Tag Archives: oregon

Wine of the Day: Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, Piedmont 2011 5-31-16

Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, Piedmont 2011 750ML ($37.95) Buy Now: $29 special

Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, Piedmont 2011 1.5L ($69.95) Buy Now: $59 special

Two of us from the shop opened this 2011 Barbaresco from Produttori del Barbaresco on Thanksgiving eve, pouring little tastes as we mapped out what would become a lovely dinner with all sorts of dishes, new friends, and a wide array of wines. This one was truly one of the standouts, so much so that we had to hide the bottle so as to not drink it all before the dinner even came to fruition.

As cooking began and thirsts resurfaced, this humble bottle from the legendary Produttori estate came back to reward our efforts. Overnight, the bright strawberry fruit held strong while secondary notes of cedar, blackberry, baking spice, and mocha emerged. The spice and earth, tannin and texture intermingled in a way that was so surprising and yet familiar; a reminder as to why we spent so many hours studying and seeking out wines to begin with. There are, occasionally, wines which take us back like that – hitting the ‘reset’ button, before you’d had anything that tasted quite similar. How rare and how lovely, the catharsis of wine… – Tyler

Wine of the Day: Stanislao Radikon Pinot Grigio 2013 5-26-16

Stanislao Radikon Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2013 750ML ($47.95) Buy Now: $41.90 special

Well, this ain’t your momma’s Pinot Grigio. Nor is it all that similar to any other Pinot Grigio you’ve likely ever had! The Radikon wines enjoy a cult-like following and have long attracted those who seek unique, palate-expanding, paradoxical wine experiences.

Tucked into one of the most north-eastern portions of Italy – a mere 400 or so meters from Slovenia – the estate neighbors the equally unique and esteemed wine house of Josko Gravner. At Radikon, all grapes are estate-grown and hand harvested; horse manure is used as fertilizer and no synthetic chemicals are employed in the vineyard or cellar. Vine plantings are extremely dense but pruned vigorously in order to produce smaller volumes of higher-quality grapes.

The ‘S’ Pinot Grigio is a fascinatingly rusty apricot color in the glass, changing hues as the light hits it similar to that of a marble. Wild flowers and stony elements emerge aromatically, while bright red cherry fruit, heaps of minerals, and dried pit fruits dominate the palate. As an orange wine, it’s fascinate to consider how tannin and body can emerge from a typically lean and easygoing ‘white varietal.’ ‘S’ Pinot Grigio sees two weeks of skin maceration before aging in neutral barrel for a year and resting in-bottle.

This wine is nothing short of brilliant and, believe it or not, is far less whacky than it sounds. Don’t serve it ice cold, and decant if possible – it’d be a stupendous pairing for more adventurous fish dishes or, otherwise, a simple plate with gamier, rustic elements. Very worth exploring! – Tyler

Wine of the Day: COS Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT 5-25-16

Azienda Agricola COS Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2014 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

I don’t need to dress a wine like this up all that much: COS make riveting, multifaceted Sicilian wine for the masses and this is by no means an exception. Sprightly red fruit and wild herbs spread out on the palate with laser-like precision; the closing song is full of energy and persists with two encores. I absolutely adore this wine, which tastes unquestionably Sicilian yet should appear to fellow Cru Beaujolais fiends, Pinot lovers, and those who seek out wines of character and value across the nooks of northern Italy. -Tyler

Not convinced? Spectator, help me out here!

Wine Spectator 90 points “A vibrant red, with light tannins framing flavors of dried marjoram and thyme, crushed currant, wild strawberry and star anise. Finely knit, offering a lasting finish. Drink now through 2021.”

Wine of the Day: Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay 5-23-16

Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($34.95) Buy Now: $28 special

Who’s to complain about more Drouhin wine from Oregon? Few winemakers possess the talent, experience, and intuition of Véronique Drouhin, be it State-side or in France. Domaine Drouhin’s latest acquisition, Roserock, gives Véro a chance to tease beauty out of Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir) from the cooler-clime Eola-Amity Hills AVA, whose volcanic soils nourish wines with typically-Oregonian depth.

The 2014 Roserock Chardonnay is crisp yet round (half stainless steel, half oak fermentation), pleasantly fruity (pear, honeysuckle, citrus), and only oaky enough to offer the smoothness and subtle warmth of Burgundian-style Chardonnay. Excellent to drink today with hors d’oeuvres, fish, white meat, or creamy cheeses, this delightful Chardonnay will happily age another few years. Get it before this inaugural Roserock vintage is gone. -Daniel

Wine of the Day: Goodfellow Clover Pinot Gris 2014 5-22-2016

Goodfellow Clover Pinot Gris Reserve, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

Floral and elegant, it’s a great starter to a meal or aperitif-style wine. Clover is derived from the highest point of the Whistling Ridge and Bishop Creek vineyards and is fermented in neutral wood before aging for 15-17 months on its lees. A contrast of toasted hazelnut plays against the floral elements nicely, with a clean and lasting finish. A beautiful presentation of what Oregon winemakers are capable of! – Tyler

Winery note “Pinot Gris in the style of white Burgundy, from the older vines at the highest point of the Whistling Ridge and Bishop Creek Vineyards (both vineyards are dry farmed). Fermented in neutral wood (30% Acacia, 70% French oak), then aged for 15-17 months on the lees.”