PDX Urban Wineries Tasting

There are a number of wineries located in the Portland Metro Area...actually within the city limits. They are somewhat known by the collective name PDX Urban Wineries, and featured a tasting from members a couple weekends ago. The tasting was located at the winery facility for Seven Bridges Winery, down in the eastside industrial area under the Fremont Bridge. A great tasting, it showcased some of the areas best new winemaking talent, as well as grapes from all over the Northwest. Featured wineries and their wines with release prices were:

Vincent Wine Company
• 2010 Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir ($24)
• 2010 Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir ($36)
• 2010 Armstrong Vineyard Pinot Noir ($36)
  
  Ribbon Ridge Vineyards
  
• 2007 Dewey Kelly Pinot Noir ($22)
• 2007 Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir ($32)
• Non-Vintage "Muse" Early Muscat dessert wine ($18)
  
  Helioterra Wines
  
• 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($24)
• 2010 Vintner's Select Pinot Noir ($36)
• 2010 Walla Walla Valley Mourvédre barrel sample ($n/a)
  
  Grochau Cellars
  
• 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($24)
• 2009 Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir ($32)
• 2009 Rogue Valley Syrah ($22)
• 2009 Rogue Valley "Matador" Temranillo/Grenache/Syrah ($30)
  
  Jan-Marc Wine Cellars
  
• 2009 Columbia Gorge Chardonnay ($22)
• 2009 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($28)
• 2009 Columbia Gorge Syrah ($22)
• 2009 "Bastard Red" Bordeaux-style blend ($22)
  
  ENSO Winery
  
• Non-vintage "Resonate White #3" ($14)
• 2010 Horse Heaven Hills Malbec ($24)
• 2010 Columbia Valley Zinfandel ($26)
• 2010 Shenandoah Valley Mourvédre ($28)
  
  Hip Chicks Do Wine
  
• 2009 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris ($15)
• 2008 Sangiovese ($19)
• 2007 Reserve Malbec ($26)
• Non-vintage "Wine Bunny Rouge" ($16)
• Non-vintage "Vin Nombril" ($14)
• Non-vintage "Wine Bunny Blush" ($14)
  
  Seven Bridges Winery
  
• 2008 Walla Walla Valley Syrah ($24)
• 2008 Kolibri Vineyard (Yakima Valley) Reserve Malbec ($34)
• 2008 Columbia Valley "Prima Nata" Cab/Merlot/Malbec ($34)

A great tasting, in a very cool winery space. Standout wines for me were the Helioterra Mourvédre, Seven Bridges Prima Nata & Syrah, and the Vincent Pinots. Can't wait to see what these wineries do in the future!

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!

Mr. Mike's Odd Tasting: 1995 Bordeaux From The Vault

Once again, Mr. Mike at John's Marketplace pulled some outstanding wines from his personal cellar for us to try for a $10 tasting fee. There was a white Cotes du Rhone poured first, that I completely forgot the name of (it was rather nasty anyway), so it is not listed.

• - 1995 Château Lalande - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
  Decanted 1 hour. Still at cellar temperature, requiring much swirling with my hands cupping the bowl of the glass to warm it up. Quite thin, not much nose either. Perhaps a bit of mushroom and strawberry. Flavors were muted, with strawberries and dirt. Nice acidity, but the flavor just isn't there for me. (85 pts.)


• - 1995 Château de Clairefont - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
  Decanted 1 hour. Still at cellar temp. Much more fragrant and fruity on the nose, and more robust flavors as well. Bright raspberry fruit, pencil shavings and earth hitting the palate. (91 pts.)


• - 1995 Château Gloria - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
  Decanted 1 hour. Still at cellar temp, but warming...Nice nose, sort of a blueberry with gravel sort of thing. Fruit is a bit thin, showing strawberries and a cedar wood flavor. Much more drinkable than the Château Lalande, but doesn't approach the Clairefont or Mouton. (88 pts.)


• - 1995 Château Mouton Rothschild - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
  Decanted 90 min. A tad cold, but warmer than the others, requiring less 'cupping' to get it to a decent temp. Visually, quite dark purple. Smelling of roasted meat and blueberries. Flavors are big blackberry and blueberry fruit, earth, and a tad of smokiness. This is good stuff, although I doubt I'd pay $300+ for this. My first First Growth Bordeaux! (92 pts.)

As always, tasting notes are posted from CellarTracker.

Mr. Mike's Odd Tasting: Super Scoring Aussie Wines

Mr. Mike at John's Marketplace pulled some more great bottles out of his cellar tonight. What a treat! I think the lowest scoring red was 98 points. The white was a last-minute addition, and not on the original list.

• 2004 Torbreck Sémillon Woodcutter's White - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Very interesting Aussie Sémillon...aged just enough too. A hazelnut/pinenut component that really gets my attention. This tastes more like a Chardonnay...white Burgundy actually, especially after it started warming up in my glass. Fun wine! (87 pts.)


• 2001 Torbreck Run Rig - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  No decant, and it really needed one. Dark purple with a very floral nose. In the mouth, just a tad bitter, coming around slowly as it swirled in the glass. Blueberry fruit really stands out in this one for me, with some serious black pepper and a long sweet finish with surprisingly firm tannins. This could go another 10 years easy. (95 pts.)


• 2002 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Decanted 1 hour. Probably my wine of the night. From a great vintage, this wine had softened enough to really showcase more than just the huge fruit, oak and tannins. There was some complexity there that was starting to emerge, with lots of black pepper showing as well. Blackberry fruit, and a nice sweet finish. Showing very well at this stage. (95 pts.)


• 2003 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Decanted 1 hour. This wine was missing something. It certainly wasn't oak and it definitely wasn't tannins...the fruit was there too, but not as sweet and lush as the 2002. Almost harsh, actually. This just needs a decade of cellar time...way too young. The tannic finish curls my toes, and not in a good way. This should be amazing in 10 years. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Decanted 1 hour, and needed about 23 more. A MASSIVE wine, just over the top in all categories. Aroma was mouthwatering with black fruit and pepper, and in the mouth, that fruit slaps you upside the head. But the real killer is the tannic vice that locks down on your mouth and throat once you swallow the wine. Once my vision cleared, about 2 minutes later, I could still taste the huge fruit in this wine...an amazing finish of sweet fruit. This was sheer infanticide and I wouldn't even dream of opening a bottle of this in the next decade. This is a wine for your grandchildren. (93 pts.)

As always, tasting notes posted from CellarTracker.

Mr. Mike's Odd Tasting: Old California Cabernet and Blends

Mr. Mike at John's Marketplace sent out an email less than 24 hours prior to this event. $10 got you a taste of each wine, until they were gone, with some absolute blockbusters in the lineup...How on earth could I say no?!?

• 1989 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series - USA, California, Sonoma County
  A bit of funk on the nose at first. This wine was most certainly NOT over the hill and dead! Although starting to brick at the edges, this is drinking quite nicely for a 20 year-old cab. Dark fruits, some barnyard/earthiness, and cedar. Very smooth, with just a hint of tannins on the finish (still!). (90 pts.)


• 1984 Mount Eden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Bottled - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
  As noted by a previous taster below, this had a bit of musty funk at first. Several other tasters thought it corked. The mustiness blew off, and by the time I revisited this wine an hour later, it was gone completely. I'm again amazed by how young this 25 year-old wine seems. Great fruit, just starting to go into the browner side of maroon. Blackberry, currants and some barnyard funk. So tasty...surprisingly grippy tannins as well, even on my second tasting at the end of the event. What a thrill to drink. (94 pts.)


• 1996 Mount Eden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine Reserve - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
  Amazingly still quite young. Big black fruits and nice earthiness. Quite complex, with some minty flavors. Firm tannins on the finish...this has a long life ahead of it. (93 pts.)


• 1993 Opus One - USA, California, Napa Valley
  This was like aged Bordeaux, with the cedar/pencil aspects. Very light in color, with lots of gravelly earth flavors. Raspberry fruit, maybe some currant or cranberry? Definitely the most complex wine in the lineup, so far, but the flavors don't grab me like some of the others did. (91 pts.)


• 1994 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Bella Oaks - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
  Surprisingly bold and firm, with chewy tannins and some "Rutherford Dust" characteristics. Blackberry fruit is smooth and lush, with additional flavors of earth and olives. The CT drinking window is way off...this has another 4-5 years in it. (92 pts.)


• 2000 Justin Vineyard Isosceles - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
  Having tasted a number of 2000 vintage Napa wines, including the 2000 Harlan "The Maiden" and 2000 Opus One, I was surprised to see such a flavorful wine from that vintage. It appears that Paso Robles wasn't affected by whatever weather killed the Napa harvest in 2000. This wine was the fruitiest of the bunch, with raspberry and spice, and nice tannins that were integrated perfectly. Although lacking the complexity I normally associate with Isosceles, this wine is by no means lacking flavor. (93 pts.)


• 2005 Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon Rhinefarm Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
  My least favorite of the tasting, probably just because it is so damn young! Quite tannic, this tasted much more like a Cab Franc or Malbec than Cab Sauv. Blueberry was the dominant fruit for me, with some very nice dirt. Not earthiness, this was DIRT. I could almost see the pebbles and earthworms as I sipped this. While it was tasty, most of the finer nuances were hidden behind the tannins. I'd recommend holding this one another 3-5 years, unless you like your Cabs young. (89 pts.)

Thanks to Mr. Mike for pulling most of these bottles from his private cellar and sharing them with us. I was surprised to see that not many showed up for this event, including none of my wine-loving friends. I just have to say that you all missed out on a wonderful tasting, with some really interesting and delicious wines!

As always, tasting notes are posted from CellarTracker.

2009 Thanksgiving Dinner

THANKSGIVING DINNER - Dietra's House, Portland OR (11/26/2009)

Event photos on Flickr.

Thanksgiving dinner at Dietra's, with Dietra, Dave, Steve & Kirsty, Jason, Phil, Woody, Liz & Scott, and LeRae (+1), Chris and her daughter left before dinner, and Trish & Ian, Brian & Emy, and Didi & his sister showed up after dinner for board games. Dinner was roast turkey, stuffing, butternut squash gratin, mashed sweet potatoes, Crescent rolls, butternut squash salad, dumplings, cranberry, and a number of other things I'm either forgetting or didn't get a chance to eat. Several tasty appetizers and desserts were also present, including the ubiquitous pumpkin pie, the remains of which I took home with me (pumpkin pie for breakfast...yum!).

Before Dinner Wines

• - 2002 Leonetti Cellar Reserve Walla Walla Valley - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
  While I have had some so-so wines from Leonetti this year, the Walla Walla Reserve has been a consistent hit. Even from the tough, overly hot 2002 vintage, this wine is drinking at absolute peak right now. Everything is integrated perfectly, and the fruit is lush and mouth-coating. Big blackberry and vanilla flavors. So delicious...No decant on this one, just a pop-n-pour before Thanksgiving dinner. It was an instant hit with all present, and was the first bottle to be finished. At $90/bottle, not a very good QPR, but for a special occasion wine it worked nicely. Sad it was my last, but glad I was able to share it with friends. (93 pts.)


• - 2002 Hazyblur Shiraz Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Pop & Pour. This wine was a joy to drink. Like pouring ink into your glass, it was black-purple in color, and very thick. Heavy pepper to go with the huge blackberry fruit, and perhaps some smoked meat and earth. Very tasty, and a crowd pleaser all around. Apparently, I can't lose with 2002 vintage wines from South Australia! (93 pts.)


• - 2005 Cakebread Cellars Syrah - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
  Pop & pour. This wine should have been decanted. Even after several hours of being open, the wine was closed and unforgiving. Tannic finish, and the fruit was lurking in there somewhere under the leather and tar, but not overly apparent. I detected some raspberry and maybe a hint of cherry, but the fruit was quite sour and disappointing. Needs time or a serious decant at this point. (86 pts.)


• - 2005 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley
  Decanted 6 hours. First sip right out of the bottle was like getting hit in the face with a hammer. The aroma of red and black fruits was intoxicating, but the huge slathering of fruit flavors, followed by the wall of tannins was almost too much. Even after 6 hours in the decanter, and several more with the bottle open on the counter, it was still very, very young. The WE drinking window on the is 2011+, and I'd have to say AT LEAST 2011. Maybe 2015...but I digress. Back to the wine: Lots of huge cassis, blackberry and cola (or is it mocha?) flavors. This wine is just immense, and oh-so tasty. I love the purity of the fruit, but elegant this wine is not. Too 'in your face' with the fruit and tannins. Speaking of the tannins, they are still fairly harsh on the finish, even after 8 hours. Yikes. Put this one away for another 3 to 5, and you will be rewarded. (94 pts.)


• - 2005 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
  Steve's wine, no decant. Very elegant Cab...great dark fruits, tobacco & earth. A bit tannic at first, it started in integrate after about 3 hours, and ended up being one of my favorites of the night. I would like to revisit this wine in about 3 or 4 years. (92 pts.)


• - 2005 Grgich Hills Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown - USA, California, Napa Valley
  Steve's wine, no decant. This one wasn't as enjoyable as the 2005 Groth or 2005 BV Georges de Latour. Seemed somewhat closed in comparison. Cherry fruit with lots of earthiness and cedar wood. Enjoyable, but not as much as I had expected. (89 pts.)


• - 2003 Fireblock Grenache Old Vine - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley
  Phil's wine, no decant. This one was an anomaly. People either loved it (LeRae) or were very disappointed (Phil). I fell somewhere in between. It was nice and fruit, as expected from an Aussie Grenache, certainly not over the top. Muted and restrained, it started drinking much better toward the end of the night. Not sure if this is because the air time improved the wine, or our level of intoxication and palate fatigue rendered us unable to tell the difference (or care, for that matter...) (85 pts.)

Wines with Dinner

• - 2001 Monte Antico Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  From magnum, popped & poured. This actually was quite popular at dinner, as it paired decently with all of the different foods, including the turkey. Smooth and simple, the flavors of cherry and earth, as well as the wine's softness, just worked with everything. Sad when a Cakebread Syrah is outscored by a $10 Tuscan table wine. (87 pts.)


• - 2006 Cameron Pinot Noir Arley's Leap - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
  Pop & pour. This is the wine I brought as a pairing to the turkey, and it did so quite well, even overshadowing the bird somewhat. Quite big and fruity for a Pinot, 2006 vintage non-withstanding. Deep garnet in color, with a beautiful raspberry and saddle leather nose. Flavors of cherry, leather and a nice earthiness, finishing with a bit of sweetness that was surprising. This wine is so well-integrated, it was enjoyable to drink. I ended up kidnapping the bottle over to our table and spent more time enjoying the wine than eating my dinner. Nice work, John Paul. (91 pts.)


• - 2003 Anam Cara Pinot Noir - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Very dark and thick, almost like a port. Huge blackberry and raspberry fruit, with just a touch of earthiness under the raisiny port-like sweetness. Enjoyed by all. (90 pts.)

Unfortunately, there were many more wines present (18 bottles in all!) that I either didn't get to taste, or forgot my notes.
HUGE thanks to Dietra for hosting the event, AND doing most of the cooking. The turkey, stuffing and butternut squash gratin were all amazing, as always! Our foray into into the world of board games ended in hilarity, and fun was had by all. Sorry about the camera Steve...or rather the contents of the camera.

As always, tasting notes posted from CellarTracker

Zupan's Wine Tasting Event

STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS - Zupan's Burnside Market Wine Cellar, Portland, OR (7/21/2009)

Held in the basement wine cellar of Zupan's Burnside Market grocery store in Portland, and presented by a representative of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Too many people were invited, which made it extremely uncomfortable temperature-wise (they had to turn off the wine cellar cooler so we could hear the speaker), and the fact that most of the appetizer/food pairing course was snarfed up by attendees eating their dinner at this tasting. Show some class people! The wines:

• 2007 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley
  Melon, pineapple and a touch of citrus. Very crisp with nice acidity. Refreshingly dry. A blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc, 26% Sauvignon Musque, and 5% Semillon, aged 5.5 months in 4-5x used French oak. (85 pts.)


• 2007 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chardonnay Karia - USA, California, Napa Valley
  Flavors of pears and apples, with a bit of oak. Not buttery at all. Quite crisp and acidic, with only 35% malolactic fermentation allowed. I prefer my Chardonnay a bit more buttery and smooth. 100% Chardonnay aged 8.5 months in 23% new French oak. (84 pts.)


• 2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley
  While the nose shows red licorice and raspberry notes, the palate is all bitter cranberries, with just a touch of raspberry. A total let-down from the beautiful nose. 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 14 months in 52% new French oak. (83 pts.)


• 2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis - USA, California, Napa Valley
  Nice nose of blackberry with some vanilla/oak as well. In the mouth, lots of blackberry fruit, but with a somewhat bitter, short finish, and lots of harsh, drying tannins. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, aged 18 months in 33% new French oak. (87 pts.)


• 2005 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Fay - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
  Spicy nose of oak and cassis, with a touch of eucalyptus. Flavors of cassis, berry and green pepper. Light tannins, and a somewhat-bitter green finish. Much softer than the 06 Artemis (89 pts.)


• 2005 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
  My Wine of the Night (since we were denied the Cask 23). Lots of creamy oak and vanilla, a leather play with some black pepper (or other spiciness) also. Very structured and powerful, but with the tannins starting to resolve nicely. This had been open much longer than the other wines (it was poured last), which may explain the lack of drying tannins. QPR is in the negative, as there are so many wines out there that surpass this, at half the price. Yes, it is good, but it is not $120 good. (91 pts.)

Even though the invite email and website stated we would get to taste the Cask 23 Cabernet, we were denied that privilege tonight. A major Disappointment, as Cask 23 was the only reason I bought a ticket in the first place. As usual, the tasting notes posted from Cellartracker.

I Walk The Vine

One of my good friends abandoned her good-paying corporate radio station job to jump into an entrepreneurial endeavor dealing with wine and wineries, called I Walk The Vine. She provides great wine-related t-shirts and such to wine shops and wineries everywhere. This weekend marks her first year "walking the vine", and she threw a party to celebrate that accomplishment. In an economy that is literally tanking more each day, she has been able to remain positive and march forward into the unknown. Yes, the economy is in the toilet. I know this first-hand, being laid off from my own Internet Marketing job back in March. Things SUCK right now. But she's still out there, making sales, getting people excited about Walking The Vine, and wearing the t-shirts. I have one myself, and my girlfriend has several. Great shirts. Last forever, great graphics, and, yes, they are wine related, which I love. So, yeah, I'm biased a bit. But you need one. Oh, yes, I think you do. At least check them out!

Anyway, back to my original thought process...there was an I Walk The Vine 1 Year Anniversary party tonight. Wine pairings with various cheeses, meats and nuts, along with many attendee-supplied wines as well. I personally brought a 2000 Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta "Sugarille" Brunello di Montalcino and a 2004 Cana's Feast Winery Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Nebbiolo. There were so many other great wines, including a 2006 Archery Summit Premier Cuvee Pinot Noir and a 2007 Patricia Green Pinot Noir. Just an amazing selection of great wines, and great friends to share them with. I couldn't ask for a better group to hang out with and drink wine with. And congratulations to Liz for her first year of business with I Walk The Vine!

Wine Tasting - Anam Cara Pinot Noir Vertical

ANAM CARA VERTICAL TASTING - Dietra's House, Portland OR (2/21/2009)

My friends Trish and Dietra joined me in organizing a vertical tasting of the Pinot Noirs from Anam Cara Cellars (Anam Cara is Gaellic for "friend of my soul"). We ended up with at least one bottle of every Pinot Noir the winery has released to date, as well as a Riesling and 2 bottles of Late Harvest Gewurztraminer dessert wine. It was a great event! A very special thanks to Nick and Sheila Nicholas at Anam Cara Cellars for the tasting notes, as well as the very generous donation of a bottle of their delicious 2003 Pinot Noir! And thanks to Timothy Nishimoto at Vino Paradiso for the nifty wine pouring spouts. They worked extremely well. And now the tasting notes, posted from CellarTracker as always.

Pre-Vertical Wines

A selection of random wines to quaff as we waited for guests to arrive. The Glass and Riesling were supplied by Trish, and the Lange Pinot by Jim and Allison. Thanks guys!

• 2007 J.K. Carriere Pinot Noir "Glass" - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
  Pre-vertical tasting wine. Light, pale pink. Rose of Pinot Noir. Not my favorite wine, but better than previous tastings. Nice acidity, keeping the light strawberry fruit alive. (84 pts.)


• 2007 Anam Cara Riesling Nicholas Estate - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Color is a light yellow-gold. Melon and pineapple on the nose, with green apple and citrus on the palate. Nice body, and much drier than many Rieslings I've had. Tasty. (88 pts.)


• 2006 Lange Pinot Noir Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
  Pre-vertical tasting wine, to get us in the groove. Nice fruit, dark color, sweet, leathery nose. Drinking very well right now. Not sure on QPR, but most liked this wine a lot. (89 pts.)

2004 Anam Cara Pinot Noir

• 2004 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Nicholas Estate - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Color is a brownish red, quite lighter than I remember. Nose of leather and cherries. On the palate, sweet cherry fruit, lots of leather and tobacco, and a sour cherry finish. No tannic structure to speak of, but nice acidity. Probably nearing the end of its drinking window. (87 pts.)


• 2004 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Color is a brick red, not as brownish as the regular 2004 Estate wine. Nose of subdued leather, with cherry and raspberry fruit. More body in the mouth than the Estate, and much smoother as well. This seems to be holding up better. Sweet cherry and raspberry fruit, and a touch of tannins on the finish. (89 pts.)

2005 Anam Cara Pinot Noir

• 2005 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Nicholas Estate - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Ruby red color. Nose is tight, not giving me anything at first, then grudgingly throwing me a tiny hint of raspberries. The taste is much better. More fresh and bright than the 2004s, although tighter as well. Fairly complex, with a chocolate raspberry dessert flavor, ending with a bitter, earthy/tobacco finish. I dig the complexity of this one. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Color is identical to the 2005 Estate, ruby red. Nose is the best so far, with a lovely earthy raspberry and cherry aroma. Taste is quite tannic, with some cherry flavors, and a bit of alcohol heat on the finish. This may have been better if we had decanted it. It seemed to calm down as the night wore on, and I revisited it several times. One taster wanted to combine this nose with the flavors of the 2005 Estate to make 'the perfect wine'. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Heather's Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Decanted 1 hour. Color is identical to the 2005 Reserve. The nose has similar aromas, but more sweetness than the Reserve. On the palate, I get fresh raspberries, tobacco, earth and a nice chocolatey finish. (92 pts.)

2006 Anam Cara Pinot Noir

• 2006 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Nicholas Estate - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Color is a bit darker ruby than the 2005s. Nose of toasty oak, leather and raspberry, following to the palate. The oak is really evident, and in my opinion, makes the wine very enjoyable. Long finish of sweet cherry fruit wrapped in saddle leather. (93 pts.)


• 2006 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Heather's Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Decanted 1 hour. Color is a bright ruby, shimmering in the glass. Nose of black cherry, oak and some pepper(?). In the mouth, this wine is tight and oaky, despite the decanting time. Black cherry flavors rule the roost, with some leather and pepper and a sharply tannic finish. (91 pts.)


• 2006 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Decanted 2 hours. Color is a dark maroon, the darkest so far. Nose of coffee or mocha...wow. Some leather there as well. Flavors of spicy black cherry, leather and a nice coffee finish. Some tannins evident, but controlled nicely by the acidity and fruit. Some oak is present as well, but not standing out as much as the 2006 Estate. (93 pts.)


• 2006 Anam Cara Pinot Noir Mark I - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Decanted 2 hours. Color is a duplicate of the 2006 Reserve. Nose is huge! Peppery raspberries and earth. Taste is really spicy! Lots of pepper coming through, wrapping around the black cherry and raspberry fruit, and finishing with the zing of tobacco. Astounding wine...may be my Wine of the Night. (94 pts.)

2003 Anam Cara Pinot Noir (A donation from the winery!)

• 2003 Anam Cara Pinot Noir - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  This was a gift from the winery, their first release. Color is the darkest Pinot Noir I've ever seen! Almost looks like a Syrah... Nose is super-sweet and perfumed, very port-like. On the palate, this does NOT taste like Pinot! More like a port, with sweet blackberry fruit, and a lonnnng earthy finish. A great wine to end the red tasting with. Someone said this is a great wine to enjoy with a cigar after a big steak dinner. It was definitely the crowd favorite, but coming in #2 for me. (93 pts.)

Dessert Wine

• 2007 Anam Cara Gewürztraminer Nicholas Estate Late Harvest - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
  Color is an almost clear straw yellow. Sweet citrus and honey on the nose, following to the palate. Baked apples join the party, and the honey finish goes on for days. One of the better, if not the best, dessert wines I've ever tasted. (92 pts.)

View my photos of the event on Flickr.

Wine Tasting - ZanZibar Cellars 2007 Barrel Sample Party

ZANZIBAR CELLARS 2007 BARREL TASTING - Clark-Lewis Restaurant, Portland, OR (9/28/2008)

ZanZibar Cellars hosted their 2007 barrel sample party at Clark-Lewis this year. I attended with my girlfriend, Kristina, and tasted their 2007 wines from barrel, while hanging out with good friends. Winemaker Ziad Kierouz, and his business partner, Glen Boyd, were on hand to discuss the wines, the vintage, and to ensure the 75+ email list members present had a great time. Delicious small bites were served by Clark-Lewis, which opened on a Sunday just to host this event.

• 2007 Zanzibar Cellars Casima - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Tasted from barrel sample. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese, from Yakima Valley vineyards, according to winemaker Ziad Keirouz. Raspberries on the nose, with a hint of something floral. Raspberries again on the palate, very bright, yet supple and feminine. Very smooth, with barely any tannic bite at all. Acidity is already noticable. This wine will go into bottle Novemeber/December 2008, where it will stay for 12-15 months before the planned release in the Fall of 2009. (91 pts.)


• 2007 Zanzibar Cellars Sandra Alder Creek Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills
  Tasted from barrel sample. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. I am not certain this wine is sourced 100% from Alder Creek Vineyard anymore, but winemaker Ziad Kierouz mentioned it was a Columbia Valley wine. Very fruit-forward, with blackberry and some earthiness/leather on the nose. A definite fruit explosion on the palate, with firm tannins and bright acidity. Lots of different flavors floating around, chocolate, coffee, blueberry...very tasty. An incredible effort from one of the coldest vintages in Washington in the past decade. This wine will be bottled November/December 2008, and released Fall of 2009. (94 pts.)

After the tasting there was a small dinner served by Clark-Lewis that Kristina and I did not attend. Ziad mentioned he was going to serve some of his extremely limited Non-Vintage Sandra, which is a blend consisting of a barrel from each vintage of Sandra. Each year, Ziad removes one barrel of the blend for bottling, and then adds a barrel of the current year's vintage to the blend. Ingenious!

Tasting notes posted from CellarTracker

Wine Tasting - RiverAerie

THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHT - Thirst Wine Bar (7/31/2008)

4 current release wines from RiverAerie, the second label of Bunnell Family Cellar. Winemaker Ron Bunnell was previously head red winemaker for Chateau St. Michelle, and then Col Solare, before starting his own labels.

• 2006 RiverAerie Riesling - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Slightly sweet, with nice flavors of melon and citrus. Perhaps a touch of pineapple in there too... (86 pts.)


• 2006 RiverAerie Viognier - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Smooth, but lacking in flavor, compared to the Riesling. Apples, pears, maybe a touch of honeydew. (84 pts.)


• 2006 RiverAerie Malbec - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  A touch on the bitter side. Great, bright fruit, spicy, but the bitter finish kills the enjoyment, and has me wishing I had some food to go with this wine. (85 pts.)


• 2005 RiverAerie Barbera - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Wine of the tasting. Sweet fruit, strawberry, cherry and a bit of earthiness that is pleasant. (87 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Wine Tasting - Owen Roe Spring Release Party

OWEN ROE SPRING RELEASE PARTY - Ecotrust Building, Portland, OR (5/3/2008)

Owen Roe Winery's annual Spring Release wine tasting event, featuring their 2007 Crawford-Beck vineyard Pinot Gris and 2006 DuBrul vineyard Merlot. Held at the EcoTrust Building, in the Pearl District area of NW Portland. Attended with my girlfriend, Kristina and enjoyed some fine Oregon wines!

Owen Roe Whites

Current release white wines. Did not taste the 2006 O'Reilly's Chardonnay, 2007 O'Reilly's Pinot Gris, 2001, 2002, and 2007 Owen Roe Crawford-Beck / Casa Blanca Vineyard Pinot Gris.

• 2007 O'Reilly's Riesling - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Very sweet, seemed like a lot of residual sugar. Fairly smooth, nice citrus on the nose. First wine of the day...Good/Very Good - 84 points. (84 pts.)


• 2007 Owen Roe Riesling DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Very floral nose, citrus, some grapefruit maybe. Seemed somewhat young, with the flavors not really pulling through yet. Still a very nice white, with solid acidty, and nice sugar levels. This one is built to last! Very Good/Excellent - 87 points. (87 pts.)

Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical

Vertical tasting of the DuBrul Vineyard Merlot, 1999 - 2006.

• 1999 Owen Roe Merlot DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  VERY impressive! Smooth, great fruit flavors...lots of blueberry, blackberry, and a hint of something floral. Just like drinking velvet...soft and luscious on the tongue. Outstanding - 92 points (Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical, 99-06). (92 pts.)


• 2000 Owen Roe Merlot DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Nice wine, good nose of plums, with a touch of olives. Flavors of dark berry fruit, no olives, and some decent acidty, although not as integrated or velvety as the 99. Outstanding - 90 points (Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical, 99-06). (90 pts.)


• 2001 Owen Roe Merlot DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Huge wine, with tons of smells and flavors running around. Cassis, blackberry, chocolate, some earthiness in there. Just a wonderfully complex, full-flavored wine, and Wine of the Tasting for me. Outstanding - 94 points (Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical, 99-06). (94 pts.)


• 2002 Owen Roe Merlot DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Seems somewhat more closed than previous vintages in this tasting. Still lovely nose, earth, smoked meat, blackberry. Some of the same hits the palate, but not the intensity of fruit flavors as I was expecting, although it is still delicious, but compared to the previous 3 vintages, not as much. Outstanding - 91 points (Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical, 99-06). (91 pts.)


• 2003 Owen Roe Merlot DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Now we're talking! After a somewhat disappointing 2002, the 2003 is rockin' it! Great blackberry, cherry, and vanilla flavors. A bit tannic and oaky still, with solid acidity. Some drying tannins on the finish. Outstanding - 93 points (Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical, 99-06). (93 pts.)


• 2004 Owen Roe Merlot DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Fruit bomb! Huge huge berry fruit nose and flavors. Just way over the top, over extracted, without the tannins or acidity to keep the fruit in check. It's still a really nice merlot, but the fruit really pushes the limit. Excellent - 89 points (Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical, 99-06). (89 pts.)


• 2005 Owen Roe Merlot DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Young still, but you can tell this one is age-worthy. Excellent integration, with good acidity levels, tannins are still a bit harsh, but berry fruit, licorice, some oaky vanilla flavors are there to back it up. Outstanding - 92 points (Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical, 99-06). (92 pts.)


• 2006 Owen Roe Merlot DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  A monster! Huge wine, very very young. One of the most powerful merlots, if not THE most powerful, that I've ever had the pleasure of drinking. I won't be opening my bottle anytime in the next several years. Needs time, but I can tell it's going to be a phenomenal wine as it matures. Outstanding - 93 points (Owen Roe DuBrul Merlot Vertical, 99-06). (93 pts.)

Owen Roe Reds

Current release red wines.

• 2006 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon "Sharecropper's" - USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley
  Happy that I have a bottle in the cellar. Very nice, smooth wine, not too tannic or acidic, smooth and easy to drink. Might need to pick up a couple more (great QPR at $15-$18 retail). Outstanding - 91 points. (91 pts.)


• 2006 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
  VERY young, with heavy tannins and oakiness. GV would say "oak monster!" I liked the fruit under the tannic crush of oak, but it took some time swirling in the glass to bring it out. Excellent - 89 points. (89 pts.)


• 2006 Owen Roe Syrah Ex Umbris - USA, Oregon/Washington, Columbia Valley
  Rich, luscious, great smokey dark fruits, some chocolate in there. Lovely wine. Very happy that I have 4 in the cellar. Time will tell if this one can stand up to the extrordinary 2005. Outstanding - 92 points. (92 pts.)


• 2006 Owen Roe Cabernet Franc Slide Mountain - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Outstanding wine with lots of diverse flavors. Cedar wood, tobacco, blueberry, with some chocolate in there as well. A very nice way to end the tasting! Outstanding - 92 points. (92 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Wine Tasting - Jeff's Sunday Dinner

SUNDAY DINNER - Jeff McHugh's (4/27/2008)

Sunday Dinner at my good friend Jeff McHugh's place. Dinner was an incredible spicy shrimp fettuccini with cheese & cream sauce, with appetizers of chevre, sharp cheddar and hummus prior.

• 2005 Mitolo Shiraz G.A.M. - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
  Decanted 4 1/2 hours prior to first taste. INCREDIBLE! Upon decant, the aromas consumed my apartment. 4 1/2 hours later, the nose was still incredible fruit and pepper. The palate was overwhelmed with blueberry and pepper, with vanilla and mocha/coffee flavors. Wow. The biggest, most intense wine I've ever tasted. Absolutely incredible! Extrordinary - 97 points. (97 pts.)


• 2005 Château Cornelie - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc
  Had immediately after 2005 Mitolo GAM, so didn't taste much until after cleansing palate with some strong chevre. Nice earthy notes, with great fruit integration. 3rd time I've tasted this one and it remains consistent. Excellent - 89 points. (89 pts.)


• 2006 2 Up Shiraz - Australia, South Australia
  This one had been open for several days, resealed with screwcap after each pour. Had opened up quite nicely, and heavy fruit and pepper showing through. Very smooth, with excellent integration. One of my favorite sub-$15 Shiraz's, and always a crowd pleaser. Outstanding - 90 points. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Zerba Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  VERY NICE Syrah! Great blackberry, coffee, and smokey pepper nose and flavors, with great integration of acidity and tannins. One of my favorite wines of the evening. Outstanding - 92 points. (92 pts.)


• 2004 Liberalia Toro Cero - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro
  Earthiness overwhelmed most of the other flavors, but this was a pop-and-pour. Recommend decant on this wine. Lovely fruit once the earth blew off, about an hour after being open. Outstanding - 90 points. (90 pts.)


• 2006 Two Hands Shiraz Gnarly Dudes - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Big blueberry fruit, with smooth tannins and heavy acidity. Recommend decanting for this one, as previously it helped with the integration. Outstanding - 90 points. (90 pts.)


• 2002 Paraiso Vineyards Syrah - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  While some great terrior flavors, unimpressed with the bitter finish. Might do better with some more time in the bottle, or a decant for several hours. Not sure, but not a great wine to be sure. OK fruit flavors, but that bitter finish ruins the wine. Very Good - 85 points. (85 pts.)


• 2006 Concha y Toro Carménère Casillero del Diablo Reserve - Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley
  Never had this varietal before. Interesting nose of green pepper, mushroom, with a little fruit showing through. Once it had been open for awhile, the vegetal flavors faded and more berry fruits were apparent. Nice drinking wine, and at $9, great QPR! Excellent - 86 points. (86 pts.)


• 2006 O'Reilly's Pinot Noir Oregon - USA, Oregon
  Earth, strawberry, and some coffee. Lovely integration. One of the better sub-$20 Oregon Pinot's I've had. Excellent - 88 points. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Domaine Paul Autard Côtes du Rhône - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
  As per previous note, this wine really needs time to breathe. I highly recommend decanting, actually. Heavy alcohol and tannins, overshadowing the blackberry fruit and terrior. Good - 83 points. (83 pts.)

There were many other bottles of wine at the dinner party, but I either can't remember them, or didn't get a chance to taste them.

Posted from CellarTracker

Wine Tasting - Epicurean's Australian Wines Portfolio

EPICUREAN WINES PORTFOLIO TASTING - Liner & Elsen Wine Merchants, Portland, OR (4/25/2008)

3 flights of Australian/New Zealand wines from importer Epicurean Wines, put on by local Portland distributor The Merchant of Vino,and hosted at Liner & Elsen Wine Merchants, 2222 NW Quimby Street, Portland, OR 97210.

White wines from Australia and New Zealand

• 2006 SlipStream Chardonnay - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills
  Nice wine, pear flavors with some citrus. Surprising sweetness. Very Good - 85 points. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Glen Eldon Riesling Eden Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley
  Smooth, lovely citrus nose. Lots of citrus fruit, with sharp acidity on the finish. Good/Very Good - 84 points. (84 pts.)


• 2005 Poonawatta Estate Riesling The Eden - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley
  Zesty! Definite ZING on the tongue. Interesting grapefruit flavors. Some mineral on the finish. Good - 83 points. (83 pts.)


• 2007 SlipStream Sauvignon Blanc - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Pemberton
  Very young! Ugly nose, bitter with melon and sharp citrus. Not a style (or varietal) I like. Below Average - 72 points. (72 pts.)


• 2006 Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
  Again, lots of bitterness, melon and citrus, although better than the previous wine. Not a varietal I like. Average - 74 points. (74 pts.)

Lighter Australian/New Zealand Reds

• 2006 Catalina Sounds Pinot Noir - New Zealand, South Island, Nelson
  Smooth, some raspberry and pepper with a short and bitter finish. Good - 82 points. (82 pts.)


• 2006 Earthworks Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Sour cherry, earthiness, some bitterness on the finish. tasty, but I've definitely had better Shiraz. Good - 84 points. (84 pts.)


• 2006 Langmeil Three Gardens - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Nice GSM blend. Plummy, with some earthiness/minerality that I like. Bitter finish that goes on awhile. Also some alcohol heat. Very Good - 85 points. (85 pts.)


• 2006 Charles Cimicky Shiraz Trumps - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Surprisingly bright. Woody flavors, perhaps the oak? Great fruit, but not as well integrated as it could be. Might need more time. Very Good - 85 points. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Mr. Riggs Shiraz - Viognier - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills
  Beautiful nose! Just lovely to smell. If I could stick a glass of this under my nose all day, I'd be a happy man. Floral notes from the Viognier really make the nose shine. Dramatic taste as well, with some of the floral notes carrying through to the palate. Great fruit as well. Darker than you'd expect, with some white wine in there, but wine guy says that's what happens. Odd, that. Excellent - 88 points. (88 pts.)

Big Australian Reds and a Port

• 2006 Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Deep flavors, seems like they go on forever, but not tasting too big or wild, as Aussie Shiraz often can. Great fruit flavors of blueberry and plum, with some vanilla in there. Solid integration. Excellent - 88 points. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Kaesler Shiraz Stonehorse - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Lovely Shiraz! Nose is huge, with cherry and earth. Big fruit with lots of cherry and tar flavors. Not the alcohol heat you'd expect either. Very full-bodied. Finish lasts and lasts. Outstanding - 91 points. (91 pts.)


• 2006 Epsilon Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Very nice effort with great QPR. Blueberry, pepper, earth...delicious. Outstanding - 91 points. (91 pts.)


• 2005 Glaetzer Shiraz The Bishop - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Excellent nose of blackberry and pepper. Big fruit, just gobs of flavors rolling around the tongue. Outstanding wine! Amazingly rich and elegant. Wine of the Tasting for me. Outstanding - 93 points. (93 pts.)


• 2002 Gralyn Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
  Although this is a 2002 vintage, still showing surprising youth. Tannins are huge and mouth-drying, and this is even after being open for almost 2 hours. Great fruit, very deep flavors of currant and cassis. Overshadowed by the tannins however. Excellent/Outstanding - 90 points. (90 pts.)


• 2006 Tatiarra Shiraz Cambrian - Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Heathcote
  Very young. Big wine that definitely needs more time. Can still get huge, concentrated flavors of blueberry and blackberry coming through with a nice peppery finish. Tannins are big as well. 3-5 more years in bottle and this wine will blow your socks off. #2 wine of the tasting for me. Outstanding - 92 points. (92 pts.)


• 2002 Kaesler Touriga Nacional - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Decided that I dislike fortified wines. Made the mistake of swirling this one in the glass and then taking a big sniff. I think I burned off all of my nose hair. LOTS of licorice aromas and flavors. Good - 83 points. (83 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Wine Tasting - Australia + 1

AUSTRALIA+ - Hollywood Wine & Espresso, Portland OR (4/4/2008)

Friday Flight at Hollywood Wine & Espresso, 4075 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97212.

Wines of Australia...plus 1

Tasting wines from Australia, plus 1 from Napa Valley

• 2006 Stephen Pannell Sauvignon Blanc - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills
  Sweet and fruity...not my style. Good - 82 points. (82 pts.)


• N.V. Patritti Shargren - Australia
  Interersting "black bubbly"...a sparkling blend of shiraz and grenache. Very sweet, tastes like sparkling grape juice. A little confusing...not used to my red wine fizzing in my mouth. Good - 82 points. (82 pts.)


• 2006 Earthworks Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Bright sour cherry fruit, lots of mineral flavors, bitter finish. Good - 84 points. (84 pts.)


• 2004 Schulz Zinfandel Johanne - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  While zin is not my thing, this one wasn't too bad. Big spicy fruit with some pleasant earthiness, and very fruity finish. Good/Very Good - 84 points. (84 pts.)


• 2006 SlipStream - Australia, South Australia, Clare Valley / McLaren Vale
  A nice shiraz-grenache blend from McLaren Vale. Big fruit, nice terrior, with a long peppery finish. Excellent - 87 points. (87 pts.)


• 2006 Kaesler GSM Stonehorse - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  VERY nice Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre blend! Incredibly smooth, great fruit, leather, tar, pepper flavors swim around the mouth. Finish of black fruit and pepper. Excellent/Outstanding - 90 points. (90 pts.)


• 2006 Epsilon Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Wow. Wine of the Tasting! Incredible nose of pepper, dark fruits and earth. Very well integrated, with balanced acidity, fruit and tannins. Great fruit flavors, mixed in with some nice terrior. I could drink this all night! Outstanding - 92 points. (92 pts.)


• 2003 Tudal Family Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley
  This was the only non-Australian wine in our tasting, added, according to HW&E owner Dennis McLearn, "because I can!". Nice nose, blueberry, earth and a bit of heat. Sweet blueberry fruit and some earth, leather and pepper on the palate. Finish is long, and very pleasant. A close second for WotT. Outstanding - 91 points. (91 pts.)


• 2005 Massena Durif Howling Dog - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Fun factoid of the night: "Durif" is called Petite Sirah here in the states. I can see why the dog is howling...this is a tannic monster! Thick, inky black and teeth-staining. Huge fruit, oaky, but overpowering tannins that leave you wanting a glass of water. Would be much better with food. This has the potential to be outstanding, but way too tannic right now. - Excellent - 90 points. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Wine Tasting - Affordable 2005 Bordeaux

AFFORDABLE 2005 BORDEAUX - GEM Wine Cellar, Portland OR (4/4/2008)

Friday night wine tasting at GEM Wine Cellar, 3433 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232.

2005 Bordeaux wines, all priced under $20.

• 2005 Château Segonzac - France, Bordeaux, Côtes de Blaye, Premières Côtes de Blaye
  Nice wine, good fruit, decent terroir, short finish. Good wine to start the flight, but nothing special. Good/Very Good - 85 points. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Château Moulin Rompu - France, Bordeaux, Médoc
  A step up from the first wine of this tasting, with decent minerality, and smooth tannins, nicely integrated with the acidty and berry fruit. Excellent - 88 points. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Château Cornelie - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc
  VERY nice Bordeaux, with great berry fruit, some pepper, and nice French minerality. Nose has some leather and raspberry. I like this one. Excellent/Outstanding - 90 points. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Bordeaux Contrôlée Réserve Spéciale - France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Contrôlée
  This had been open for a bit, but very well-integrated fruit, acidity and tannins, to make a tasty, nice-drinking wine. May still need some time to really shine. Outstanding - 90 points. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Château des Granges D'Or Médoc - France, Bordeaux, Médoc
  Drinking very well, with sour cherry fruit, tobacco, and some edgy tannins. Not as nice as the previous two. Excellent - 88 points. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Château Paradis Casseuil - France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Contrôlée
  Wow. Excellent integration, with slightly drying tannins, smooth acidty that's keeping the fruit in check, and very nice terrior/minerality. Wine of the Tasting...too bad they are out of it at the wine shop, or I'd buy a bottle or three. Outstanding - 91 points. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Friday Flights - A Wine Tasting Event

FRIDAY FLIGHTS - Hollywood Wine & Espresso, Portland OR (2/15/2008)

Hosted by Hollywood Wine & Espresso shop in Portland, Oregon and featuring Oregon winemakers Rich Cushman of Viento Wines, and Tim Schechtel of Erin Glenn Wines.

Viento Wines

Poured by Viento winemaker Rich Cushman

• 2006 Viento Verona - USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley
  A blend of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, this white blend had me thinking "Caymus Conundrum" on first sip. Nice light sweetness, smooth acidity, and bright fruit flavors. I would enjoy tasting this next to a bottle of Conundrum! (86 pts.)


• 2006 Viento Riesling - USA, Oregon, Columbia Gorge
  Incredibly sweet, even for a Riesling. Lots of sugar that just coats the mouth. Nice flavor, but not for me. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Viento Sangiovese Cuvée Tuition - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Nice and light, great berry fruit on the nose, which carried over to the palate. Integrated tannins. Wine of the flight. (88 pts.)


• 2004 Viento Syrah Cuvée R - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Smooth, fruity, light tannins. Very quaffable. (87 pts.)


• 2005 Viento Barbera Lonesome Spring Ranch - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Dark fruit on the nose and palate. Long, highly tannic finish that drys the mouth thouroughly. (87 pts.)

Erin Glenn Winery

Poured by Erin Glenn winemaker Tim Schechtel

• N.V. Erin Glenn Tantrum - USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley
  An interesting blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Barbera. Heat on the nose, along with cherries. Big cherry fruit attacks the palate. Nicely integrated tannins that are so smooth they are barely detectable. A great food wine. (85 pts.)


• 2006 Erin Glenn Tempranillo - USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley
  Smooth and fruity with slightly dry tannins on the finish. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Erin Glenn Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley
  Heat on the nose, nice raspberry fruit hits the palate and coats the mouth. Excellent tannins on the finish. (87 pts.)


• 2005 Erin Glenn Syrah Blind Dog - USA, Oregon
  Spicy nose of pepper and chocolate, with some berry undertones. On the palate, I get smoked meat, melon (!) and nicely integrated tannins. Wine of the Flight. (89 pts.)


• 2006 Erin Glenn Gewürztraminer Estate Late Harvest Gemini - USA, Oregon, Columbia Gorge
  Wow. I was expecting this to be your typical super-sweet dessert wine, but the spiciness of the Gewurtz is amazingly refreshing. A sweet-spicy combo is like a 1-2 punch: Very effective! (88 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Secret Crush - Yakima Valley Wine Tasting Event

Attended an invite-only wine tasting event featuring Yakima Valley wineries, held at the Gerding Theater in Portland. My tasting notes for the event follow.

SECRET CRUSH - Gerding Theater, Portland (2/4/2008)

23 wineries from Yakima Valley showed at this event. I only tasted 20, as 3 had already left by the time I got to them.

Last Half of the Tasting Room

Started at the end and worked backwards. Did not taste any white wines. Prosser Wine Company not present.

• 2005 Wilridge Nebbiolo di Klipsun Klipsun Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
  Pinot noir with a bite! I like this light Italian red. Strawberry, earth and some pepper. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Wilridge Syrah Rattlesnake Hills Elephant Mountain - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  WOW! Spicey and firm tannins. Black currant with serious pepper and spice. Nose is incredible! Best wine they have here. (91 pts.)


• 2002 Wilridge Merlot Klipsun Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
  Amazing Merlot. Spicy almost like a WA Syrah. Excellent integration, with blackberry, coffee and pepper. Never had a Merlot like this before. (90 pts.)


• N.V. Wineglass Cellars Capizimo - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Smooth but obviously a mix of varietals and vineyards. Fruit forward. Tasty, but not my style. (82 pts.)


• 2002 Wineglass Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Elerding Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Amazing Cab. Smooth with nice tannin integration. Other wines from this winery not so smooth. (90 pts.)


• N.V. Two Mountain Winery Hidden Horse Red Table Wine - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Easy drinking red, but a bit on the jammy side. Surprisingly integrated, but too much fruit for me. Like drinking fruit juice instead of wine... (82 pts.)


• 2003 Two Mountain Winery Syrah - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Spicy! Amazing terroir, with plenty of spice and heat. Integrated perfectly, so you don't even notice the alcohol. Nice, but needs some time. (89 pts.)


• 2006 Thurston Wolfe Dr. Wolfe's Family Red - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Young and very very fruity. Not representative of the Yakima Valley, from what I've tasted. Easy drinking, but not alone. Needs pizza or easy-eating beef. (82 pts.)


• 2006 Thurston Wolfe Zinfandel Howling Wolfe Zephyr Ridge - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Wow! Not a Zin. At all. More spicy Syrah than Zin, IMO. Great flavor, without the jammy fruit of a typical Zin. (92 pts.)


• 2005 Tefft Cellars Merlot - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Huge tannins for a Merlot. Very dry. Smooth on the palate however, with nice raspberry fruit. (87 pts.)


• 2001 Terra Blanca Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Terra Blanca Estate - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
  Intense, big tannins, but smooth and very well integrated. Nose of flowers and cherry, with a bit of wood. Black currant, and rich cherry flavors on the palate with a long long finish of fruit and chocolate. This is good stuff! (92 pts.)


• 2002 Terra Blanca Syrah - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
  Rich, luscious, mouth-coating, with deep dark fruit and pepper. Spicy nose, big fruit on the palate and a long finish of chocolate and blackberry. (91 pts.)


• 2004 Terra Blanca Malbec - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Spicy with lots of fruit. Not a huge Malbec fan, so this one wasn't as special to me. Interesting pairing at tasting event: Peppercorn Chocolate. Yowza! (88 pts.)


• 2005 Sagelands Merlot Four Corners - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Nice nose of chocolate and spice, raspberry fruit on the palate with a bit of bitterness on the finish. (86 pts.)


• 2005 Sagelands Cabernet Sauvignon Four Corners Columbia Valley - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Great fruit - cherries and blueberries. Some caramel and/or vanilla in the finish. Smooth drinking. (87 pts.)


• 2004 Sagelands Malbec - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Decently spicy, smooth tannins, ample fruit. Again, not a fan of Malbec on its own, but an enjoyable wine. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Milbrandt Merlot Traditions - USA, Washington
  Very sweet, dense Merot. Decent fruit on the palate: blackberry and blueberry are most prevalent. One of the biggest Merlots I've tasted. (87 pts.)


• 2005 Milbrandt Syrah - USA, Oregon/Washington, Yakima Valley
  Pepper, spice, dark, dark berry, and a hint of coffee and chocolate. Very nice. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Milbrandt Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Oregon/Washington, Yakima Valley
  Very nice integration of fruit, alcohol, acidity and tannins. Black cherry with a bit of pepper on the nose, with nice cherry flavors attacking the palate. Smooth drinking, with a bit of tannic dryness on the finish. (89 pts.)


• 2002 Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon Estate - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
  Excellent cab! Nice cherry on the nose, with a hint of spice (cinnamon?). Deep black cherry flavors, and a long finish with a touch of heat. Tannins bounce around the tongue, adding a bit of dryness. (90 pts.)


• 2003 Kiona Sangiovese - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
  Sweet red. Smooth, deep flavors of strawberry and violets. (86 pts.)


• 2003 Kiona Syrah Estate Bottled - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
  Nice nose of black pepper, coffee and blueberry fruit. Palate is attacked by big peppery berries. Finish is sligtly bitter, with coffee and chocolate. (89 pts.)


• 2004 Côte Bonneville Carriage House DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Nose of black cherry, a hint of spice. Black currant and berry fruit flavors with a smooth finish that is quite long and enjoyable. No heat. (91 pts.)


• 2003 Côte Bonneville DuBrul Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Amazing integration! Everything worked in this cab. The nose was sweet berries with some toffee and spice. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry and chocolate. Incredibly long finish that made me want to take another sip. Spices, coffee and chocolate with just a hint of heat. Lovely! Wine of the Tasting for me. (94 pts.)


• 2004 Kestrel Merlot - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  BIG Merlot! Flavors of cherries and tobacco, some spiciness that was quite unexpected, and a decent finish with smooth tannins. (86 pts.)


• 2004 Kestrel Syrah - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  White pepper and chocolate on the nose, with flavors of cola, pepper, and blueberry. Finish was spicy and short, with a bit of heat. Nice wine however, and I wanted more. (87 pts.)


• 2005 Kestrel Cabernet Franc Winemaker's Select Olsen Estate Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Smooth, nice integration, ample fruit. Nice nose, but too much heat. Fruit is definitely blackberries, with some coffee. (85 pts.)

First Half of the Tasting Room

Had some food and then attacked the A-K section of the tasting. Did not taste any white wines. Barnard Griffin Winery and Chandler Reach Vineyard not present.

• 2005 Kana Workingman's Red - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Very jammy, too much fruit. Smells like grape Koolaid. Next! (80 pts.)


• 2005 Kana Dark Star Elerding Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  BIG tannins. Needs serious time in a decanter, or big food to tone down the tannins. Maybe another year or three in the bottle would help too. Nice fruit, but the tannins made me feel like I took a mouthfull of alum. Too young, needs time. (83 pts.)


• 2005 Kana Syrah Ciel du Cheval - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Young Syrah. Needs more time, but showing nicely already. This could be a great wine in a couple years. Blackberry and pepper with some chocolate on the palate. Already coats the mouth. Tannins were a bit oppressive, but not too bad. Was a freshly opened bottle, so that could have something to do with it. (85 pts.)


• 2004 Kana Ciel du Cheval Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Nice Bordeaux blend, with raspberry and cherry flavors. Smooth tannins made it very easy to drink. (88 pts.)


• 2004 Hogue Cellars Merlot Genesis - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Nice wine, with well-integrated tannins, flavors of black cherry and wood, and a semi-long finish of blueberry pie and chocolate. (88 pts.)


• 2003 Hogue Cellars Syrah Terroir - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Nice and spicy! I love Yakima Valley Syrahs. Pepper and chocolate mix with blueberry, currant and oak. (89 pts.)


• 2005 Hightower Cellars Merlot - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Coffee and fruit on the nose, with some strawberry, coffee and apple(!) flavors. Finish is decent, and mostly mineral and berry with a touch of alcohol heat. (86 pts.)


• 2005 Hightower Cellars Murray Cuvée - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Interesting nose of green peppers and fig. Somewhat sweet berries with a hint of spice and a finish that is rather short, and ripe with green. (82 pts.)


• 2004 Goose Ridge Syrah - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Very spicy. Lots of pepper and earth here. Nice integration with tannins at the edge of drying your mouth. Big black cherry notes, with some chocolate and cola on the finish. (86 pts.)


• 2003 Goose Ridge Vireo - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Very nice wine! Fruit-forward, but not jammy. I like the black pepper and chocolate hints on the nose. Fruit hits you with blackberry, black currant and blueberry pie. I need to buy a bottle or two of this. (89 pts.)


• 2004 Fidelitas Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  A big wine that could use some food to tame it. Tannins are well-integrated, but dry the mouth a bit. A hint of spice and chocolate on the nose, with some serious cherry and blackberry fruit. Finish is nice, a bit dry, yet making my mouth water for another taste. (89 pts.)


• 2004 Fidelitas Optu Columbia Valley - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
  Finely integrated Bordeaux blend. Tannins are impressively smooth, with no hint of alcohol heat on the nose or finish. Fruit is all cherry. Finish has some wood, I'm thinking cedar or pine. (88 pts.)


• 2004 Eaton Hill Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Konnowac Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Black currant, fig, a hint of pepper. Smooth tannins, nice integration, decent finish. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Eaton Hill Winery Cabernet Franc - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Not as nice as their Cab Sauv. Lacking the character and integration. Fruity, but not overly so. Spicy, but again, not overly so. Meh. (82 pts.)


• 2005 Desert Wind Vineyard RUAH - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope
  This bottle had been open most of the night. Much better than my first try 4 months ago. Decently integrated tannins, backed by strong blackberry and black cherry fruit. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Desert Wind Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope
  I like this better than the Ruah. Plenty of tannins but not overdrying. A hint of spiciness, with black currant fruit on the palate. Finish is nice, but not very long. (86 pts.)


• 2005 Desert Wind Vineyard Syrah Desert Wind Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope
  Young. Needs some time to settle down, I think. A bit green, and too much spice to really get a lot of fruit. Maybe a year or two in the bottle will make a difference. (85 pts.)


• 2006 Chinook Wines Cabernet Franc - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Definitely not my style of wine. Decent fruit, but just not what I look for in a wine. My palate was shot by this point anyway... (81 pts.)


• N.V. Chinook Wines Red Table Wine - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
  Light body, smooth drinking red blend. Couldn't get the mix of varietals, but it sure went down easy. This would have been a good wine to end the night on, but I had one more winery... (83 pts.)


• N.V. Airfield Estates Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Oregon/Washington, Yakima Valley
  The first Non-Vintage Cabernet I've tried. Not bad, but not that good either. Last winery of the night, palate is shot... (80 pts.)


• 2006 Airfield Estates Syrah Reserve - USA, Oregon/Washington, Yakima Valley
  Just bottled. Obviously needs some time. Decent spice and flavor, but still disjointed. Flavors were not integrated enough to be enjoyable, but this has some promise with time. (83 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

The Parents Come To Town

Once a year (usually), my parents hitch up the 5th wheel and drive up to Oregon from Phoenix, AZ to visit family. Well, they SAY it's to visit family, but I think it's all about getting away from the 110-degree heat in Arizona during the summer. Whatever the reason, they are here. Usually they will stay at my sister's place outside Redmond/Bend for a couple weeks before heading north to see their siblings in Washington. I'm typically the 3rd stop on their itinerary.

They pulled into town Monday afternoon, after leaving Yakima, WA that morning. Got together out at the Fairview RV Park they like, and then went to dinner at McMenamins Edgefield. Met up with Deb and her kids, and introduced everyone. The kids were a hoot, especially the 3 year-old. He was hamming it up for my mom. They are both so cute, but quite a handful, as you can well imagine. As usual, service there was bad, but the food decent, and beer outstanding. We ate out on the Loading Dock patio, enjoying the beautiful weather. Walked over to the Little Red Shed grassy area so the kids could run around for awhile. It was a great night, and everyone had fun.

Tuesday, I took a half-day off work, and we went up to the Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park. Very cool, relaxing and serene. If it hadn't been 100 degrees out, it would have been much more enjoyable, I think. The Koi pond was my favorite feature, followed by the Zen Garden. Afterwards we hiked down to the Portland International Rose Test Garden so Mom could ooh and ahh over all the roses. Unfortunately, they were getting cooked by the sun, so most were not looking so nice. I got some pretty good shots with my new Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera. 7.1 megapixels of picture-taking power in a tiny little package. Love it so far. Here's a good example:


After baking outside for several hours, we had to buy an air conditioner for my place, as it was just unbearable inside. After installing that, we went to dinner at the Marina Fish House (previously Newport Bay at Riverplace--same menu/staff/owners, but a different name) out on their floating dock in the Willamette River. I had the cedar plank salmon w/butternut squash risotto. Delicious! Some "cool" guy was tearing up and down the river in his $250,000+ Fountain sport boat. The twin Mercs on that thing sounded incredible, even as he whipped by at 70+ MPH out in the channel. I was a bit envious. His stripper (not hatin', but who else would wear 4" stilettos on a boat?) girlfriend was pretty hot too...

Tonight, we're headed up to Vancouver to visit my cousins, after stopping by to see my old roommates, Jim & Christine, and their new baby, Sienna. Should be a fun night as well. My parents will be leaving Thursday morning, headed back to Redmond to see my sister and her family for the weekend. Then it's off to Nevada and back to Arizona, just in time for the infamous Arizona Monsoon. Oh joy. So far, it's been a very nice visit. A bit on the warm side to really have much fun though. Wouldn't you know it, they drive up to Oregon to escape the 100+ degree heat of Arizona, and it's 100+ degrees in Oregon...they're just lucky I guess!