Tag Archives: willamette valley

Congratulations to Marcus Goodfellow

September 2017

Always Delicious Chardonnays

Now With New Scores

Marcus Goodfellow’s Matello and Goodfellow Family Cellars labels have been mainstays at the shop for some time now—wines that we carry regardless of vintage, scores or overall hype. The wines are amongst the best in Oregon and consistently some of the most inspiring wines we taste. It looks like we aren’t alone in our love—the new Wine Advocate reviews for our fair state lavish (deserved) praise on Marcus’ wines, particularly two Chardonnays (Richard’s Cuvee and Durant Vineyard) which we wanted to feature today.

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $36 special

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 375ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19.50 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2014 Chardonnay Richard’s Cuvee knocks it out of the park with a nose of ripe apricots, pink grapefruit and guava underscored by fresh ginger, baking bread, beeswax and yeast extract hints with a waft of jasmine.… Read the rest

VinopolPick: Ayres Vineyards and Winery 1-13-17

Down to earth: Ayres grows and makes wines in the true Oregon tradition. From certified-sustainable viticulture in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, to hands-off winemaking (learned at Domaine Drouhin Oregon), and extremely reasonable pricing, Ayres represents Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with respect. The Lewis Rogers Lane and Perspective cuvees satisfy that plump red/blue fruit craving, while the Pioneer gives a deeper, darker taste. Meanwhile, to keep it bright, fresh, and under $20 a bottle, the Willamette Valley 2015 already drinks wonderfully. Pick one, two, or all four to taste and we’re sure you’ll add Ayres to your list of favorite Oregon producers. They’re definitely one of ours. – Daniel

Ayres Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($34.95) Buy Now $29 special, 23 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Perspective Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($29.95) Buy Now $26 special, 23 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Pioneer Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now $33 special, 18 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now $19 special, 31 bottles available, in-stock

… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 10-20-16

Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19 special

As you might remember, last year was hot, the hottest on record for the state of Oregon. The mere thought of it induces thirst. But the heat of 2015 also gave the potential to produce some delicious entry-level Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and Ayres Winery took advantage. Rather than over-ripe or cooked, this wine, made from Ribbon Ridge and Yamhill-Carlton grapes, offers a fresh Pinot fruit profile and a pleasant tartness. Savory notes mingle with a hint of salinity, and a well-judged sense of balance (only 13.6% alcohol) carries the wine through to a succulent finish. Even after being open overnight, the wine stays consistent like last year’s 90-degree temps.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 & 2014 7-13-16

Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $18

Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18

Every living room, backyard or balcony, every kitchen, game room and cellar needs balanced, correct, easy-drinking wines to help bring them alive. So, here’s one. Two, actually: Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, from 2013 or 2014. Marcus Goodfellow has been making wine under his Matello brand (which we also carry) since 2002, and has now stepped things up, including a new winery in McMinnville. Family-owned, the Goodfellow name deserves its own label. The vines average 24 years of age and are not irrigated. The wine spends 15 months in French oak. Choose the 2013 if you seek a lighter, more acidic and approachable style of Pinot, or open the 2014 if you prefer riper fruit, more structure, and something to match food like BBQ.… Read the rest

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.

… Read the rest