WeeklyWinePick.com » Oregon

Rhone Rangers Ride Into DC

Derek Swanson — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:51:04 +0000

Tonight, June 11 at the Museum of Natural History, the Rhone Rangers continue a series of special events in DC by participating in The Smithsonian’s Savoring Sustainable Seafood reception. The winemakers of the organization will pour wines made from Rhone varietals to match with dishes prepared by dozens of notable DC chefs, including Robert Wiedmaier, Roberto Donna and Bryan Voltaggio. Details and tickets are available at this link.

Participating Wineries include Bonny Doon Vineyard, Cline Cellars, Clos Saron, D.H. Gustafson Family Vineyards, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyards, Folin Cellars, Guy Riedel Wines, Katin, Rocca Family Vineyards, Sawtooth Winery, Stage Left Cellars, Stark Wine, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Tarara Winery, Tercero Wines, Terry Hoage Vineyards, and Vina Robles.

Winemaker Rob Folin

The Rhone Rangers held a press tasting at Zola Kitchen yesterday featuring outstanding white wines made from Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, and reds made from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. My favorites were: Folin Cellars 2008 “Misceo” red blend from Oregon, which was lush and velvety with layers of dark berry and a hint of cocoa; Tablas Creek 2008 “Cotes de Tablas Blanc”, which offered hints of tropical fruit, melon and citrus with great acidity; and Terry Hoage’s (the Redskins Superbowl Champ) “Skins” Grenache which was peppery with plums and very refined.

If you can’t catch them while they are in town tonight at the Smithsonian, their wines are definitely worth seeking out.

Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Oregon

Derek Swanson — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:11:51 +0000

This week’s pick comes from Richard Barbato, sommelier at 22 Bowens in Newport, Rhode Island: “One of my favorite wines is Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir for a couple of reasons. For such a quality-made wine it is moderately priced; it’s a “great value” wine. It has a great balance of spice (cinnamon and anise) and fruit (red plum) which gives it a silky mouth feel. It works well with Duck, Salmon, and Filet. It even works well with chocolate. 91 points from Wine Spectator, it’s an easy sell for people who love their Oregon Pinot Noirs.”

Located amidst bustling Bowen’s Wharf in the heart of downtown Newport, 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille is a world-class steakhouse serving USDA Prime beef, New England’s finest seafood, and is complemented by an award-winning wine list. On February 2, the restaurant will present an exclusive dinner featuring the wines of Nickel & Nickel Single Vineyards. Host Larry Maguire of Nickel & Nickel will lead guests through each selection of wine as they are paired with Executive Sous Chef Chris Jones’ elegant four-course dinner.

Find this wine at a retailer near you using Wine-Searcher.

2007 Dominio IV “Still Life” Viognier, Columbia Gorge, Oregon

Derek Swanson — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:41:02 +0000

This week’s pick is a finely crafted Voignier from two vineyards within Oregon’s Portion of the Columbia Gorge AVA. It is recommended by Timothy Nishimoto, owner of Vino Paradiso in Portland. Timothy serves over 40 wines by the glass, paired with locally sourced organic creations that are easy on the wallet.

Timothy is fond of this voignier because of the white fruit and mineral flavors that linger after each sip. Dominio IV is located at Three Sleeps Vineyard in Mosier, Oregon. In addition to this Voignier, they make red wines from Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Tempranillo. This wonderful white retails for about $30.

2006 Elk Cove Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Oregon

Derek Swanson — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:45:23 +0000

This week’s pick comes from Gary Kneski, the brains behind Thirst one of Portland’s (OR) most popular wine bars. Gary recommends seeking out the 2006 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Elk Cove Vineyards. “Year after year, it is always a consistent selection with a nice balance of fruit and acid which makes it an excellent wine to pair with food,” states Gary.
Elk Cove Vineyards celebrated their 30th anniversary last year. They use sustainable agriculture practices in each of their five vineyards and age the hand-harvested grapes for eleven months in French oak. This wine is widely available in many retail outsets across the United States for just over $20.

While in the Portland, Oregon area, relax by stopping by one of Thirst’s two locations. They serve over thirty wines by the glass, and offer a delicious assortment of regionally inspired light snacks and meals.

2006 Adelsheim Auxerrois, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Derek Swanson — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:27:46 +0000

This week we take a break from the reds with a pick from sommelier Jamie Smith of Enology Wine Bar in the Nation’s capital. Steps from the National Cathedral, Enology’s unique approach of offering exclusively domestic wines is a real winner. 78 wines by the glass, which can be sampled in flights, allow patrons to try American wines that are both exclusive and unusual.

One such varietal is Auxerrois, a somewhat rare grape historically used to augment blends in Alsace. Adelsheim Vineyard has discovered the key to maximizing the potential of this grape. It thrives in the Ribbon Springs Vineyard, which offers a cool climate and ample moisture.

Adelsheim has earned a stellar reputation for quality in the Willamette Valley. Their Auxerrois is a terrific wine to begin a meal with, offering a variety of refreshing flavors that pair first-courses popular in the warmer months. If you are only familiar with Oregon Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, it is time to get to know this varietal, available for $20.

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