Tag Archives: willamette valley

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

crowley roseWelcome 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). … Read the rest

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

johan pet natSpicy 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.… Read the rest

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

Elevee Martin Rose 2015Another 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!

-TroyRead the rest

Wine of the Day: Brick House Vineyards Gamay Noir 2014 5-20-2016

Brick House Vineyards Gamay Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 ($31.95) Buy Now: $26.60 special

Brick House GamayOur hometown take on Beaujolais – bright and peppy, with wild floral elements, strawberry-laced fruit flavors, and a touch of licorice and spice. As seductive as Morgon, aromatic as Fleurie, and structured yet mysterious as Moulin-a-Vent. Brick House are the real deal, and their ‘Gamay Noir au Jus Blanc’ is a picture-perfect postcard from beautiful vineyard a mere 25 miles from our shop. – Tyler

Grapelive 92+ points “….I think my favorite Brick House was the new 2014 Gamay Noir, it really stood out and reminds me of 2009 Cru Beaujolais, it has a Cote de Brouilly feel and wonderful structure to go with expressive and ripe dark fruits… The pure Gamay Noir character shines through on the nose and palate with blackberry, a mix of floral and spice, cherry, strawberry and succulent currant as well as a hint of flinty stones, minty herb, walnut oil and plum/peach flesh.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Brick House Vineyards ‘Cascadia’ Chardonnay 2012 5-18-2016

Brick House Vineyards ‘Cascadia’ Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2012 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $33 special

Brick House Cascadia ChardAt Brick House, their Biodynamic farming features careful but not excessive interventions. As a result, their wines boast outstanding complexity and transparency. Cascadia is fermented on native yeasts and is raised in only used oak, completing malolactic fermentation before aging for a full year on the lees. The wine presents a bit more weight and richness while maintaining buoyancy. Fantastic! – Tyler

Wine Spectator 91 points “This sleek, open-textured and inviting white is light on its feet, showing apricot-tinged pear and spice flavors and finishing with finesse. Appealing now, but should develop depth with cellaring. Drink now through 2019. 520 cases made.”WS

David Schildknecht – Wine Advocate 90-91 points “Last tasted from barrels (old demi-muids) in July, the pieces that will have become Tunnell’s 2012 Chardonnay Cascadia – from several clones (some top-grafted to older vines) – display fresh apple laced with candied lime peel and garlanded with honeysuckle.… Read the rest