Tag Archives: Portland

Wine of the Day: Fernando de Castilla PX Sherry NV 5-16-2016

Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Andalucia, Spain NV 500ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $39 special

castilla px sherryNot long ago, I had the opportunity to sample a diverse range of Sherries, ranging from dry, salty and austere to sweet, silky and oxidized and seemingly every possibility between.  There was a 1970 Bodegas Tradicion Oloroso (hidden under the table and only poured for those that asked, of course), the light and salty Innocente Fino from Valdespino, and even a couple of ever unusual Palo Cortados.  Of the sweet options, the one that stood out did so not really by any crazy exotic flair but rather for lingering pleasantly for about 5 minutes after tasting.  I’ve experienced a few other bottlings from Fernando de Castilla, but the PX is by far my favorite for its length, value and flavor.  … Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Bergstrom Silice Pinot Noir 2014 5-15-2016

Bergstrom Wines Silice, Chehelam Mountains Pinot Noir 2014 750ML ($69.95) Buy Now: $59 pre-arrival special, ETA Friday, May 27th

Bergstrom siliceThis Bergstrom bottling takes a turn toward the dark side: the dark berry side. Not unlike the 2013 release, the 2014 Silice is decidedly richer and lusher than the Le Pre du Col bottling. There are aromas of ripe blackberries and Italian plums with ample mouthfeel and a luxurious silkiness. A subtle spiciness on the finish lingers around for a while.

The Silice Vineyard (once named the de Lancellotti Vineyard) is planted on an ancient seabed thrust up by ancient volcanos. The soil is sandy over layers of shale and sandstone, rich in reflective silica. It is a hot, arid vineyard where roots dig deep for scare water.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Antoine Arena Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Rouge 2011 5-13-2016

Domaine Antoine Arena Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Rouge, Corsica​ 2011  ($49.95) Was $29, Now $21.90​, Buy Now!

grotte di sole“The Grotte di Sole ’11 might be my favorite of all the Antoine Arena wines we’ve taken in recently. For one, it conveys the Corsican terroir and ​Arena’s gentle touch with the most fluency.  Red fruit with surprising richness runs through the length of the palate, with a flirtatious interplay of cranberry, leather, black pepper, and cassis. Great body, great acid, great energy, great winemaking! The elegance is worth noting considering how charged and expressive the wine is. This wine will be my +1 to Portland’s most chic and exclusive BBQs this summer.” –Tyler

Wine Spectator 89 points “The dark cherry and black currant fruit has an edgy feel, with lots of bramble, holly and cassis bush notes rippling underneath.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Owen Roe Sojourner Vineyard 2012 5-12-2016

Owen Roe ‘Eola – Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills (Sojourner Vineyard) 2012 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $39 special

Owen Roe Sojourner“Owen Roe’s Eola-Amity Pinot Noir is sourced completely from the Sojourner Vineyard. It opens with a light toasty aroma backed by heady notes of iris and rose. There are fine, grippy tannins on the palate with nice acidity that hints at a long aging potential. On the finish are notes of bourbon vanilla, tart red raspberries and a smoky-savory note suggestive of bacon. Good now for lovers of richer Pinots, and great with burgers, grilled herby chicken or a nice sunset.” -Suzanne

Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of fresh blackberry, smoky minerals and incense, along with a suave floral overtone.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Cocchi Americano Aperitivo NV 5-11-2016

Cocchi Americano Aperitivo, Piedmont ($19.95) Buy Now: $16.60 special

Cocchi Americano“Cocchi Americano is easy to love: it’s a balanced blend of sweetness, bitterness and refreshing herbal notes.  This is my favorite aperitif to enjoy chilled on its own or with seltzer and lime.  Its base wine is Moscato di Asti, which imparts floral aromas.  Its bittering agent is gentian and cinchona bark.” -Suzanne

Import note “Made to the same recipe since 1891, this extraordinary aperitif wine has long been a staple of Asti. On a base of estate-grown Moscato di Asti is infused a blend of herbs, fruit and spices, most notably cinchona, gentian and citrus, and laid down for a year before being released. In Piemonte it is served chilled with ice, a twist of orange peel and a splash of soda to bring out all its natural aroma and fragrances.… Read the rest