Tag Archives: oregon

Wine of the Day: Cameron ‘Saignee of Pinot Noir’ 2014 6-11-16

Cameron ‘Saignee of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

This is a pretty wine from every perspective. For starters, it’s another episode in the series of sub-$25 selections from Cameron which have been a hit this year. Then there’s the contrast of the ruby-rose juice and the electric-teal label that has my graphics receptors feeling all fuzzy… We haven’t even opened the bottle yet!

The saignee method entails ‘bleeding off’ the juice after limited contact with the skins – in this instance, of Pinot Noir. In this case, the resultant wine has some nice body to it, with lush cherry elements, rhubarb, strawberry, and a perfect little kiss of white pepper. We can’t get enough of it personally, but are happy to share our staff for rose-lovers and Cameronites nationwide! – Tyler

Wine of the Day: Belle Pente Gamay Noir 2014 6-5-16

Belle Pente Gamay Noir, Belle Pente Vineyard, Yamhill Carloton 2014 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

Those who watch these pages closely know of affinity for Gamay. I love it all – from the ten Crus of Beaujolais and the Loire to the Valle d’Aoste, Upstate New York and – of course! – our home terrain of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In turn, I nearly leapt for joy when Brian from Belle Pente swung by to taste the new releases and a Gamay came out of the bag.

Floral aromas and red-violet fruits leapt from the glass; the wine registers as a little on the light-to-medium side of the spectrum. Think of the structure of a Moulin-a-Vent with the fruit n’ flower attributes of Juliénas – broad on the palate, with ample spice, wild flowers, and red fruit on offer. A nice acid kick on the finish – all in great harmony. I’d take three bottles – one for right this very instant, one to have on hand just in case, and one for the cellar. Well done, Brian! -Tyler

Wine of the Day: Crowley Rose of Pinot Noir 2015 6-4-16

Crowley Rose of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $18 special

Welcome summer with the first ever release of Crowley Rose! This wine shows poise, balance and thought. It opens with a bright, fresh nose of white cranberries and dried ginger. On the palate is again a lovely red berry note with touches of fresh milk and black tea.

This rose is from the coolest single block in the Four Wines Vineyard. It was whole cluster pressed and underwent a slow malolactic fermentation (finishing at 13.68% alcohol and 3.4-3.5 pH for those inquiring minds).

The Four Winds Vineyard is within the McMinnville Coast Range. Planted in 1990 to 100% Pommard clone, the vines are all own-rooted. The soil is Jory-Nekiah (uplifted marine sedimentary loam and silts with alluvial overlays – an ideal soil type for Oregon Pinot Noir). The vineyard, as with all vineyards Crowley Winery works with, is dry-farmed (not irrigated).

Winemaker Tyson Crowley is the current president of the Deep Roots Coalition or ‘drc:’ The drc was formed around the idea that irrigation is unnecessary to successful (and classic) grape growing and negatively impacts resulting wines (pumping up alcohol and watering down the essence of the terroir, pun intended). The drc takes the firm stance for dry-farmed (non-irrigated vines). These vines are forced to dig their roots deep to search for water, thus delving into the truer terroir of the region while being less prone to the vagaries of day to day weather. As water scarcity across the West Coast grows in urgency, this mission of sustainability is becoming increasingly important. We are proud to carry the wines from many members, including (but not limited to): Ayres, Belle Pente, Brick House, Cameron, Crowley, Matello/Goodfellow and Westrey. -Suzanne

Wine of the Day: Johan Vineyards Pet-Nat Pinot Noir 2014 6-3-16

Johan Vineyards Petillant Naturel Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

Spicy and yeasty, this Pet Nat from Johan spins your expectations for Oregon Pinot on its head. Sure, there are some classic red berry notes, a touch of tarragon and a nice body, but this bottling highlights the funky side of Pinot. Decidedly bubbly, enjoy with just about any food – cheeses, chicken, or even burgers and fries. –Suzanne

“Vinopolis, an endless holy temple of wine, is home to one of Portland’s best selections of peasant fizz. The shop stocks a regular supply of Johan Vineyards’ pét-nat of pinot noir ($21.90), a wine that defies any preconceived notions you might have about what Oregon pinot can be. Effervescent, unctuous, peppery, glowing sunset orange in color and deceptively easy to drink, this wine is both a conversation piece for your next hang and an everyday chill–out drinker. Accessible, agreeable, perfect for beer geeks—Johan’s is not the only great Oregon pét-nat, but it is my favorite. This is another great wine for farmhouse beer fans, with layered flavors like peach, white pepper and red fruits balanced by intriguing, fermenty funk.” –Jordan Michelman: Willamette Week

Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Deep, lurid pink. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes medicinal red fruits, blood orange, potpourri and quinine, with a zesty white pepper overtone; smells exactly like a Negroni. The palate offers incisive redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a jolt of orange pith, along with a hint of candied ginger. Dry and minerally on the long, precise finish, which shows resonating spice and floral notes. The Brooklyn and Portland crowd will especially go nuts for this but I suspect that plenty of un-hip wine lovers will as well; I did and I’m an old suburban guy.” JR

Wine of the Day: Elevee Three Martins Rose 2015 6-1-16

Elevee Winegrowers Three Martins Rose 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

Another fine rose from Tom Fitzgerald at Elevee Vineyards, who is the winemaker and GM at Alloro Vineyards. The wine is all estate-grown Pinot Noir. It’s just a touch lighter than the ’14, the palate shows wonderful red berry notes, racy acid and just a little something that says, “hmm, I need another sip…” Perfect summer sipper. Try with shellfish, aged cheeses, and roasted vegetables.

Now, if summer would only start! Cheers!

-Troy