Cooper Comes to Portland

Red Mountain in Washington State is one of my top wine regions in the world. The wines from this small AVA on a "mountain" at the Southeast end of the Yakima Valley are second to none. One of the area's newest wineries, Cooper Wine Company, paid Portland a visit a couple weeks ago, and offered those "in the know" an epic tasting of their current releases. Owner/winemaker Neil Cooper brought his entire staff along for the ride, and poured 8 different wines, also offering some tasty small bites from the hosting venue, The Original Dinerat. Wines we tasted were:

• 2010 Estate Marsanne ($30)
• 2010 Estate Chardonnay ($40)
• 2008 L'inizio Bordeaux-style blend ($50)
• 2008 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon ($40)
• 2009 L'inizio Bordeaux-style blend ($50)
• 2009 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon ($40)
• 2009 Estate Merlot ($n/a - wine club only)
• 2009 Carmenere ($n/a - wine club only)

All of the wines were outstanding, with the two whites being my least favorite (as usual, I love the big reds!), and the stand outs being the Walla Walla Cabernet and the L'Inizio blend. Wine of the Tasting for me was the 2008 Walla Walla Cab. Huge fruit and structure, but very lush and delicious. Thanks Neil and team for a great tasting event! My friend Dave and I had a great time chatting with everyone while tasting through the line-up. I hope to see everyone again at the winery next time I'm in the area!