WeeklyWinePick.com » Williamette Valley

Oregon’s Wine Country – Falling in Love with Pinot Noir All Over Again

Derek Swanson — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:14:31 +0000

This week’s pick comes from Heidi Butzine, Author of Wineopolis Wine Travel Guide book series and Certified Wine Expert Program Director at Bartenders Association Internationale: ”As a wine travel writer and educator, I am lucky to have tasted many fantastic wines from around the world. During my travels through Oregon’s Wine Country, I enjoyed a wide range of styles and characters of the state’s Pinot Noir from Umpqua all the way to the Washington border, but it was the meal at The Joel Palmer House in the heart of the Willamette Valley, where I fell in love with Pinot Noir all over again.

“It was the 2005 Broadley Vineyards Shea Pinot Noir that did it. The perfect balance of smooth, earthy, spicy and fruitiness to go along with the hand-picked wild mushroom tart. The complexity of this Pinot is what is most memorable – it continued to give more as the meal progressed. First, subtle tannins, forest floor, herbal and spice aromas with cherry flavors. For its second act, still smooth and even more aromatic with floral and vanilla perfumes, hearty roast and rich blackberry flavors – which played nicely with the beef stroganoff and the filet mignon with porcini mushroom demi-glace.

“Broadley Vineyards is a family-run vineyard and winery in the Yamhill-Carlton district producing some of the best Pinot from Oregon. The winemaker’s talents clearly shine through in this wine.”

About Heidi:

Heidi Butzine, CWX is the author of the Wineopolis® Wine-travel Guidebook series, curriculum author and Program Director for the Certified Wine Expert® Training and Certification Program. She is also a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association and the Society of Wine Educators. Heidi is a native Californian and she loves wine (but couldn’t grow grapes if her life depended on it). In addition to writing and helping others learn about wine, she dabbles in photography, loves to cook when inspired, plays on the drums once in a while and occasionally speaks French.

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.

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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