spice. This is the second time I have had this wine, with one more bottle in the cellar. At $27, this is a relatively inexpensive wine from the 2005 vintage to have scored months ago at my local wine merchant. However, I don't remember...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:13 PM |

March 09, 2009

Patricia Green Cellars 2007 Eason Vineyard Pinot Noir

The Patricia Green Eason Pinot Noir was a slightly cloudy, garnett red in the glass, offering a dustiness, almost talc like sensation to the nose. There was more earth to the scents from this wine than fruit, which continued delivering on the palate with sour strawberry flavors. The Patricia Green 2007 Eason Vineyard Pinot Noir Dundee Hills (13.5%) was a bit disjointed in that halfway through each taste, it throws this funky curve ball at you that quickly drops like a sinking pitch. It just didn't seem very well integrated or balanced. We paired this Oregon pinot noir with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:34 PM |

March 07, 2009

WillaKenzie 2007 Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir WV

This WillaKenzie pinot noir is a wine that I intend to drink more of in the months ahead. In the glass, it was a clear, ruby red, delivering terrific notes of red berry fruit with a subtle earthiness. Flavors of strawberry and cherry were balanced with good acidity creating a wonderful roundness to this wine. We paired the WillaKenzie 2007 Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.8%) with grilled pork chops, seasoned with salt and pepper after marinating over night with a garlic rub. Kari diced a few apples and cooked them down on the stove top, creating a...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:11 PM | | Comments (1)

March 04, 2009

Brooks 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The Brooks 2007 Pinot Noir is an interesting wine, for it is one of the lightest Oregon pinots from the '07 vintage I have tasted thus far. It also one with the lowest alcohol tasted to date. This is a wine that screams for food, for it could easily be dismissed as a thin or watery pinot if tasted on its own or even at the beginning of a meal. In the glass, the Brooks is a very light red, with ever so slight cloudiness to it. On the nose, I picked up muted fruit, while notes of raspberry...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:37 PM | | Comments (1)

O'Reilly's 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir was a light red ruby color in the glass, with notes of sour strawberry fruit and dusty menthol. With our teriyaki chicken thighs and onions on steamed rice, it delivered bright acidity, muted fruit, and a short finish. At $19, the O'Reilly's 2007 Pinot Noir Oregon (13%) is inexpensive, but the quality just wasn't there. I would pass on this one. Related Links Owen Roe Web Site...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:27 PM | | Comments (3)

Ponzi 2007 Pinot Noir Tavola

The Ponzi 2007 Pinot Noir Tavola Willamette Valley (13%) was a slightly cloudy medium red in the glass, with notes of strawberry fruit and dusty hints of menthol and eucalyptus on the nose. On the palate, this Oregon pinot noir offered a sour strawberry flavor, much like pureed strawberries that had been picked a bit under-ripe. At $25, I think there are better alternatives to consider. We paired the Ponzi Tavola with an Asian beef stir fry, which combined peanuts, chives, chilis, lime juice, and fresh cilantro on leaves of green lettuce and steamed rice. It was one of...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:04 PM |

March 03, 2009

Illahe 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The Illahe pinot noir is light, somewhat cloudy, ruby red in the glass, with intriguing fruit and earth notes on the nose. This LIVE certified, sustainable Oregon wine offered flavors of strawberry fruit with balanced acidity leading to a long, tasty finish. The Illahe 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) is a good value at $22, a wine that I will definitely stock up on for future dinners. It was such a wonderful complement to our meal, that I completely forgot to write down what we ate that night. Such is the joy of a good wine at the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:11 PM |

February 24, 2009

Panther Creek 2007 Pinot Noir Winemaker's Cuvee

This 2007 Oregon pinot noir was a very elegant, evolving wine. In the glass, the Panther Creek 2007 Pinot Noir Winemakers Cuvee Willamette Valley (13.2%) was a clear, medium ruby red color with muted notes of strawberry and red cherry fruit followed by hints of earth and flint. On the palate, there were modest red berry fruit flavors, mostly strawberry and cherry, with bright acidity and a nice finish. We paired the Panther Creek pinot with a grilled filet of Arctic char which Kari placed on a bed of lentils that had been cooked with garlic and onions. On...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:47 PM |

February 22, 2009

Round Two - 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

After making my way through a mixed case and a half of 2007 Oregon pinot noir, I couldn't help myself by grabbing another round of newly released wines from this standout vintage. With their elegant style, low alcohol, and balanced acidity, the 2007 Oregon pinots are an outstanding accompaniment to any meal. And with what appears to be an over abundance of Oregon pinot from this vintage in the $15 to $25 price range, these wines are becoming a staple at our table each night. Without further ado, here is the "Round 2" lineup we will be tasting through...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:18 PM |

February 17, 2009

Argyle 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

In the glass, the Argyle 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley was a clear, ruby red, almost the color of cherry Kool-Aid, which offers a useful description for the bright, ripe fruit flavors experienced with this wine. This Oregon pinot noir skewed toward scents and flavors of candied cherries, all of which was followed by some heat on the finish due to the 14% alcohol. At $28, I found the '07 Argyle to be a wine that I would pass on repurchasing, as its ripeness and higher alcohol were not my style. Related Links Brian on Wine's Review The Grape...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:04 PM |

Cloudline 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir was a clear, medium red in the glass offering notes of strawberry and cherry fruit along with scents of eucalyptus. On the palate, the Cloudline 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.5%) provided modest, yet at times sour, red berry fruit flavors and balanced acidity leading to a long, smooth finish. I would definitely try this wine again, for at $20, it offers a decent price-quality ratio. Related Links Wine Commentator's Review '06 vs. '07 Dirty South Wine Review Ray Johnson's Wine Blog Review...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:51 PM | | Comments (2)

A to Z 2007 Pinot Noir Oregon

From the largest producer in the state, the A to Z 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir offers a decent price point at $18 for an entry-level Oregon wine. The A to Z pinot (13.5%) was a light to medium ruby red in the glass, with slightly sour strawberry notes and muted fruit flavors leading to modest acidity making it a bit flat on the finish. We paired it with Spaghetti Ala Matriciana, a delicious pasta dish Kari crafts on frequent occasions, which was that much better with this Oregon pinot noir. Even at its low price, the A to Z...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:43 PM |

February 16, 2009

Klee 2007 Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir, named after the artist Paul Klee, was a medium, cloudy red in the glass, offering notes of ripe strawberry and cherry fruit. along with a bit of dusty earthiness. The Klee 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) was a bit over-ripe for my taste, for the candied cherry fruit was just too sweet, due to not enough acidity present to balance this wine. However, when combined with a grilled beef tenderloin, zucchini gratin, and wild rice, the Klee pinot noir showed well. Relative to its 2007 peers, this is a fuller, riper pinot, one that...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:56 PM |

Elk Cove 2007 Pinot Noir

When first opening this Elk Cove pinot noir, it was a bit sour and stinky on the nose. While the off-putting smell blew off with time in the glass, there remained an ever present sourness to this Oregon wine, even with unexpected bursts of red cherry fruit. The Elk Cove 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) offered bright, if not, excessive acidity, which could be the reason for its slightly sour taste. We paired it with a Thai dish comprised of sauteed prawns and red peppers in a coconut milk sauce served on a bed of steamed basmati rice...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:36 PM |

February 10, 2009

Erath 2007 Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir was a light, clear red in the glass, offering modest, yet slightly sour, notes of fruit on the nose. When first opening the screw cap, there was an overbearing presence of sulfites that eventually diminished in the glass. After tasting a number of these young Oregon pinot noirs, it's clear that decanting the '07 vintage will only serve to improve these wines. The Erath 2007 Pinot Noir Oregon (13%) was no exception, as it tasted much better on the 2nd day after opening. Overall, I enjoyed the modesty and elegance this wine offered, especially considering...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:06 PM |

January 27, 2009

Westrey 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

This Oregon pinot noir from 2007 is a wine that showed well from the first pour in the glass to the last sip with dinner. The Westrey 2007 Pinot Noir (13.5%) was a bit cloudy in the glass, offering red berry fruits, floral perfume, and earthy notes to the nose, while delivering great acidity and flavors of strawberry/cherry fruit, licorice, and toast, leading to a long, lasting finish. We paired the Westrey with a couple of pizzas Kari crafted, one a caramelized onion, Salumi salami, rosemary, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, and the other a mozzarella, olive, artichoke, tomato sauce, and pickled...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:42 PM |

Chehalem 2007 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir was a light, clear ruby red in the glass, offering an overwhelming hydrogen sulfide smell, which eventually blew off. Like many of its youthful peers from this vintage, the Chehalem 2007 Pinot Noir 3 Vineyards Willamette Valley (13.5%) is best served decanted, for it did start to show off some deep red fruit, especially cherry notes, after some time in the glass. On the palate, the Chehalem provided very bright acidity, leading to some sour strawberry notes, but then followed by a long cherry finish. We paired the Chehalem 2007 3 Vineyard with a dinner...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:00 PM |

January 25, 2009

King Estate 2007 Signature Pinot Gris

This Oregon pinot gris has become somewhat of a staple at our dinner table these last few months. We enjoy the King Estate 2007 Signature Pinot Gris Oregon (13%) as an aperitif or with a meal calling for a food-friendly pinot gris. The '07 pinot gris is a light, clear straw color in the glass, with scents of pineapple, cantaloupe, lemon and honeysuckle. The tropical fruit and honey flavors stand out, but are well balanced by the crisp acidity in this wine. It's a delicious table wine offering a wonderful complement to any meal. We paired the King Estate...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:32 PM | | Comments (1)

January 24, 2009

Evesham Wood 2007 Pinot Noir

This is a terrific Oregon pinot noir for $18. In fact, considering its price-quality ratio, this is one of the best of the 2007 vintage I have tasted to date. The Evesham Wood 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13%) is a bit cloudy in the glass, giving off a bouquet of dusty earth and muted red berry fruit, with a modest floral perfume encapsulating these scents. Flavors of strawberry and cherry are evident with balanced acidity ending in a decent finish. This is a wine that deserves time to open up and express itself. While serving this at dinner,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:48 PM |

Lange 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

This Oregon pinot noir is a clear, light red in the glass offering notes of cherry cola and dusty eucalyptus. In the mouth, it is consistently smooth and even from start to finish, however, it seemed a bit flat without much structure or acidity. Even after tasting a day later, the Lange '07 pinot was much the same, if not a bit flatter. We paired the Lange Estate Winery 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.2%) with a mushroom risotto accompanied by a Julienne apple and fennel salad dressed in oil and vinegar. It was a great meal on a...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:18 PM |

January 23, 2009

Cooper Mountain 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir

This is yet another well made Oregon pinot noir from a producer that offers its wines at affordable prices. The Cooper Mountain 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13%) retails for only $22, but offers a level of quality that approaches wines at two to three times its price point. Even better, the fruit is grown and wine is made through sustainable practices, which could be the reason why Cooper Mountain wines stand apart from some of their peers. In the glass, the '07 Reserve is a very light ruby red, almost to the point of being rose colored....

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:02 PM |

Patricia Green 2007 Four Winds Pinot Noir

A unique expression of Oregon pinot noir, the Patricia Green 2007 Four Winds Pinot Noir McMinnville (12.5%) is a captivating wine, in that its modest, elegant approach kept me returning to the glass to try to discern the various smells and flavors with each swirl and sip. Some may not like this approach, but I find this is what makes wine enjoyable. The more searching a wine requires, while still revealing itself gradually in return, the more engaged I become with every glass. This test of the senses is much preferred over wines that present smells and flavors that...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:24 PM |

January 21, 2009

Terrapin Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir was a light, yet cloudy, ruby red in the glass with sour red berry fruit on the nose along with herbs and a cinnamon toast spice. Flavors of muted fruit and tempered acidity with a sour, if not astringent, aftertaste. The Terrapin Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.2%) was purchased for $18, but even with its affordable price point, this wine left much to be desired. It was a bit flat throughout, never offering anything to show for itself. We paired this wine with a tomato sauce penne pasta dish garnished with fresh basil...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:14 PM |

Chehalem 2007 INOX Chardonnay

This Oregon chardonnay was a bit disappointing in terms of what it delivered at its price point of $19. In the glass, this wine was a very light yellow color offering faint notes of tropical fruit and very muted mineral notes. On the palate, it was outright flat, with weak acidity and little to show for the varietal. We ended up not finishing the bottle of this lackluster wine, for it wasn't worth filling our glasses with something that left us wanting. The Chehalem 2007 INOX Chardonnay Willamette Valley (13.5%) did not meet the bar in terms of bouquet,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:04 PM |

Patricia Green 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve

In the glass, this Oregon pinot noir from 2007 was a medium translucent red offering hints of earth, especially that of pronounced forest floor leading to sour cherry and strawberry fruit notes. In the mouth, the Patricia Green reserve was fruit forward with a bit of candied cherry dropping off quickly to a short finish. The Patricia Green Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley (13%) was a decent wine, but at $26 I found this to be a bit disappointing in terms of value. It began with much promise considering its earthy tones, but the fruit seemed to...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:50 PM |

January 17, 2009

Chateau Bianca 2007 Pinot Noir

This wine offers a very good representation of Oregon pinot noir at a low price of $16. In the glass, the Chateau Bianca 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (12.5%) was a very light ruby red. It smelled of dusty eucalyptus, earth, and strawberry fruit. Flavors of strawberry and raspberry fruit, albeit slightly sweet, but balanced with bright acidity making this a delicious food friendly wine. The Chateau Bianca pinot was paired with an Italian dish comprised of an Italian sausage (sans casing) tomato sauce cooked and reduced on the stove top and then served over a bowl of soft...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:30 AM | | Comments (2)

Broadley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir

This Oregon pinot noir from the 2007 vintage is a light to medium ruby red color in the glass, with appealing notes of forest floor giving way to slightly sour cherry and strawberry fruit. It offers bright acidity with pronounced flavors of red berry fruit and an earthiness that was a nice backdrop to a long finish. We paired the Broadley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) with grilled pork chops that had been seasoned with Italian herb salt along with roasted fennel and cherry tomatoes in chicken broth and a rice pilaf. I really enjoyed this wine...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:16 AM |

January 10, 2009

Lange Estate 2007 Pinot Gris

This a delicious Oregon pinot gris, offering pineapple, pear, and honey notes on the nose and tropical fruit and floral flavors on the palate with crisp acidity throughout leading to a long, somewhat viscous finish. It offered a nice accompaniment to the ham/mushroom/tomato and prosciutto/goat cheese/red pepper/artichoke pizzas we had delivered for dinner. At $15, the Lange Estates 2007 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley (12.4%) is wine worthy of having a presence at our dinner table whenever a pinot gris is called for or just on its own as an appertif. Related Links Lange Winery Site San Francisco Chronicle Wine...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:36 PM |

January 09, 2009

Penner-Ash 2006 Riesling

This Oregon riesling was a light, golden color in the glass, delivering signature notes of petrol giving way to stone and minerals, with very understated floral and fruit. The Penner-Ash (12.5%) was dry, offering bright acidity and a clean finish. Not much fruit coming through, making it a bit flat. We paired this wine with Korean-style BBQ, which consisted of grilled tri-tip beef that had been marinated overnight in a soy/ginger/rice vinegar/chili/sesame oil sauce. The beef was grilled medium rare, allowed to rest 5 to 10 minutes, and then sliced into thin strips. We wrapped the beef with steamed...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:05 AM |

Brick House 2007 Pinot Noir Select

A wonderful, unadulterated expression of Oregon pinot noir, that we enjoyed with dinner one night and then even more a day later with another meal. The Brick House 2007 Pinot Noir Select Ribbon Ridge (13.4%) was a very light, cloudy ruby color in the glass, offering scents of fresh strawberry fruit, a bit of dusty eucalyptus, and understated floral notes. Red berry fruit flavors predominated this biodynamic/organic pinot, going from strawberry to cherry, with balanced acidity and smooth texture leading to a long, delicious finish, without any hint of oak along the way. We paired the Brick House with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:04 AM |

January 04, 2009

Exploring 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

Over the past couple of weeks, I have picked up and opened a few entry-level 2007 Oregon pinot noirs with dinner, including Erath, Evesham Woods, and Lange. If these are any indication of what's to come, then the 2007 vintage is going to be my kind of pinot noir. Each of these understated wines offered modest fruit, good acidity, and low alcohol. Put another way, they were a clear departure from their overstated predecessors from 2006, a vintage that produced wines that too often tasted of candied fruit and heat from the higher alcohol. Here's what the Oregon Wine...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:26 PM |

December 08, 2008

Cooper Mountain 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) After enjoying a bottle of Cooper Mountain's 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir (13.5%) last March, I was excited to get my hands on another bottle, this time the 2006 vintage, which I purchased at retail for $23. We paired this Oregon pinot noir with a combination pizza comprised of ham, mushrooms, tomatoes on one half, and prosciutto, goat cheese, tomatoes, basil, mushrooms on the other. It ended up being a great combination of food and wine, with the flavors of the pizza being brought to life by the Cooper Mountain pinot. As I mentioned...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:02 PM |

December 01, 2008

Torii Mor 2007 Pinot Blanc

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) The other night, Kari crafted one of her signature Asian dishes, a ginger chicken and mushroom stir fry with steamed rice. The fresh ginger, chicken thigh meat, and fresh mushrooms get mixed together in a food processor and are then cooked up in a large wok. Best of all is the sauce she concocts from scratch. It includes fresh shredded ginger, sesame oil, chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha sauce. This stuff brings all of the flavors together, offering a decent amount of heat that slowly builds over time, but never...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:48 PM | | Comments (1)

November 29, 2008

Lumos 2007 Pinot Gris Oregon

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) Last month, I became a big fan of Lumos wines after enjoying a bottle of their 5 Blocks pinot noir. Dai Crisp, owner/winemaker at Lumos Winery, has hit another home run with his 2007 pinot gris, a bottle I purchased at my local wine retailer for $17. As a result, I am even more smitten with this Oregon producer not only for their wines, but also their overall approach celebrating the people and places going into each bottle of Lumos wine. I paired the Lumos 2007 Pinot Gris Rudolfo Vineyard with our dinner...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:14 PM |

November 24, 2008

Upcoming Events in the Willamette and Walla Walla Valleys

For fans of Oregon and Washington wine, there are two events coming up that are worth considering. This weekend (Nov 28 thru 30) is the annual Wine Country Thanksgiving event in the Willamette Valley. Many wineries throughout the valley will be opening their tasting rooms for the public and holding special events during the holiday weekend. For more information, please visit the Willamette Valley Wineries site. The following weekend (Dec 5 thru 7) is the annual Walla Walla Holiday Barrel Tasting in Walla Walla, Washington. Over 50 local wineries will be offering barrel tastings and other activities to celebrate the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:57 PM |

November 22, 2008

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) In my last post, I wrote about a wine that was a case study in bottle label minimalism. With this one, I wanted to highlight a producer at the opposite end of the spectrum, Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVV), who with their labels do a fantastic job connecting the consumer to the people, places, and practices going into each bottle of wine. The back label was the first thing I noticed when getting ready to open a bottle of their 2007 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley ($15) and the 2006 Tualatin Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:13 PM | | Comments (1)

November 18, 2008

Bethel Heights 2007 Pinot Gris

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) I appreciate minimal intervention in wine making, but when it comes to wine labels, I prefer maximum details and descriptions. At the very least, a bottle's label should offer the consumer a bit about the people, places and practices going into the wine. The Bethel Heights 2007 Oregon Pinot Gris offers a case study in wine label minimalism. Other than the producer, place, variety, and vintage being repeated on the front and back labels, one is left to wonder what went into this wine. Fortunately, there are some insightful winemaker notes at the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:43 PM |

November 08, 2008

Capitello 2006 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) One of the benefits from shopping at different wine shops is the discovery of new wines. Such was the case with the Capitello 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, a bottle I purchased for $40 at the Portalis Wine Shop and Wine Bar a couple of months ago. Capitello Wines, located in Eugene, is a family owned and operated winery led by Ray Walsh, who was formerly winemaker at King Estate. Ray is a New Zealand native, who got his start making wine in his home country before ending up in Oregon. After several...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:31 PM |

November 05, 2008

Chehalem 2005 3 Vineyards Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) This Oregon pinot noir started out well, then took a bit of slump during our meal, before recovering the next day. On the eyes, the Chehalem 2005 3 Vineyards Pinot Noir (13.2%) was a translucent garnet color. On the nose, it offered red berry fruits including strawberry and raspberry with slight hints of earth and dusty dirt. On the palate, there was cherry and strawberry with balanced acidity. With dinner, the Chehalem 3 Vineyards pinot evolved to show sweet, candied cherry flavors. Kari thought it tasted a bit metallic, almost tinny. On the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:36 PM | | Comments (1)

November 03, 2008

A High Compliment to Oregon Pinot Noir

Whether you're a long-standing fan or someone just getting introduced to Oregon pinot noir, you will benefit from watching and reading Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher's recent experiences tasting wines from the state's 2006 and 2005 vintages. There is nothing but high praise coming from this wine columnist duo, who pay a high compliment to Oregon producers for crafting pinot noir with a true sense of place: The winemakers allowed the vineyards themselves, the fruit itself, the terroir itself, to star. This is what makes great Pinot what it is -- an expression of place. When we tasted...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:53 PM |

October 26, 2008

WillaKenzie Estate 2007 Pinot Gris

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) This is a wonderful Oregon pinot gris, which I picked up on sale at my local wine merchant for $15. We paired the WillaKenzie Estate 2007 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley (13.8% alcohol) with salmon pasta, an incredible dish Kari crafts with smoked King salmon lox over a bed of linguine pasta that has been tossed in a light cream-based sauce that includes shallots, white wine, garlic, and fresh dill. On the eyes, the WillaKenzie pinot gris is a clear, clean light golden green color. On the nose, it offers pineapple, melon and pear....

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:51 PM | | Comments (1)

October 16, 2008

Useful Guide to Oregon Wine Country

Last March, the Portland Monthly magazine published a terrific piece entitled, "The Insider's Guide to Oregon Wine Country" For anyone contemplating or planning a visit to the Willamette Valley during this year's harvest, I encourage you to check out this guide. The stunning photo essay by Janis Miglavs, a former National Geographic photographer, should motivate any reader to jump in the car and visit Oregon wine country now. Before you go, be sure to review the guide's recommended wineries to visit, which are broken out into three sections covering the northern, central, and southern parts of the Willamette Valley....

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:00 AM |

October 15, 2008

Lumos 2005 Pinot Noir 5 Blocks

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) It is not often you come across a wine that includes a back label dedication by the winemaker to the vineyard manager and crew. But it is truly unique to find a bottle featuring a group photo of the vineyard crew on this same label. Such is the case with the Lumos 2005 Pinot Noir Five Blocks, a bottle that immediately connects you to the people who cultivated the grapes as well as those who crafted the fruit into wine. Here is the back label's description and dedication: This wine is grown using...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:24 AM |

October 04, 2008

LA Times profiles Oregon's Willamette Valley

An article entitled, "Oregon's lush Willamette Valley offers a vintners' bounty", was featured in yesterday's LA Times. The article highlights about twenty wineries to visit in the valley along with a video feature on equestrian vineyard tours and a slide show of photos from the area. Combining the article with digital media is a good way to showcase the area. The piece was written by Patrick Comiskey, senior editor for Wine & Spirits magazine, who regularly covers the Oregon and Washington wine scene. Along with a recent spread in The Seattle Times, this article should offer useful guidance for anyone...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:52 PM |

Firesteed 2006 Pinot Noir Oregon

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) In this economy, there's nothing better than finding a good, inexpensive bottle of Oregon pinot noir, a wine you can enjoy on a regular basis without having to worry about breaking the budget. Such is the case with the Firesteed 2006 Pinot Noir Oregon, which I picked up at Metropolitan Market recently for an affordable $15. We paired the Firesteed with a meal of roast chicken breasts with garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and paprika served with a Greek yogurt sauce. It was yet another spectacular dish Kari crafted in our red French oven, a...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:53 PM | | Comments (1)

September 29, 2008

Adelsheim 2006 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) Third time is a charm, as they say, for it took bottle number three for me to finally blog about the Adelsheim 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley. The first two bottles I enjoyed while dining out, with the most recent bottle with dinner at home which I bought at retail for $30. On each occasion, this wine paired well with the various meals we had and was enjoyed by all who drank it. On the eyes, the Adelsheim pinot (13.8%) was a light, raspberry color. On the nose, there were hints of earth...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:25 PM |

September 28, 2008

Montinore 2006 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) While shopping for wine a couple of weeks back, I discovered a bottle of Montinore Estate pinot noir, a producer I recognized but for the life of me could not recall why. It wasn't until I did some research online and remembered this was an Oregon winery that received quite a bit of press when it was for sale several years ago for $5 million. Rudy Marchesi, who was president of the winery when it was being sold, assumed ownership of Montinore Estate in 2006. The original estate had its founding in the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:17 AM |

September 21, 2008

Oregon Wine Country in The Seattle Times

The north Willamette Valley received a big spread in today's Travel section of The Seattle Times. Carli Pucci documents her experience in "Oregon wine country, one sip at a time", which includes visits to the Torii Moor, Domaine Drouhin, Anne Amie, Amity, and Maysara wineries. It was interesting that Pucci expounds on all of her winery visits, with the exception of Anne Amie. I wonder why she chose not to detail that experience, while diving deep on the other visits. Regardless, the article offers some highlights of places to stay, dine at, or see using McMinnville as your base. It's...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:39 PM |

September 14, 2008

Torii Mor 2006 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) With its Japanese inspired name and label, it wouldn't surprise me if some might mistake this bottle of Torii Mor for sake. On the outside, Torii Mor might suggest rice wine, but on the inside this is pinot noir, and a good wine at that. Torii Mor, located in Dundee, was founded in 1993 by Donald Olson, MD, to focus on producing wine from fruit grown on the Olson Estate Vineyard. He acquired and renamed this site in 1985 - it was formerly known as the McDaniel Vineyard, which was planted in 1972,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:27 PM |

September 13, 2008

WillaKenzie Estate 2006 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) Although this WillaKenzie wine may not be my style in pinot noir, the WillaKenzie winery is my kind of producer. Why? It's all because of what they do online. WillaKenzie Estate has one of the best designed homepages of any winery I have visited to date. On that single page, I connected to the wines, vineyards, and practices of this producer in ways unlike any other winery. Here is what you can learn using the interactive Flash elements on this homepage: &bull a bird's eye view pinpointing each vineyard location and the wine...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:18 PM | | Comments (2)

September 09, 2008

Book Review: At Home in the Vineyard by Susan Sokol Blosser

At Home in the Vineyard: Cultivating a Winery, an Industry, and a Life by Susan Sokol Blosser is one book that seems to offer an exception to the adage, "you can't judge a book by its cover". Just as the subtitle suggests, At Home in the Vineyard effectively describes the slow, steady transformation of an estate winery, a wine industry, and a human being over a period of more than 30 years. It is an intimate study of all three components delivered in a narrative style that keeps you engaged from start to finish. This book is first and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:36 PM | | Comments (2)

September 07, 2008

Next 2006 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) It is nice to stumble upon an inexpensive bottle of Oregon pinot noir these days, considering how most seem to be in the $25 or higher price range. And it's even better when that inexpensive bottle delivers a decent wine experience. Such is the case with the Next 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, which I picked up at Metropolitan Market for $19. The Next Pinot Noir is one of a pair of high volume wines (the other a WA riesling) produced by King Estate out of Eugene, Oregon. Some designer worked hard to...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:37 PM | | Comments (2)

September 03, 2008

Elk Cove 2006 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) Lately, it seems a new wave of 2006 Oregon pinot noirs have been hitting the retail shelves, providing a nice assortment of wines to try with dinner. I suspect this may be due to the fact that the 2007 vintage is entering the channel, as many wineries need to make room for the upcoming 2008 harvest. I picked up a bottle of the Elk Cove 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley at Metropolitan Market recently, where it retailed for $29.99. We paired this pinot with grilled beef kebabs that included red onions and bell...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:20 PM | | Comments (2)

August 12, 2008

Westrey 2006 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) With wild king salmon and fresh asparagus on the grill, I opened a bottle of Westrey 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) to see if this wine measured up to the billing it received on the back label: Westrey wines are styled to be mouth-filling and generous in a context of rich texture and balanced acidity. Winemakers Amy Wesselman and David Autrey craft distinctive wines while allowing each bottling to express its vineyards of origin. In keeping with the philosophy of minimal handling, this wine has been bottled unfiltered. For the salmon, Kari...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:33 PM | | Comments (1)

August 11, 2008

Erath 2006 Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) The Erath 2006 Pinot Blanc ($13) offers yet another addition to my growing list of delightful, inexpensive wines to enjoy this summer. We paired this pinot blanc with a simple meal of grilled chicken thighs, broccolini, and rice pilaf, while enjoying it as an aperitif beforehand. Overall, the Erath's balanced acidity and moderate alcohol (13.8%) offered a nice complement to the Caribbean-style chicken marinade. In fact, it clearly lived up to the promise of the back label, for it is pure fruit enjoyment as a result of being steel fermented: ...a crisp, dry...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:13 PM |

July 30, 2008

IPNC 2008: Connections, Context, and Community

For me, the measure of a good wine experience is how often and to what degree you reflect on it afterward. Since returning from IPNC 2008, I have been thinking a lot about what I gained from attending this event. If I were to distill it down to just a few themes, then IPNC for me was all about connections, context, and community. Connecting to People and Places I heard it said many times during the weekend, that it is the wine that brings folks to IPNC, but it is the people that make it special. That was clearly validated...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:00 PM |

July 27, 2008

IPNC: Day Two, Part Two

IPNC Northwest Salmon Bake Dinner The second half of Day Two at IPNC followed a similar sequence to Day One, with several seminars, special pourings, alfresco tastings, and dinner. Mid-afternoon, I dropped by a book signing featuring Tyler Colman, Ph.D., a.k.a. Dr. Vino, and several other authors. Tyler, whom I met earlier in the day, publishes a popular wine blog and has recently released a new book entitled, Wine Politics: How Governments, Environmentalists, Mobsters, and Critics Influence the Wines We Drink. I am looking forward to reading Tyler's book, which combines two of my favorite topics. Along with the book...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:07 PM | | Comments (2)

July 26, 2008

IPNC: Day Two, Part One

IPNC Sustainability Without Sacrifice Seminar Today is the second and last full day at IPNC. It began with two wine seminars indoors and was followed by lunch outside on the lawn. In keeping with the theme of this year's IPNC, the two seminars focused on sustainability in the vineyard and winery. Both sessions were moderated by Andrea Robinson with a panel of special guests commenting on the various wine flights in front of us. The first session featured Jasper Morris, wine expert and writer, and Dominique Lafon, of the Burgundy estate, Domaine des Comtes Lafon. Dominique spoke about his...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:05 PM |

July 25, 2008

IPNC: Day One, Part Two

IPNC Grand Dinner What an amazing evening the first night of IPNC has been... It started with the al fresco tasting event, featuring dozens of producers from around the world pouring recent and past releases of pinot noir. As much as these types of tasting events offer a useful cross-section of wines, I find it challenging to really enjoy wine in this setting without food. The cocktail wines always show well, while the food friendly wines struggle. Following the tasting reception, we all came together for "The Grand Dinner", with a variety of wines and vintages being poured throughout...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:38 PM |

IPNC: Day One, Part One

IPNC Vineyard Tour and Winery Lunch What a terrific first day at IPNC. I got started at 8 am joining Craig Camp of the Wine Camp Blog for breakfast. Craig is clearly the man when it comes to blogging about the Oregon wine scene. It was a lot of fun meeting him, chatting about wine and the Web, as well as being introduced to some folks he knows. After breakfast, several hundred attendees gathered on Linfield's commencement green for the opening ceremonies. After a welcome from the president of Linfield College and comments from special guests, each of the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:11 PM |

July 24, 2008

Pre-IPNC Dinner at Lemelson Vineyards

On the eve of IPNC kicking off tomorrow, more than a dozen wineries in the McMinnville area are hosting dinners tonight. I had the good fortune of selecting the pre-IPNC dinner event at Lemelson Vineyards winery, which ended up being an incredible evening of amazing food, delicious wine, and best of all, good company. Before getting into too much detail, I want to share something special that happened earlier today on my journey from Seattle to the Willamette Valley. While driving south, I was listening to the radio when Garrison Keillor came on with The Writer's Almanac, his daily feature...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:57 PM | | Comments (3)

July 19, 2008

Hatcher 2004 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) For me, a good wine is measured not only by what is experienced inside the bottle, but also on the outside through labeling. Inside, the wine should delight the eyes, the nose, and the palate. Outside, the bottle's labeling should in some way connect me to the people and places behind the wine. Granted, it's not always that I expect a wine to fulfill expectations in both areas. There are many inexpensive wines that do well on the inside, but don't always have to deliver on the outside. However, my bar is set...

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Posted by Thad W. at 05:52 AM | | Comments (2)

June 28, 2008

Cottonwood 2004 Marina Piper Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) The other night, Kari cooked up a batch of pappardelle pasta with beef ragu, which was made from a chuck roast slow cooked in a broth with wine and tomatoes. A fresh, red leaf lettuce salad tossed with sliced pink lady apples provided a colorful complement to the main dish. I was tempted to pull an Italian nebbiollo or sangiovese, but decided to try a bottle of the Cottonwood 2004 Marina Piper Pinot Noir ($26.99) from the Dundee Hills of Oregon. This was one of several '04 pinots from Oregon that had recently...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:39 PM |

June 19, 2008

Maysara Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) During last week's visit to Tulsa, we enjoyed a taste of the Pacific Northwest with fresh Copper River sockeye salmon and Dungeness crab joined by a pair of Maysara 2006 wines, a pinot noir ($21.99) and a pinot gris ($16.99). Overall, the seafood was fantastic, while the wine fell a bit short. I grilled the salt and pepper seasoned sockeye on a plank of cedar along with a batch of fresh asparagus. It was joined by a filet of wild King salmon, which went straight on the grill. In addition, we had rice...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:40 PM |

June 10, 2008

Ponzi Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) With this being an unusually cool and rainy spring in Seattle, we've started planning meals around the weather forecast so we can get outside and grill. So it was with the promise of good weather the next day, that Kari marinated a few thick pork chops in a brine that included garlic, peppercorns, and all spice seasoning. Fortunately, the forecast for decent weather came true, thus we were able to enjoy a grilled meal outside. Before cooking, we dried the chops and then rubbed them with a mix of brown sugar, cummin, cayenne...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:10 AM | | Comments (2)

June 08, 2008

Broadley Vineyards 2005 Bergstrom Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) If there is one Oregon pinot noir that has been imprinted in my memory, it is a bottle of Broadley Vineyards wine. It was a turning point for me, in that it was the first Oregon pinot noir that captivated me like no other wine before it. In May of 2006, we were celebrating the birthday of my father-in-law, Bob, by dining al fresco on a beautiful spring evening in Seattle. We enjoyed a grilled salmon dinner with a bottle of 2004 Claudia's Choice pinot noir. I will never forget that wine nor...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:13 AM |

June 07, 2008

Amity Vineyards 2006 Riesling Willamette Valley

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) As part of my Northwest Palate prize, I received a bottle of the Amity 2006 Riesling. I was glad to get this bottle in the mixed case, as I really enjoy riesling, especially that produced in the Pacific Northwest. And I was really excited to try a bottle of Amity, a winery started in 1974 by one of Oregon's early wine pioneers, Myron Redford. Before opening the bottle, I was glad to see the approach Amity took in detailing the who, what and where of this wine on the back label. In fact,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:48 PM |

May 03, 2008

Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir: 1997 vs. 2004

While on a trip to the Oregon coast eight years ago, Kari and I spent a day visiting wineries in the northern Willamette Valley. It was our first trip to Oregon pinot noir country and to be honest I came away unimpressed with the wines. Looking back, I know why this was the case, for it was in that year, 2000, that I was fully immersed in full-bodied, high octane wines such as California zinfandels, Australian shiraz and Washington syrah, just to name a few. On that fateful trip, I purchased a bottle of Argyle 1997 Nuthouse Pinot Noir...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:48 PM |

April 30, 2008

WIDWD: Apolloni 2005 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) Here's a Willamette Valley wine that probably wasn't the best match with the grilled pork loin, fennel and asparagus meal we prepared with a rice pilaf on the side. I decided on a pinot noir to go with this meal, but paid no attention to the back label of the Apolloni 2005 Pinot Noir (13.7%). If I had, then I might have put it aside for another style of Oregon wine. Why? The bottle states that this wine "greets you with toasted vanilla and berries then opens up with black cherry, dark fruit...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:26 AM |

April 28, 2008

WIDWD: Six Vineyards 2005 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) This Oregon pinot noir is crafted by Lemelson Vineyards based in Carlton. Other than the suggestive brand, "Six Vineyards", and the note on the producer, no other details are provided as to what went into this wine. In fact, I checked the Lemelson web site and nothing is available on this or previous vintages. What gives?!?! Regardless, one thing is clear, this is a wine that was surprisingly good relative to its price point of $21.99. Kari and I really enjoyed the Six Vineyards Pinot Noir (13.5%) with our grilled Jamaican jerk chicken...

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Posted by Thad W. at 05:48 AM |

April 27, 2008

WIDWD: Francis Tannahill 2004 The Hermit Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) More often than not, it is a bottle of Oregon pinot noir that graces our dinner table each evening. My wife, Kari, and I have a preference for the style Oregon viticulturists and winemakers bring to crafting pinot noir, preferring them over their California and French counterparts. We like the expressive yet elegant style that Oregon pinot brings, as these wines tend to be more fruit-forward than the Old World style yet not over-ripe like California pinots can get. While enjoying a number of Oregon pinot noirs these last couple of weeks, there...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:25 PM |

March 23, 2008

WIDWD: A Pair of Evesham Woods

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) With each of bottle of Evesham Wood wine enjoyed at our table, I am becoming a more devout fan of this Oregon producer. Back in October, I opened an Evesham Wood 2006 Pinot Noir and was quickly taken with this wine along with their story. So it was with some anticipation that I opened two bottles of Evesham Wood during the week, a 2005 Le Putis Sec Pinot Noir and a 2006 Blanc du Puits Sec Pinot Gris/Gewurztraminer. Both wines are comprised of fruit from Evesham Wood's estate vineyard, Le Puits Sec, which is...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:13 PM |

March 22, 2008

WIDWD: Caramba Carabella!

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) A couple of weeks back, Kari prepared a wonderful dish of slow cooked chicken thighs in chipotle sauce, which were served with steaming tortillas along with fresh tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. I decided to pair the meal with a Carabella 2005 Pinot Noir (14.2%), a bottle we had enjoyed very much while dining at Tilth restaurant. The Carabella is a full bodied pinot noir and matched very well with the spicy chicken. The '05 Carabella is made of five pinot noir clones sourced from their 27 acre estate vineyard, which is located in...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:06 PM | | Comments (1)

March 12, 2008

WIDWD: Cooper Mountain 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) Last Saturday night, we were entertaining my brother-in-law, Kris, who was visiting from London. Kari cooked up a big batch of pasta all’ amatriciana (tomato-based sauce with pancetta) along with a leaf lettuce salad in an olive oil and wine vinegar dressing. To accompany the meal, we served a bottle of wine that Kris's mother had brought us a while back, a Cooper Mountain 2003 Estate Pinot Noir. It offered a pleasant surprise for Kris to learn that the wine in his glass was a gift from his mother. The Cooper Mountain pinot...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:02 PM | | Comments (2)

March 02, 2008

WIDWD: King Estate 2006 Domaine Pinot Gris

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) Last Wednesday night, I came home from work and could immediately smell these wonderful aromas emitting from the kitchen. As soon as I spotted the stove, I saw Kari's red Le Creuset, a pot that always brings incredibly delicious, slow cooked meals to our table. Tonight's dinner was a pork shoulder roast braised in olive oil and garlic and then slow cooked for a couple of hours in chicken broth and white wine. I couldn't wait to sit down and celebrate this meal! The wine used with the pork? A King Estate 2006...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:02 PM |

February 22, 2008

WIDWD: St. Innocent 2005 Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) When buying wine at retail, I frequently shop at Esquin Wine Merchants, where one of the better selections of Oregon wines can be found here in Seattle. A while back I was in the pinot noir aisle when Jerry appeared to help me out with my shopping. Jerry, who retired from Esquin last December, has played a key role in steering me to new discoveries over the years, with this shopping trip being no exception. After asking Jerry what was drinking well in the 2005 Oregon pinot noir line up, he promptly reached...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:44 PM |

December 26, 2007

WIDWD: 2005 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Auxerrois

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) For Christmas Eve dinner, it's a tradition at our table to serve chopped salad, making meal time a bit easier on a day filled with various activities. Kari's version is crafted with a multitude of ingredients including salami, chicken, provolone, mozzarella, basil, garbanzo beans, green onions, iceburg lettuce, and a wonderful vinaigrette dressing that brings it all together into a fantastic meal. To pair with this dish, I chose a 2005 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Auxerrois and a 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Riesling. Before dinner, we popped a 2002 Argyle Sparkling Wine,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:15 PM |

WIDWD: 2005 Erath Pinot Noir Estate Selection Dundee Hills

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) Last Sunday evening, Kari warmed up a Greek stew she had made a couple of days before that had been "resting" in our fridge for the weekend. It was yet another incredible slow cooked dish made in our red Le Creuset, a French oven that seems to create magical meals regardless of what ingredients Kari combines in it. Kari's parents were joining us for this meal which was kicking off the Christmas holiday weekend. I decided to pair the stew with a 2005 Erath Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Estate Selection, a wine that...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:48 AM |

December 05, 2007

WIDWD: Argyle '02 Brut and '05 Pinot Noir

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) I love duck. It's one of my favorite dishes, whether dining out or eating in. My wife, Kari, prepares a superb duck, searing it on the stove top to crisp the skin, finishing in the oven to a medium rare consistency, and then crafting a sauce that brings it all together. The other night Kari surprised me with a waterfowl dinner, which put me on a hunt in the cellar for an Oregon pinot noir. I was starting to come down with a cold, therefore wasn't sure if I should go big time...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:03 AM |

December 04, 2007

Review: Tina's Restaurant

Along highway 99W in the heart of Dundee, you'll find Tina's Restaurant, which is across the street from the Argyle Winery. Since 1991, Tina's has been serving lunch and dinner to locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is named after its founder, Tina Bergen, who along with her husband, David, moved from Portland to Yamhill County in 1988, well before the Dundee Hills area was recognized for its superb wine. I arrived for lunch on a day when I was planning to visit a few wineries in the area. Like The Dundee Bistro, its next door neighbor, Tina's is a...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:59 PM |

December 01, 2007

Review: The Dundee Bistro

While recently visiting wineries in the Dundee area, I had the opportunity to dine at The Dundee Bistro, which is located off highway 99W across from the Argyle Winery. The bistro shares a retail space with a wine bar and a store featuring local food and crafts. This "culinary center" as it is called, was created by the Ponzi Family, who maintain over 100 acres of vineyards in northern Willamette Valley producing a variety of estate wines. On the evening I visited, the dinner crowd was just starting to build, therefore I opted for a seat at the chef's bar....

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:34 PM |

November 27, 2007

Review: Penner-Ash Wine Cellars

I could not have ended my tour of Yamhill County wineries in a better way than the experience provided at Penner-Ash Wine Cellars. This is a special place in so many ways, from the facility's thoughtful architectural design, to the connected experiences offered tasting Penner-Ash wine. I had learned about Penner-Ash while listening to the 3 Wine Guys, who recommended their wine during a podcast that featured four 2005 Oregon pinot noirs. After hearing their show, I was eager to visit the Penner-Ash winery and try some of their wines myself. Little did I know how this online discovery...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:11 AM |

November 19, 2007

The Fruits of Paul Gregutt's Labors

Fall is always a busy time for wineries, with harvest bringing in the new vintage and the previous years' bottlings being released. It seems Paul Gregutt, wine columnist for The Seattle Times, has been just as busy crafting some enjoyable and insightful pieces on the Pacific Northwest wine scene. Terroir Is Not A Small Dog! - an excerpt from Paul's new book, "Washington Wines & Wineries", which should be a good read considering the witty approach he takes with this piece about Washington state vineyards. Acquiring A Taste - a recent cover story for the Pacific Northwest magazine's annual wine...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:43 PM | | Comments (1)

November 14, 2007

Review: Scott Paul Winery

It's hard not to miss the Scott Paul Wines facility, regardless of which route you take into Carlton. The winery and tasting room are housed in two circa-1915 granary buildings on Pine Street, one block south of Main. The photo above is the winery, which is located across the street from the tasting room. The smaller building housing the tasting room and offices has tremendous character inside and out, incorporating a variety of elements from the old granary, which offers a delightful setting to enjoy Scott Paul Wines. One of the first things you notice upon entering the tasting...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:55 PM |

November 13, 2007

Review: Soléna Cellars

The next stop on my recent Oregon wine country tour was Soléna Cellars. I had enjoyed a bottle of Soléna 2005 Grande Cuvee Pinot Noir a couple of months back, therefore was eager to learn more about this outfit and try some of their other wines. Soléna Cellars maintains a spacious tasting room a block south of Main Street in downtown Carlton. On the day I visited, wine was being poured by Lisa, who did a great job sharing stories and answering questions. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the fact that Soléna Cellars provided complimentary tastes...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:15 PM |

November 12, 2007

Review: Anne Amie Vineyards

Anne Amie Vineyards, located in Carlton, Oregon, is the first winery I have visited as a result of being introduced via a wine blog. The blogosphere served not only as a means of discovery, but more importantly a way to connect me to the people and places that are behind Anne Amie. Before ever tasting their wine, I learned about this winery by first reading Craig Camp's blog, The Wine Camp, and then following this fall's harvest on the Anne Amie blog. During the last two months, Craig and other folks at Anne Amie have posted stories and photos...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:40 PM |

November 09, 2007

A Day in Oregon Wine Country

Yesterday, I had the chance to spend an entire afternoon in the Willamette Valley visiting wineries in Yamhill County. It was a great day, meeting friendly staff, visiting some picturesque places, and discovering some really good wine. I will be writing detailed accounts of my experiences in the coming week, but wanted to provide a quick rundown of the places visited. After a delicious lunch at Tina's in Dundee, I began my tour at Anne Amie Vineyards, then visited Soléna Cellars and Scott Paul Wines in downtown Carlton, moving on to Cana's Feast Winery, and finally ending my day...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:19 AM |

October 24, 2007

WIDWD: J Christopher 2005 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) After several weeks of cold rainy weather, we got a nice surprise with a pristine summer-like day yesterday with clear skies, warm breezes, and a late afternoon temperature around 70 degrees. Kari went to the market and picked up a fresh whole chicken, ingredients for a Greek salad, some Greek yogurt and pita bread. With a beautiful summer-like day gifted to us, we were going to live as if it were still August: roasting a chicken on the grill, accompanying it with Greek side dishes, and dining al fresco during sunset. To complement...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:23 PM |

October 22, 2007

WIDWD: Evesham Wood 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD) It's becoming rare these days to find a bottle of Oregon pinot noir under $20 that stands out not only in terms of taste but also in its ability to connect you to the people and places producing it. Such is the story with the Evesham Wood 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13% alcohol), a delicious wine with a terrific story. This young pinot noir retails for $18.95 and would offer a wonderful complement to any meal. We popped a bottle last night to accompany grilled pork chops and had the remainder tonight...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:05 PM |

October 02, 2007

WIDWD: Andrew Rich 2005 Pinot Noir Cuvée B

This is the inaugural post of What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD), a regular feature to share the local wines enjoyed at my table during the previous night's meal. With a break in the rain yesterday, my wife and I decided to fire up the grill and cook a steak dinner. I was in charge of grilling the filets while my wife oversaw cooking the caramelized onions, pommes frites and tossing a red leaf lettuce salad with apple wedges. I chose the Andrew Rich 2005 Pinot Noir Cuvée B. Here's the description of the 2005 Pinot Noir Cuvée B...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:59 AM | | Comments (4)

September 19, 2007

Experiencing the crush of harvest season

The cooler temps and shortening days here in the Pacific Northwest signal the harvest season is upon us and with it comes crush. While reading the updates on this year's harvest, I am reminded of Brian Doyle's excellent book, "The Grail: A Year Ambling & Shambling Through an Oregon Vinyard in Pursuit of the Best Pinot Noir Wine in the Whole Wild World". If you have ever been curious about what it's like to work in a vineyard and/or winery during crush, then this is the book to read. In this wonderful account, Doyle shares the year he spent...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:21 AM |

July 30, 2007

International Pinot Noir Celebration

The International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) was held this past weekend in McMinnville, Oregon. The IPNC is marketed as "three days of seminars, tastings, tours and one-of-a-kind meals with sixty international Pinot noir winemakers, all within the beautiful backdrop of Oregon wine country." Although I wasn't able to attend this year's event, it was almost like being there after reading Alder's daily posts on Vinography.com. Alder has clearly set the benchmark for covering a wine event. His focus on the people encountered and stories shared makes for some great reading and wonderful insights. Alder's reporting style makes you feel like...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:59 AM |

May 03, 2007

Winery Reviews and Ratings

Whenever I visit a winery, the one thing I look for more than anything else is a connection to the wine beyond the bottle. What makes this connection happen? Stories. Stories about the people and places behind the wine I am sampling. The more unique and understandable the stories being shared, the better the winery experience for me. This connection is what ultimately determines whether or not I would recommend a winery to family, friends or you. It also influences what I buy. In fact, I would much rather visit a winery that serves mediocre wines but offers a deep...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:49 PM |


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