The Oregon Wine Blog

Checking out the "competition"

2008-05-16T07:52:00.001-07:00

This evening Drew and I will be joining some of the staff from Block 15 Brewing Company as they pour beer at the Rogue Brewers Memorial Ale Festival in Newport, OR. A weekend of microbrew, music, and dogs; this event will feature over 50 microbreweries and local cuisine. I've never been to a beer event, so I'll be interested in seeing how it compares to wine events.

A full report to come after the event. Boy, though, what a great day to be out at the coast. I just have to get through a few hours of work first...

2004 SIlvan Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

2008-05-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Friends, my apologies, I have been lax in upholding my Oregon Wine Blog responsibilities... This and my recent birthday required opening something special, something big, something red. A bottle of 2004 Cabernet Reserve from Silvan Ridge (http://www.silvanridge.com/) fit the bill, especially because a new stainless BBQ graced the backyard and awaited two beautiful New York steaks and some asparagus!

The nose on this bottle was very, very smooth; vanilla, cinnamon, and anise notes dominated the nose and palette. The first sip did have a slight bite at the very back of the mouth, which was lost completely when paired with the steak. However, the peppery flavor of the steaks brought forward similar notes from the glass. These spices were not present at the first sip-a great example of wine making the meal and the meal making the wine!

Such a pairing is standard with Bordeaux varietals and has been sighted previously on the Oregon Wine Blog however, this Rouge Valley red is something special to me. Syrah's are still supreme, but this Cabernet is exceptional and I will be looking for the next Cab Reserve from Silvan Ridge- luckily only a ten minute drive south of Veneta on Territorial highway will get me (and you) to the winery!

With only 150 cases produced, this a rare bottle in the age of 1000+ cases/vintage/year. This particular bottle was received as a house warming gift so I don't have a price quote, but I would guess $30 to $40 would be a good guess-not cheap, but this is a very good Cab that is worth a spot in someone's special selection.

CORRECTION- I received some valuable input from a Silvan Ridge insider. The 2004 Silvan Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve described above retails for $20 to $25, which makes this bottle a bargain for people who like big reds! Cheers!

Memorial Day Weekend!

2008-05-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

Spring is upon us, the economic stimulus checks are in the mail...and, well...it's still rainy in the Willamette Valley. All the more reason to take that check from the government and spend it on wine, and what a better opportunity than Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country! This extravegant weekend is one where nearly 200 wineries in the Willamette Valley open their doors for tasting all weekend. Often there are special tastings, deals, food, and some wineries that aren't typically open for public tasting welcome visitors, May 24 - 26. A group of us went last year and had an excellent lunch at the Dundee Bistro in the middle of the day. My advice -- make a plan and hit the wineries you are really excited about early in the day, before the crowds get out and about. Most of the wineries open at 11 AM. Beware, our law enforcement friends like to make their presence known on this particular weekend especially. As always play safe!

Of particular note, Willamette Valley Vineyards will be hosting a Memorial Day open house, including a chance to become a winemaker for the day! Details can be found here. Sokol Blosser recently announced they would be releasing Meditrina 5, their famed red blend, July 1. With that release will come a brand new label. I, for one, am a huge fan of red blends when it comes to a day-to-day drinkable wine. I've loved Meditrina since a magical night in Calgary, and am looking forward to this release.

Well, friends, enjoy you're wine -- for it's the weekend and we've certainly earned it.

Honeywood Winery

2008-04-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

My colleague, Aileen, had two friends/family members in town - Daniel and Sophia. We decided there was no better way to spend the very first thing on a beautiful Saturday morning than to explore a new winery. So at about 10am, I met them at Aileen's apartment and we walked the 10 minutes south and arrived at Honeywood Winery.

Honeywood is known as the oldest winery in Oregon. Stan, the person who greeted us and subsequently gave us our tastings proceeded to tell us a bit about Honeywood. They get their grapes from growers in the Eola Hills just west of Salem. They also just recently planted their own grapes, so it will be a couple more years before their are able to see the end result of that. In the meantime they are able to produce over 50 types of wine.

Stan told us about the second owner of Honeywood, whose name I forget, who is responsible for both tasting rooms and the ability of wine makers to sell wines directly to consumers in tasting rooms through lobbying and bills being passed.

Aileen, Sophia, Daniel, and myself tried quite the array of wines and left with about 9 bottles between the 4 of us. I purchased 3 - a Muller Thurgau, a Cranberry L'Orange, and a Pomegranate. I am sure that I will be consuming at least one of those bottles over the course of the next week, once I get them from Aileen's apartment.

So be on the lookout for those reviews.

Weekend Musings

2008-04-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday to all you oenephiles! Posts have been a little light here recently mostly due to the fact that all the staff have been busy with travel and our paying jobs; we'll try to do a better job. I don't have anything in depth to report, but I have had two excellent bottles of wine recently that are worthy of The Oregon Wine Blog recommendation.

First, the 2004 Griffin Creek Syrah, from Willamette Valley Vineyards. This vintage won the 2007 Oregon State Fair, and I picked up a bottle pre-release and had been hanging on to it for a special moment. I found out my soon to be picked up Oregon Wine Guild shipment includes a bottle, so we cracked open the one I had been saving and certainly was not disappointed. The second bottle that I really enjoyed was a 2006 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir. This bottle has been sitting on the shelf for a while as well, and I've actually been meaning to get out to the winery for a visit. Regardless, some good friends were in town from Utah so we opened this baby up and it was gone in short order. A delicious Pinot!

In other news, I've been drinking a lot more beer recently due to the opening of Block 15 Restaurant and Brewery here in Corvallis about 2 months ago. A number of us here at TOWB have played various roles in the opening process, and the owners are certainly supporters of the blog. Something I'm looking forward to is the pending release of King's Gold -- a golden ale that is slated to undergo secondary fermentation in an old wine barrel from King Estate's pinot. The brewer is expecting the beer to take on some characteristics from the french oak barrel and pinot residue, so expect a review once it is released. Also, if you are looking for something to do in Corvallis tomorrow (4/20/08) check out Block 15's Grand Opening and Earth Day celebration. Food specials, live music, great beer, wine...what more can you ask for?

Enoteca

2008-04-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about the tech firm from Office Space, rather Enoteca is the Italian word for "wine cellar" and just so happens to be the namesake of the new wine bar in Corvallis. Located at 136 Washington (and riverfront) in the Renaissance Condo building, Enoteca is a welcome addition to the Corvallis food and wine scene. A group of us checked out the new digs this evening after a great dinner at Block 15.

Upscale, classy, yet relaxed, Enoteca has an abundant selection of wines that cover the spectrum of varietals and appellations and are reasonably priced all the while. Ample selections of both red and white by the bottle from California, Italy, Australia, and of course Oregon tantalize customers and an adequate by the glass selection is available as well. The food menu is *just* large enough to meet OLCC regulations for food service with alcohol; the dessert plate we had was tasty with a selection of truffles, fruit, and candied nuts. It paired nicely with the 2002 Kiona Reserve Estate Cabernet that we enjoyed.

In a unique blending of market segments, Enoteca serves espresso and coffee as well -- catching the morning crowd with caffeine and the evening crowd with alcohol. Details are the key, with custom monogrammed wine glasses, local furniture from Inkwells, and a unique menu concept. Local ownership rounds out the package, in fact 4 of the 6 owners live in the building. Outstanding customer service was the icing on the cake to a fine evening. I'm hesitant to post this because I want Enoteca to be *our little secret*. I'll do my duty, though, and gladly share.

Watch out, Sahalie, there is a new show in town...

PS: Enoteca is hosting a grand opening tomorrow, April 12, rumored to have some pretty nice bottles open for tasting!

2003 14 Hands Merlot

2008-03-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

I realize that it has been quite a while since my last post, but I have decent reasoning - among them being I haven't been consuming as much wine that would warrant making any entries in the last couple of months. I am definitely at a point where I will be remedying that situation, in a very responsible way.

Tonight, as I prepared a Cornish hen for dinner, I struggled with what wine to partake with it. I had staring at me, a 2006 Vintage Willamette Valley Riesling and a 2003 Merlot from 14 Hands. I know the cardinal rule of the type of food that should be consumed with what type of wine - but I couldn't bring myself to open the Riesling, so instead, I decided to go with the Merlot. I know, I know, shame on me.

Anyway, I received this bottle of 2003 Merlot from my friend Jon a couple of months ago after I dog-sat for him for about a week. I shelved this bottle of wine and truly forgot I had it until this evening. 14 Hands is a winery that is completely unfamiliar to me, at least I think it is (I don't recall having been there, but if it is in the Tri-Cities area, then it is possible I have visited them, but only once before). The grapes come from the Horse Heaven Hills, the south-central area of Washington in the Columbia River Valley. I have to be honest, I have not been able to find out much more about the winery itself. I have called the 800 number, but it being a Sunday, they were closed, so I will work on finding out more and make an addendum to this post.

I opened the bottle and let it breathe for about 30 minutes before I poured my first glass. Holding the glass, I noticed a very rich, very deep and dark color, which peaked my interest. I took a whiff, and the first thought that came to my mind to describe it was "clean." The nose on this wine - and I have continued to smell it - can only be described by me as clean. Don't get me wrong, its not like a cleaning agent, but just "clean." The nose also is not very strong - you smell it initially while sniffing the wine, but it doesn't remain.

The first sip was not very impressive, as is not completely uncommon with wines, but it definitely gets better. I do find the taste to be very "oak-filled," not in a bad way, but it is clear that it was fermented in oak barrels. You are also able to taste the spices of this Merlot, which comes in the form of an aftertaste - there isn't anything that hits you before you swallow it. I continue to sip as I write this, and I can feel/taste a little bit of a kick that enhances the spices.

What I am finding here is that this Merlot is not over-bearing, nor is it bland, but rather, it has a mellow sense to it. I definitely imagine that this is a wine enjoyed while just relaxing. A not bad wine for under $15.

Enjoy!

2005 Reserve Barbera from Barnard Griffin

2008-03-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

After weeks on hiatus, and many bottles of wine later, I am returning to the computer for the purposes of sharing with all, the joys of a delicious treat a friend shared with me this evening. Coming home tonight, a dinner of creamy pasta primavera with fresh from the store veggies was started for us. Three bottles of wine were taken off the shelf from which to choose for the evening's fare: an Erath Dolcetto (an old favorite), a Griffin Creek Tempranillo (extremely enticing), and the subsequently chosen bottle of Barnard Griffin Reserve Barbera.

Upon first tasting this wine, after a thorough decanting, I noticed a distinct raisiny flavor that hit the palette followed by some notes of cinnamon and citrus. After a while on the palette the raisin notes were replaced by a lingering flavor of cinnamon and other spices. This is an easy drinking wine that I will certainly be on the lookout for in the future, and for only $24.99 plus shipping Barnard Griffin will ship a bottle to you.

Barnard Griffin is a family owned and operated winery located on the east side of Washington state in Richland. Those who know me know I enjoy the varietals found only in the dry climates of southern Oregon and eastern Washington. For this reason, Barnard Griffin is one of my favorites, and atop the list of eastern Washington Wineries that I plan to visit in the coming spring and summer months.

Local Ocean and Tyee Pinot Blanc

2008-03-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

As Chris and I pored over the menu last night, our waitress stopped by to inquire as to whether we had chosen a beverage yet. Not quite ready having not chosen our entrees yet, we asked her to come back. After all, how could I select that perfect bottle of wine without knowing what it was to be paired with?

We were in Newport, OR on a somewhat impromptu trip over to the coast in celebration of Chris having some time off after a successful opening month at Block 15, and we were going into spring break at the university I work for. We found ourselves at Local Ocean, a seafood restaurant that I had enjoyed before but Chris had not yet experienced. With a harbor view and a relaxed yet modern vibe, Local Ocean is small enough where they can do a great job with their menu and still maintain excellent serving times. We were sitting at the "bar", which actually was surrounding an open kitchen so we got a view of the chefs as they were preparing some delicious looking food.

I knew we wanted the roasted-garlic and dungenass crab chowder - it's to die for - and Chris settled on spicy coconut prawns while I went for a grilled ling cod fish and chips with fennel slaw. Having settled on dinner, I flipped to the wine list and the Tyee Pinot Blanc immediately jumped off the menu as the perfect pairing for our meal. The ripe flavors of citrus and melon would complement the spicy prawns, and the crisp full-bodiness of the wine would balance the fish and chips as well as the chowder. We weren't disappointed!

The meal was excellent, the wine was delicious, and who can ask for a better setting than bayfront as the sun starts to go down eating with great company? It was one of those moments where everything fits together perfectly and I found myself thinking out loud about the wonders of Oregon bounty - wine, food, and scenery - and couldn't imagine being in a different place at that moment.

Politics and Wine!

2008-03-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

It's election season here in the United States, and the presidential candidates are campaigning in full force. As Oregon has a primary coming up in May, the state is now getting some attention in the political arena. Barack's campaign is doing a worldwind tour of Oregon today and tomorrow, with stops in Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Medford. I'm working on getting down to Eugene for the rally tonight.

While this blog isn't primarily a political forum, there are certainly policy implications in terms of the wine industry and politics. Wine is quickly becoming one of the largest agricultural industries in Oregon and an administration can have stark impact on issues such as taxation, interstate commerce, support of sustainable practices, product labeling, and many other areas. Over the next few months we'll try to analyze the candidates in a way that describes what impact their presidency might have on the industry.

At The Oregon Wine Blog we cover the spectrum of political beliefs, so we'll keep posts as closely focused to the issues as possible in a respectable way. The belief we do share is one of civic engagement, involvement in the process, and education of voters. We'll do our part on the education piece.

Meanderings in my little Wine World

2008-03-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

Today I was greeted with my copy of Red, White, and Drunk All Over; A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass. The book, written by Natalie MacLean, was recently advertised in my Wine Blog Email, and I figured I’d give it a shot. The email almost qualified as Spam, but I figured I’d give it a chance, since someone was so kind as to send an email. If you’re sitting on a copy of the book, I’ll let you know my thoughts in the coming weeks.

NAPA VALLEY TRIP

Stretching beyond our Northwest viticulture, my wife and I have planned a trip to Napa Valley in late July, early August. Any suggestions on where to visit? Let us know.

A TOUCH OF WALLA WALLA

When recently invited over to some friends, Walla Walla wine made its way to our table. Our friends had recently made the trip, 5 plus hours mind you, and we couldn’t help but feel like the lucky ones, having spared the snowy drive across the pass, along with rising gasoline costs.

Our offerings that night consisted of a Northstar 2005 Petit Verdot, and a 2003 Canoe Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve seen the Canoe Ridge label in my local market, but was unaware of the Northstar offering. The Petit Verdot was paired with a delicious cheese display, consisting of Coppa, Maytag, Gruyere, and some Caerphilly. Not wanting to make a scene with tasting notes, I walked away thinking the wine was good – not great. In fact, the Caerphilly left a greater impression on my wife and I, than the wine.

The Canoe Ridge offering, paired with fresh caught Salmon and Prawns, left a more positive reaction. The wine, consisting of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, only reassured my recent dis-appreciation with blends. That funk will burn over soon…..I’m sure. Any suggestions on a solid blend? Let me know.

A SHOUTOUT TO OREGON WINE

Recent articles in a handful of publications indicate Oregon produced and crushed a record amount of grapes in 2007. Most exciting to read was that Pinot Gris production increased by 15% and Cabernet Sauvignon production increased by 33%. I haven’t read anything on Washington’s production as of late.

In early February, Washington State made news when a study indicated the wine industry contributed a little more than $2 billion to the state economy in 2006. 19,000 people were said to be working in the Washington Wine industry, and future outlooks appeared strong.
A growing wine industry in Washington and Oregon can only bode well, considering the tough economic times we now find ourselves in.

2005 Keever Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

2008-03-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

I’ve been lucky to share a lot of special memories with my Grandpa while growing up, but I recently realized we have never enjoyed quality conversation over a glass of good wine. This past Christmas my wife and I gifted my Grandpa a spin-off of the program “Meals on Wheels”, where we’d schedule one monthly home-cooked meal for him at our home, or his. What better way to resolve this void in our relationship.

At our January meal, I served a bottle of Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVV) Riesling with our dinner, capping off the meal with the WVV Frizzante to go with a chocolate mousse (yes – just like the Oregon Wine Blog’s Christmas Dinner). I always knew my Grandpa liked wine, although I was more familiar with his typical Restaurant choice – Zinfandel. I figured the Riesling would be a good conversation segway to my newfound wine appeal.

My Grandpa took interest in my new hobby, explaining long-time family friends of he and my Grandma’s, (The Keevers) are Vintners at a Winery in Napa Valley – Keever Vineyards. My Grandpa didn’t know much about the winery, but I made mental note – thinking of “what could be” for February’s meal.

At the conclusion of the meal, and after saying goodbyes, my first priority was to locate Keever Vineyards online, which I did. Navigation through the website revealed an address for the winery, and showed a 100% Estate Grown, Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $68.00. I penned a letter to Bill Keever (Owner/Operator), explaining the circumstances regarding our “Meals on Wheels”, and told him I’d be purchasing their wine in the near future, while asking for two special requests. I requested my bottles be signed, and that he write a brief note to my Grandpa, which I’d present at February’s meal.

A week after sending the letter, Bill Keever wrote back, with anticipation for what our February meal had in store. A short week later, two bottles of wine arrived, signatures and all, in addition to a personal note addressed to my Grandpa.

Our February meal occurred last Friday, and figuring my Grandpa’s positive reaction, we invited my parents and brother’s family to enjoy in the occasion.

I went to present my Grandpa with his bottle of wine, card and all, and was overwhelmed with his response. His gratitude and appreciation was something I’ll never forget. We opted to pop the cork on the bottle, utilizing a decanter to aerate the wine.

Now, to accurately assess the Keever Cabernet Sauvignon, and to hold some level of objectivity, I asked my dad and brother to bring a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, representing the Northwest Viticulture. What arrived were a Silver Lake 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rattlesnake Hills AVA) and an Idaho wine, Sawtooth - 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.

My wife and sister-in-law assisted in serving up a traditional blind taste test, which resulted in a hands down favorite being the Keever Cabernet; superior in taste, but also its aroma, development and finish, neither my dad, brother, nor I, noted any flaws.

Sitting in the glass, the wine evinced its elegance, showing off a satiny smooth structure, distinguishing itself as the Varsity member of the trio at hand. An array of fruits presented themselves in the nose, most prevalent to us being spiced plum and dark cherries. Winemaker Celia Welch Masyczek describes the wine as “Classically elegant at entry with very fruit-centered flavors up front”. I couldn’t agree more. I respected the 100% Estate Grown Cabernet grapes, and felt some indebtedness to a wine with such close ties to my lineage.

While comparing Napa grown wine to Washington/Idaho wines may have been comparing apples to oranges, I can say that drinking the Keever Cabernet opened my eyes to the world of quality, exquisite wine, and as such, has raised the bar for wine reviews to come.

Thank God I have that second bottle!

A Hidden Treasure

2008-03-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago, it was unseasonably warm here in Western Oregon -- "60-degrees, sunny, and blue skies when it should be rainy" warm. Micheal and I decided to take an impromptu trip over to the coast to soak in the weather and relax after a long week of work, and instead of heading North of Newport like usual, we decided to take a trip South...ending up in the small town of Yachats (pronounced Ya-Hots). Here, purely by surprise, we found some gems of the Oregon food and wine world.

With only 650 resident, Yachats is perhaps best known for Cape Perpetua National Scenic Area, a marriage of coastal scenery and forestry that is simply breathtaking. On our way to Cape Perpetua, I noticed a simple looking sign that said "Wine Place", so of course we had to stop. Inside was an outstanding selection of Oregon wines, covering all varietal and price ranges. Yachats, who would of thought? The proprietor of The Wine Place directed us next door to Cheese and Crackers, a lovely northwest artisan cheese shop. They were happy to provide us with samples of some delicious cheese, a perfect match to the wine you could purchase next door. To top off the evening, we had dinner at the Drift Inn, serving an eclectic mix of family favorites and original dishes focused on fresh ingredients and the Pacific Northwest. I had seafood lasagna that was excellent.

So, if you ever find yourself in Yachats, definitely check out some of these places. Even better, take a weekend trip to the Northern Oregon Coast and spend some time at Cape Perpetua during the day and spend your evening enjoying Oregon's bounty of wine, cheese, and great food.

2006 Sweet Cheeks Pinot Noir

2008-02-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

After spending the last three days tantalizingly close to Napa Valley, to which I could not venture due to being on a business trip, combined with reading a fantastic book about the Mondavi family called The House of Mondavi, The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty, I was primed for a glass of rich red when I stepped off the plane this afternoon. A quick stop at Eugene's Market of Choice (lovingly known as PC Market) brought home with Steve and I cedar plank roasted salmon with rough chopped garlic and basil, spicy charred green beans, and artichoke heart balls for a quiet Valentine's Dinner.

To satisfy my craving for red wine, we opened a 2006 Sweet Cheeks Pinot Noir. Steve and I have both written about Sweet Cheeks before, and the Pinot Noir we had tonight is the third of the four Sweet Cheeks offerings we've tried. I opened this wine over some of our other notable cellared reds because I really wanted a red that I could sit and sip comfortably without being overwhelmed. This wine certainly fits that bill.

The 2006 Sweet Cheeks Pinot Noir is on the light side of Pinots, with a fresh fruity taste overall. After breathing, anise becomes one of the stronger forefront notes on the nose. It does have a slight tart twang at the finish, which is an indication this wine could benefit from a bit more aging. After the sip is complete, a warm brown sugar rounds out the flavor. After sipping this wine while dinner was heating and then while enjoying the spicy green beans and garlicy salmon, I lean toward only offering this wine as a stand alone. It's a light Pinot that doesn't overwhelm the palate without food to temper it, but it fails to show up full force to the dinner show when paired with stronger flavors. Perhaps a light pasta or salad would be better suited as a food pairing to this red.

And if I can venture into the land of book reviews for just a moment...I wholeheartedly recommend reading The House of Mondavi. I am as yet only halfway through, and am enthralled in discovering how Napa Valley really got started. It's a fascinating foray into the major American wine industry, and the inner workings of family business. It's a fantastic read, even for those who might not love wine as much as those of us at the Oregon Wine Blog!

Wine and Exercise: Synergy?

2008-02-13T22:09:00.000-08:00

At The Oregon Wine Blog, we certainly enjoy the fruits of life. One of my personal approaches is to live a holistic wellness model. Healthy habits, healthy diet, exercise, and of course the responsible consumption of wine all go hand in hand in making this crazy world a much more enjoyable and sustainable place. Who would have thought that synergy could found in the latter two of those arenas -- wine and exercise?

I was recently sharing some of my recent trials and tribulations with keeping a normal workout schedule to my friend Rick with the Beer Blog...work is busy, friends are demanding, etc etc etc. He shared a technique that connects the two in a way that provides positive reinforcment for working out, and minimizes the impact on the waistline of the empty calories of alcohol. So I hereby proclaim - I shall only consume wine on evenings where I have exercised (well, with the exception of weekends and special occasions). This tactic will exentuate the positive and make that wonderful glass of wine all the more meaningful and deserved. As an added bonus, I won't have to buy new clothes!

So I realize this post is a little off track for the blog, but I wanted to share this unique use of wine as a motivator in part of my total wellness model. What do you think?

2008 Wine Pairing Feature - Traditional Holiday Dinner

2008-02-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Wine Blog staff is proud to present our inaugural Wine Pairing Feature – this edition detailing a traditional holiday dinner. This year we were privileged to have Willamette Valley Vineyards partner with us to provide the wine for the wonderful experience. Many of the staff writers here at The Oregon Wine Blog are members of Willamette Valley Vineyards’ Oregon Wine Guild, and thus have become very familiar with their wines.

In preparation for the big evening Meg Hursh, WVV's Wine Club Manager & Shelby Zadow, their Marketing Manager previewed our pre-planned dinner menu and selectively chose wines to match the courses of the evening. Our plan from the start was to provide you, our readership, with a wine-pairing guide for a typical holiday turkey dinner. Our hope is that you might take away at least one idea for a great wine pairing for your next holiday dinner whether it be with the entire family or just that one special person.

The Appetizer:
To start the evening off as our guests were arriving we enjoyed a delicious cream cheese based smoked salmon spread with dill, capers, and red onion on crackers. This was a dish prepared by Chris, our Culinary Specialist and will likely appear on the menu of a new restaurant soon to open in Corvallis. WVV paired a 2004 Griffin Creek Cabernet Franc with this appetizer. The Cab Franc was a “perfect complement” to the smoked salmon dip most agreed. The subtle creaminess of the salmon spread was accompanied well by the peppery finish of the Cab Franc.

The Salad:
To begin the main part of the dinner we gathered around the table to enjoy a candied walnut and bleu-cheese pear salad with Oregon mixed field greens and a red wine vinaigrette dressing prepared by our Public Relations Director Megan. For this salad, rather extravagant for mid-January in Oregon, WVV paired two wines a 2006 Willamette Valley Vineyard Riesling and a 2003 Griffin Creek Viognier. For those who found the bleu-cheese to have added a pungent and powerful flavor to the salad, the Riesling enriched it with a “soothingly sweet yet balanced” contrast. However, for those who do not care for the sweetness of the Riesling, the Viognier also added a balanced dryer perspective for both the bleu-cheese as well as the candied walnuts, and was noted as having a subtle taste of summer melons. Overall, our staff and guests were very evenly split between the two wines. Both were excellent pairings for the strong flavors found in this salad, both sweet and bold. In the end our recommendation for this salad will not be settled on one wine but rather recommend them both.

The Main Course:
Before I can begin to describe the delicious wine pairings available to us for dinner, let me take a moment to define the dishes which were brought by each of us that comprised the main course:

Traditional Holiday Turkey – The turkey, stuffed with orange, lemon, onion and carrot wedges, had whole stocks of rosemary inserted under the skin of the breast, lightly sprinkled on top with salt and pepper.
Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing – cornbread, cranberries, and thinly sliced onions.
Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes – Potatoes with finely chopped fresh rosemary, mashed with boiled whole garlic cloves.
Roasted Green Beans with Prosciutto – Green beans lightly sprinkled with salt and pepper roasted with thinly sliced prosciutto and onions.

On the side we also had traditional homemade turkey gravy to each of these dishes as desired by our guests and staff.

WVV paired two wines for this dinner, a 2005 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir and a 2006 Whole Cluster Fermented Pinot Noir. These two wines, albeit very similar, are indeed worlds apart in flavor, each with their own beautiful noses and palettes. Pinot Noir would not usually be a wine paired with a turkey dinner, as these fares are more traditionally paired with a subtle white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay. However, Meg and Shelby thought it appropriate to pair with a bolder wine like the Pinot Noirs because of the bold flavors we’ve added to the dishes of the evening.

Our guests and staff began enjoying the main course in silence for a few minutes as they savored their first wine selection and its balancing tones with each dish, followed by a change in wine to make an adequate comparison. After the personal enjoyment of the wines with the food the conversations began and lasted into the evening. At the end of the main course we regrouped to discuss our thoughts and provide comments on each of the Pinot Noirs.

First we examined and discussed the Whole Cluster Fermented Pinot Noir. It was unanimously agreed upon that this delicate wine needed time to air out and decant prior to enjoying it to its fullest potential, so heed that warning before you enjoy it too. This wine in particular matched the prevalent flavor of rosemary in the meal very well. We all agreed that this wine was absolutely meant to be a complementary wine to great cuisine, and not a stand alone wine. Pairing this with dinner made for a great experience, however, most having tried this as a stand-alone sipping wine agreed it needed some strong flavorful fare to augment it best.

Secondly we examined and discussed the Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir. This wine was a mellow and smoother wine than the Whole Cluster, however it did not pair as well with the food. A great wine, nonetheless it was much better as a post cuisine drink making it more of a companion to great conversations and less to the food on the table. This wine is among the staff favorites for everyday drinking because of its versatility, however all agreed it was best enjoyed alone, as it needed no complement with which to pair.

At the end of our course it was evident that the crowd favorite for dinner was the Whole Cluster Fermented Pinot Noir, followed up with a small sample of the Estate Vineyard to finish off the meal.

Dessert:
As our staff worked to prepare the menu we were equally torn between two wonderful, yet vastly different desserts for which we could choose. The first was a Pear and Ginger Galette, which is best described, for those who’ve never seen or had a galette, as a fruit pie made without the use of a pie-tin. The second delectable dessert was a chocolate-stout mousse, a menu item for the soon to open Block 15 Brewery in Corvallis, Ore. for which Chris, our culinary specialist, is the head chef.

So, rather than choose between two equally delicious desserts, we opted for the route requiring less self-control and kept them both on the menu. Meg and Shelby from WVV paired a wine with each, thus providing us once again with the task, and some may say burden, of sampling both desserts and accompanying wines, all for the sake of our readers and friends. Regardless of the burden for which we all undertook, we were happy to do it, and provide all those reading with our feedback.

First up for our reviewing, was the Pear and Candied Ginger Galette, with which was paired a 2006 Semi-Sparkling Muscat Frizzanté made by Tualatin Estate of Willamette Valley Vineyards. To nearly identically associate with the pear in the galette was the strong pear flavor and nose of the Frizzanté. These matching flavors provided for a perfectly logical pairing on the part of WVV. However, the truly amazing part of the entire pairing was the final anchoring point of the cuisine, and that was the matching of the traditional flavors of the Muscat grape with the candied crystal ginger pieces in the Pear and Ginger Galette. These two final flavors of Muscat and sweetened ginger were the capstone of the pairing.

For the Chocolate-Stout Mousse, WVV paired their amazingly delectable, and hard to find, 2004 Quinta Reserva Pinot Noir Style Port. This Port, which I’ve only found and tried once before is absolutely amazing. Retailing for approximately $50, this is a wine that if you ever find yourself in an opportunity to buy, do not hesitate. If you like Port, or know someone else who does, spend the money and buy this Port. Alas, I digress. The pairing of the mousse with the port created a warm feeling that made for a smooth and relaxing finish to a holiday gathering of friends and colleagues. Not much else can be said for the Port, other than pointing out the fact that with eight people present for the dinner, the only two wines we finished in their entirety were the Frizzanté and the Pinot Noir Port. This fact alone says something about these two wines. Even the few spouses in the group who are not as big of wine fans as their partners were able to enjoy both of these exquisite wines.

In closing, we’d like to thank our partners and friends Meg Hursh and Shelby Zadow from Willamette Valley Vineyards for their professional wine pairings and most especially for agreeing to be the sponsor for our inaugural Holiday Dinner Wine Pairing Guide. Look for this publication again, however next year it will be published by early December of 2008 so that its advise and ideas for both menus and wine pairings can be utilized to the fullest in the holiday seasons with friends and family. We are also kicking around the ideas of having a Summer BBQ Wine Pairing Guide, as well as a possibly others. So look for more to come as we continue to be a source of wine enthusiasm and advice for people looking to enjoy the fruits of the vine with the fruits of the land.

Until next time, Cheers!

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Editor's Note: The staff of The Oregon Wine Blog plan to run quarterly feature length articles on various topics, including the previously noted Summer BBQ Pairing feature, as well as in depth looks at local wineries of the Oregon and Washington viticulture.

2007 Top Stories

2008-02-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

In their January issue, Oregon Wine Press staff put together a feature listing what they consider to be the top 10 stories of 2007 in the Oregon wine industry. This was an interesting list to peruse, and I was excited to note that we have covered a number of the issues on The Oregon Wine Blog over the previous 6 months. Here are the top 10 (from OWP):

Yes on 49: Oregonians support Measure 49, maintaining protectios on forests, famrland, and vineyards.

Green scene: With global warming in the news, Oregon's wine industry is doing its part on being green. Read about a leading green winery in The Oregon Wine Blog.

Labor limbo: Illegal worker issue will impact wine industry.

Cuvee coup: The lastest updates on regulations offer Oregon's wine industry flexibility to create the highest quality in an increasingly competitive market. Read about this in The Oregon Wine Blog.

Harvest '07: Weather presented some real challenges, but diligent farming and skillful winemaking will result in many hight quality, lower alcohol wines. Read about this in The Oregon Wine Blog.

Fruit sources refashioned: Three of the most well-respected vineyards cmae under new ownership or long-term contract.

Moratorium on AVA approvals: Temporary suspension of AVA approvals leaves Oregon's growing industry in appellation limbo. Read about this in The Oregon Wine Blog.

Oregon Riedel: Oregon Pinot now has its own wineglass from one of the best crystal designers in the world.

The Allison: Details of Oregon wine region's first luxury inn, spa revealed at groundbreaking ceremony.

Salud! '07: The latest pinot relases shine and record money is raised at the industry's most beloved auction benefitting Oregon's vineyard workers.

Do you agree with this list? Are there other stories that should be included? How did these issues impact your Oregon wine experience in 2007?

In other industry news, The Oregonian reported on Thursday that Wine Business Monthly recently named Willamette Valley Vineyards as the hottest small brand of 2007. WVV is Oregon's only publicly held winery (Nasdaq: WVVI) and has been showing record growth while maintaining high quality product.

1998 Willamette Valley Vineyards 1998 Freedom Hill Pinot Noir

2008-01-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

To celebrate a belated anniversary, Megan and I had an important decision to make. What wine in our collection would be worthy of such an occasion? Our choice was a true treat - a 1998 Fredom Hill Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley Vineyards, which represents one of the WVV single vineyard signature Pinot Noirs.

After sampling this sultry deep red, unfiltered gem (91 points by Wine Enthusiast) nearly one year previously, Megan and I decided that this indeed was our favorite Pinot Noir. By the way, the Hoodview and Karina Vineyard Pinots are absolutely superb too! Stay tuned for reviews on these beauties! Ok, back to the review...

After a brief breathing period, two glasses were poured. My first observation was the rich deep red color and supple texture resulting in a smooth mouthfeel superior to other, less refined Pinots. I attribute this unique texture and mouthfeel to the unfiltered nature of this wine.

Placing one's nose over the glass results in a very complex reward that is rich in oak, caramel, black cherry, and vanilla. A brief sip confirms these olfactory signals, while bringing anise and cinnaman to the pallete. The wine is ever so subtly sweet and spicy, rich with the taste of dried black cherries. There is no bite, the Freedom Hill is smooth all the way from sip to swallow. It's the kind of wine that is perfectly suited to drinking in front of a warm fire, rich and elegant, yet comforting and soft.

If you ever have the opportunity to enjoy one of WVV's single vinyard Pinot Noirs, take it. The single vinyard yield allows the winemaker to bring out the subtulty of a specific grape and highlight each unique characteristic. An effort well appreciated in the 1998 Willamette Valley Vineyards Freedom Hill Pinot Noir.

Bendistillery

2008-01-21T21:49:00.000-08:00

OK, so admittedly it isn't wine but it is Oregon and it is alcohol...and I haven't uploaded the pictures yet from the Mo's Crab and Chowder Festival at Willamette Valley Vineyards to post and wanted to share with you some classic Oregon epicurean delight from this weekend. Behold the wonder that is Bendistillery small batch distilled vodka.

I was first acquainted with the wonders of Bendistillery a few years ago on a trip to Bend, Oregon with Mr. Paul Ryan. After a day of exploring the town, we were looking for a place to unwind and happened upon their martini bar and sampling room overlooking the Deschutes River at Mirror Pond Plaza. This place was swanky and fun, with a variety of delicious cocktails on the menu. What sticks out in my mind the most, however, is the simple, unassuming deliciousness of their flagship Crater Lake Vodka. Also making a gin as well as a hazelnut espresso vodka, this brand is one to look out for in your local liquor store.

I digress...back to this weekend. After the Crab and Chowder festival, a group of us decided at the last minute to head over to Bend as a friend had a deal for a house at the Old St. Francis School, a McMenamins property. We were staying in the nunnery, a 4-bedroom cottage that would be a great locale for a weekend date. As we enjoyed the on-property bars, Crater Lake vodka caught my eye on the drink menu. I was even more pleasantly surprised to find it at a lower price point than many of the premium vodkas on the list. Well, a lemondrop, greyhound, and mudslide (with the hazelnut espresso vodka) later, I can attest that the brand is doing just as well as it was a few years ago when I first tried it.

So, if you are in the mood for something different than wine, pick up a bottle of Crater Lake vodka and mix to your heart's content. If you find yourself in Bend, stop by the martini bar and let one of their mixologists create a work of art for you.

Henry Estate 2004 Henry V

2008-01-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a while since we have posted. With the excitement of the new year, getting back into the swing of work after the holidays and travel, the blog has fallen to the wayside a little. Well, no more, my viticulturally-blessed friends!

Tonight I sit after a long Friday at the office sipping on a glass of Henry Estate 2004 Henry V. This wine is a red blend, primarily Cab Sauv (53%) with Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Malbec rounding out the balance. Henry Estate is a family-run winery in the Umpqua Valley of Oregon, not far from Roseburg. A colleague grew up near the winery and had been telling me about it for months...but it wasn't until she brought me back a few bottles recently did I venture into their portfolio.

The Henry V has a spicy and smoky nose on it with a gorgeous red hue. To be honest I've become a bit nonplussed with blends lately after some delicious single-varietal wines, but there will always be the right time and place to crack open the perfect marriage of the larger red varietals in one bottle. The Henry V has renewed my hope in blends. Subtle, but not too subtle, the composition has a lingering finish preceded by hints of cigar and berries. Imagine a great cab sauv toned down a bit, making it perfectly appropriate to drink by itself or with a nice red meat dinner.

All in all, a great wine...and I suspect next time I'm down in the Southern Oregon area I'll stop by the estate. This one gets a "recommend" in my book. Thanks Shelly!

Coming soon keep your eyes open for the much ballyhooed holiday wine dinner pairing feature. Until then, cheers!

The Oregon Wine Blog tours Woodinville

2008-01-01T04:52:00.000-08:00

I couldn't have scripted a more perfect way to conclude 2007 than what occurred on Sunday. Fellow Oregon Wine Bloggers; Drew Desilet, Josh Gana, Chris Heuchert and I were able to explore my backyard locale, known better as Woodinville Wine Country. Our journey provided tastings at 4 of Woodinville’s 34 wineries, while tasting from an array of labels and or varietals at each location. The day turned into an ideal wino excursion, offering the following highlights and some low lights:

Facelli Winery: The first winery, and quite frankly the friendliest one we visited all day. Tucked against the Sammamish River Slough and the Burke Gilman Trail, do not be fooled by the industrial street curb facade. A mix of red varietals was offered, with consensus winners being the 2004 Columbia Valley Syrah and the 2005 Columbia Valley Barbera. The 2005 Late Harvest Riesling was also a hit. Look for specific reviews related to these wines in months to come.

Winemaker Lou Facelli and family were endearing, offering a quaint, comfortable space to enjoy tasting bliss. Lou and wife, Sandy, captivated our minds and ears with stories of varietal struggle and success. Special thanks to Sandy for taking the time to explain the Facelli Winery philosophy to us all, and for making the Facelli Winery a truly personal experience.

Woodhouse Family Cellars: Situated in a similar industrial setting to that of the Facelli Winery, Woodhouse Family Cellars has taken obvious strides to increase curb appeal. A walkway entrance consisting of a vegetative oasis, among an array of wine barrels and wooded trellis leads one to the front door. Once inside the winery, I was caught off guard by an abundance of women, although later realizing a bridal shower was occurring in an adjacent commercial sized kitchen area. We were told the winery was playing host to a wedding that night.

Modern furniture selections, in addition to stainless steel appliances at both the tasting bar and adjacent kitchen area, gave way to a chic and stylish atmosphere. A raised roof, which many of us believed created a warehouse type feel, erred of a less than personal touch. Hoping the tasting associates would raise the bar, I was equally unimpressed with their lack of customer service.

Tasting offered a collection of varietals on the Kennedy Shah Label. Highlights selected among the group included Auntie Meredith’s Picnic Blend, a composition of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Viognier, and 25% Chenin Blanc. A second wine, most appreciated by Culinary Specialist Chris Heuchert, was the Orange Muscat.

Overall, I was left apathetic with the overall setting and wine offerings provided by Woodhouse Family Cellars. I felt no unique attachment to any particular wine, and was eagerly prepared for the next offering on our journey, Silver Lake Winery.

Silver Lake Winery: Perhaps you’ve seen Silver Lake wines in your local grocery store. Reasonably priced, with ample selection to choose from, I’m frequently tempted.

Once at the winery my palate was officially halted, having to choose from a variety of labels, offering a mixture of varietals. I learned that Silver Lake Winery has teamed with Glen Fiona Wines, Hoodsport Winery, and a jazzier label dubbed Blind Date. Being the responsible drinker, and designated driver, I opted for one label, selecting the Hoodsport brand. The town of Hoodsport was a traditional vacation spot for my family while growing up.

I first had a 2005 Merlot, which offered an awesome bouquet of berries, cherries and spice. The tasting associate praised the wine, stating it had gained recent notoriety in a wine publication, which lauded, “American’s will drink the HELL out of this wine!” I was impressed, not so much by the use of a curse word in a wine publication, but by the actual wine itself.

My second selection was a stretch, hoping to find a wine my wife would enjoy. She has an affinity for wines with named fruits in the label, i.e. “Strawberry Mist”, “Melon Medley” etc. I selected a Hoodsport Pear Wine. I was unmoved, and the wine found itself emptied into the spittoon.

The most affordable winery we visited all day; Josh, Drew and Chris all took a liking to the mixture of Syrah’s offered by Silver Lake and Glen Fiona. It appeared the Glen Fiona winery came out on top, having made several sales to our particular group.

Januik / Novelty Hill Winery: Technically two wineries located in one building, anyone who’s driven on Woodinville/Redmond Road has awed at the unique architectural existence that’s observed. Unsure what to expect inside, I was left simply speechless at the beauty and ambiance that’s bestowed.

A little research led me to the responsible party for such wonderful architecture and design; a company called Mithun. A link to a press release on the winery website gives the architecture and design more justice than I can do on paper. A link to the Seattle Post Intelligencer offers an editorialized perspective.

Januik/Novelty Hill has created a space that exerts feelings of familiarity and relaxation. The setting provided an overwhelming sense of intimacy with wines I had yet to even taste.

Tasting offered a 3-tiered approach, priced at $5.00, $10.00, and $15.00. I chose the $15.00 Single Vineyard flight and was blown away by the Cabernet Sauvignon’s offered by both Januik and Novelty Hill labels, true winners in my book. The Syrah’s were a close second.

While the most crowded winery we visited during the day, a friendly, knowledgeable staff capped off what had become quite an enjoyable wino experience. Januik/Novelty Hill Winery shines, exerting a contemporary feel, capped with magnificent wines to boot. I look forward to my return.

In Conclusion: Despite transplanting from Pinot Noir country for the day, it became evident that our mere thumbprint on Woodinville Wine Country created a lasting, positive impression for my friends. Although yes, I was somewhat embarrassed by their persistent requests to avoid sales tax, sharing my backyard locale was a treat.

I did learn one thing on this journey. When asked where they were from, I couldn't help but laugh, hearing my friends utter, “The Willamette Valley”. I had always placed them in Corvallis, which to their credit is in the Willamette Valley. I saw it as being no different than me uttering “Western Washington” or “Puget Sound”, except for the fact that the Willamette Valley is renowned for having some of the greatest wine in the world. I considered that if in another social setting, i.e. fly-fishing or theatre, would my friends still originate from the “Willamette Valley”, or candidly be a few hours from the Rogue River, or, just up the road from Ashland. I decided their logic was correct. When I’m visiting Oregon Wineries, I will proudly exclaim “WOODINVILLE” as my hometown …despite living in nearby Bothell.

Happy New Year!

Inaugural Holiday Pairing Guide - COMING SOON!

2007-12-24T15:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and Happy Festivus to you all! As this season of holidays is well underway, we at The Oregon Wine Blog have done little to recognize the season. That is because as you may have already read we are planning an inaugural Holiday Dinner and Wine Pairing Party! This is a staff celebration for the Holiday Season that will take place in early January. Timing and schedules did not allow for a pre- or mid-season Dinner Party, thus a post-season party is the result.

Alas, this is no regular holiday party, it is indeed a party worthy of a wonderful partner. For our inaugural party we are proud to announce that Willamette Valley Vineyards has graciously partnered with us to provide you, our readership, with the 2007 Holiday Pairing Guide. The pairing guide will provide wines to be paired with a traditional holiday turkey dinner from appetizers all the way through to dessert! Some of the staff favorites from Willamette Valley Vineyards will come out; look for wines like the Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, the Pinot Gris, and even the ever elusive Pinot Noir Port will appear (so elusive no link can be provided!).

Soon after the Holiday Party, when we've all had a chance to confer and compare notes, a summary of the party and subsequent pairings will be posted for all to read. Should you have any questions or comments please feel free to let us know! Our emails can all be found to the right in the staff contact list.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and take time to enjoy some wonderful wine with family and friends. Also, give the gift to someone that keeps on giving and teach them to enjoy the wonders of the viticulture of the Pacific Northwest.

-Cheers!

Duck Pond Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir

2007-12-19T00:41:00.000-08:00

A recent article in a “newlywed” magazine (disclaimer forthcoming) which my wife subscribes to, asserts the trend that youthfully aged newlyweds meet and mingle with other youthfully aged newlyweds; the reason being that couples desire having those friends whom they can go camping with, go out on the boat with, etc. When our 40 something married couple neighbors were recently replaced by what appeared to be 20 something newlyweds, we knew we had to capitalize on this potential newlywed vs. newlywed friendship. We opted for a Holiday Style meal, which occurred Monday night.

While awaiting the first delivery on our Viticultural journey (A Whidbey Island White), my wife and I had to scramble for a quality red to compliment our inaugural meal. We’d planned a flank steak, paired with Asian Noodle Salad and a Red Rosemary/Italian Seasoned Potato Dish. Believing first impressions are everything, no chances were taken on the wine selection, opting for that “sure thing” I knew would represent us well. I chose, dare I say, an Oregon Varietal, Duck Pond Cellars - 2006 Pinot Noir.

Before I’m berated by my fellow bloggers, let it be known that Duck Pond Cellars utilizes Washington land for a good portion of their harvest. The Pinot family of grape, however, is grown in the Willamette Valley.

Fellow Oregon Wine Blog Staff Member, Josh Gana, and I, had the pleasure of enjoying a tasting session at Duck Pond Cellars a few years back (2005). I remember leaving the session thinking their Gewürztraminer was good, but their Pinot Noir was great.

I used a couple tablespoons of the wine as a portion of the marinade I’d produced for the flank steak. Letting it marinate 12 hours, I was hopeful our main course would be a treat. Of course, having popped the cork, I couldn’t resist my first glass.

The wine glistened in the glass, showing off a purplish, more ruby colored texture. A swirl gave evidence to a thin mix, to some dismay. The nose offered a youthful aroma of cherry and berries, some of which I had difficulty pin pointing. The wine provided a balanced, smooth collection of flavors, while slightly light bodied. The finish was shorter than I prefer.

Had I had it over, I would have preferred a more robust wine as a marinade, possibly a Cabernet Sauvignon. In the context of conversation, tasting enjoyment, and making new friends, this Pinot Noir was no let down, while a little less enjoyable than I remembered back in 2005.

And yes, as you’ve figured, I do read articles in “girly” magazines!

Chateau Lorane - Cuvee Prestige

2007-12-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

This evening, as has become an unofficial tradition, I opened a new bottle of wine - Chateau Lorane - Cuvee Prestige. This happens to be a white table wine that should be served chilled, not cold, as could easily be done by error. As per the Chateau Lorane website, this is a blend of 60% Viognier and 40% Sauvingnon Blanc.

This is another wine that has a nose I really enjoy. Like a true Viognier, there is a great scent of a mixture of fruits - with a slight hint of possible champagne? By the scent alone, you would imagine that this wine would be one for those of us who are bigger fans of sweeter wines. However, when you take your first sip, the fruit sensation and anticipation of what could be is all gone. This is a very dry wine that has a flavor more tart than I would like. I don't like the harsh after taste that exists either.

Overall, I am unimpressed with this wine to the point that I struggle with what more to write. It has a great nose, which can be very misleading, both to those who like sweeter wines (and realize it is not), and the ones who don't like sweet wines (and think it is). Aside of that, not much else is left. There are some sporadic bubbles that I find to have developed in my glass, but not in the bottle.

Oh well, you cannot win them all, and you never leave a man down.

A point well taken...

2007-12-12T22:08:00.000-08:00

This evening I was reading a post on Beyond the Bottle, another blog covering the Pacific Northwest wine industry, and I was compelled to share it here on The Oregon Wine Blog. In the post, "Breaking the Unspoken Code" Thad analyzes what I would call a positive bias trend within the wine press. Essentially, the argument is that many leading wine reviewers write inflated reviews to continue the "gravy train" -- free wine provided by the industry to writers for review. Check out Thad's excellent post for more in-depth thoughts regarding that issue.

I certainly acknowledge that a positive reviewing bias exists in the wine press, in fact, it is an issue we have struggled with here but for different reasons. Many of us have a propensity to only purchase wines that we have tasted and enjoyed, otherwise it would be a waste of limited resources that could be used to purchase more good wine. The staff here are still in the "up-and-coming" stage of life, not "already arrived" status after all. These are the wines that get reviewed here for the most part, although Micheal has made a point of reviewing some wine that he didn't enjoy as much. Additionally, its just a heck of a lot more fun to review a great bottle of wine than it is to review suckiness.

The title of this post is "A point well taken" because I think we can take away a lesson in transparency from Thad's post. Now, The Oregon Wine Blog certainly isn't classified as leading reviewer and we pay full retail price for a lot of our wine, but there are some exceptions. We've developed great relationships with some local wineries that at times result in a free bottle here or there, an industry discount, or a special tasting--and I am a small shareholder in a publicly-traded Oregon winery (small enough where all the wine purchases in the world wouldn't positively influence my financial situation).

There is nothing inherently wrong with forming postive relationships and participating in the industry--the ability to do so is one of the things that make the Pacific Northwest wine scene such a great place. I am confident that these relationships and perks, which are minor in the scheme of things, haven't influenced our content (we'd buy / review the same without the discount). As a writer and editor, I strongly believe that the notion of transparency gives validity to our journalized experiences. The sheer nature of this type of media encourages personal opinions, but I don't want you to think that a mystical gravy train shapes our reality. In the future we'll take a page out of Beyond the Bottle's book and disclose sourcing information to allow our readers to make informed decisions about our work. We don't make any money off of this venture and surely wouldn't complain if a free case of wine showed up at *our* doorstep.

Cheers!