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Can you feel it in the Air?
Greetings!
Vineyard managers and winemakers were sorely tested last week and weekend with unseasonably cool and rainy weather and, yes, the they were living on the edge once again! Weather in the Willamette Valley has a way of being somewhat schizophrenic this time of year. But surprise - summer may be over on the calendar but the 80 degree weather predicted for this week is awesome! I was on the verge of switching out my summer clothes for winter duds - and I'm really glad I waited. Yeah capris!
This month why not take a drive out to some of the larger vineyards and wineries and watch the hub of activity that starts up this time of year? You may also be able to taste some of the 2008 wines and form your own opinion as to quality if you're lucky. If you haven't been to J.K. Carriere's new tasting room, it's gorgeous! Check it out. And Methven in the Dundee area has an unmatched view of the coast range and farmland of the Willamette Valley. Don't sit home and be mesmerized by football when you can enjoy the Oregon countryside. Record your favorite game on your DVR and enjoy the last few days of warm, dry, unbeatable Oregon Indian Summer.
I am always happy to put together a wine tour or set up a tasting schedule if you are interested. Give me a call!
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What does the term "Tannin" mean? Tannin is a natural substance found in the skins, seeds and stems of grapes that impart a puckery mouthfeel. Think of drinking a cup of tea that has been oversteeped - that is a similar mouthfeel that yu get from the tannic quality of wine. Tannin produces the structure, texture and ageability of most red wines. |
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The word is out and you don't want to be caught without some 2008 Oregon Pinot Noirs in your cellar. The San Francisco Chronicle has written an article dispelling any notion that the 2008 vintage isn't going to measure up in some way. The way that Oregon Pinot Noir is winning competition all across the country speaks loudly that this is the year to stock up. Not only is the wine stellar but the price cannot be beat. There was a time not so long ago where a quality Pinot Noir could not be had for less than $40/bottle. That is no longer the case and with the price that I can offer you as a customer of Custom Wine Marketing, you would have to search far and wide to get the very competitive pricing with the variety that I have offered in this month's newsletter.
Here's what some of the press is saying: "It's just that stupendous!" "The wines are gorgeous, as we discovered in our recent panel tasting." "Quite simply, it has been several years since we had such winning results." "Oregon Pinots have largely avoided the price inflation that has befallen the grape." "It will be fun to taste those wines in 5, 10 years, because all the complexity will be able to show itself."
2008 is a year most winemakers have fretted about for most of the year. The season began with cool temperatures and then a heat spike, leading to a very late fruit set, resulting in reduced crop production. But don't despair, the sunny, slow-ripening conditions of fall allowed vintners to hold off the threat of rain and wait for the fruit left hanging to fully develop. The reduced production means there was less fruit to work with which, of course, means there won't be quite as much of the 2008 Pinot Noirs lingering about as was true with 2007.
Bottom line - now that the word is getting out about 2008 - don't wait to order! Fall mushroom dishes and spring grilled salmon will be screaming "Pinot Noir" and you won't want to come up empty handed! My wine this month features a good selection and price point for several outstanding Oregon Pinot Noirs. Give me a call or e-mail to secure your supply today!
Salud! |
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Cellar Select News ~~
The first Cellar Select Fall Food and Wine Soiree is Saturday, October 2, 2010. I will be pairing Owen Roe wine with delicious made-to-order appetizers created by Scott Williams, head caterer at Whole Foods-Bridgeport. We will start the afternoon with a Mumm Napa Valley champagne, then move into the food and wine pairing. In addition to a fine selection of ORoe wine, I am planning to bring a special red from the sought after DuBrul Vineyard from Washington that should be delightful by now. I am very excited about this event - folks getting reacquainted and new people meeting other food and wine lovers. There is always room for new members and space at each of the private events so give me a call and let's get you registered so you can join us at the Spring fling event!
White Select: An all-white 3 pack of wine. $40/every 3 months
Red Select: An all-red 3-pack of wine. $45/every 3 months
Barrel Select: A Selection of 2 whites and 2 reds. $60/every 3 months
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This Month's Special Wines
Here are some wines that didn't make it into the Featured Wine column, not because they aren't worth tasting, but they fall outside of the Pinot Noir category!! This month I'm featuring special value wines - a crisp, dry white, a juicy and rich red blend, and a lovely Italian Prosecco, to help kick off any celebration or, for that matter, a fun tailgate party. And, did I say, "Go Ducks!"
Bethel Heights 2009 Pinot Blanc (Estate):
Whole cluster pressed and fermented cold in 90% stainless steel. Aromas of honeysuckle, Asian pear, cut grass and orange blossom accompanied by flavors of honey and lemon zest over a balancing core of acitity. By the time these grapes were harvested, they were quite ripe, with great acidity - just what you want in a good Pinot Blanc. One of my favorites!
Our Reg Price: $16.00 Sale Price: $ 14.25
Arbor Crest NV Cliff House Red Blend:
This sumptious wine is made exclusively from estate Columbia Valley grapes. The bright red fruit and jammy characteristics unfold with layers of spicy oak, red currant, cedar and black raspberry. Barrel-aged in French oak for 18 months - ready to drink now but will lay down for another 3-5 years.
Our Reg Price: $14.00
Sale Price: $ 12.00
Loredan Gasparian - Prosecoo Brut Superiore DOCG:
One of my Proseccos of choice for quality and price and is reliably delicious year after year. It reminds me more of Champagne in that it never develops that cloying sweetness that seems to be in so many Proseccos. This Prosecco has fresh clean hints of pear and pineapple followed by aromas of apple, banana and grapefruit. In the mouth it has a good effervescent, crisp attack, balanced by good body and intense flavors.
Our Reg Price: $16.00
Sale Price: $13.50
Check out the rest of my recommendations under Featured Wines.
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The Inn at Red Hills
I had the most pleasant opportunity to dine at The Inn at Red Hills several weeks ago. If you didn't know better, you'd likely drive right past what looks like an office complex from the highway cutting through Dundee. But when you pull in the driveway and park in the back, you see that there is a lovely restaurant with adjoining rooms (at very reasonable prices!).
Join the folks at The Inn At Red Hills for the Farm to Fork Harvest Dinner, Saturday, October 9 at 6 p.m. Farm to Fork is a very special five-course meal. The price is $50 per person with 15% of the proceeds going directly to Salud! Reservations are required and can be made by calling 503-538-7970. You are encouraged to bring in that special bottle of wine you've been saving to enjoy yourself or share with others as we will be waiving the corkage fee on this special night!
Support the fundraising efforts of Salud! a unique collaboration between Oregon winemakers and healthcare professionals to provide access to healthcare services for Oregon's seasonal vineyard workers and their families. As a member of the wine country community, The proprietors at The Inn At Red Hills are honored to host this Harvest Dinner to assist in the fundraising efforts.
Warmest regards,
Chris Hardy
Custom Wine Marketing, LLC
Phone: 503-310-4576 *3-bottle minimum order |
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Featured Wines for October 2010*
2008 Adelsheim W. Valley Pinot Noir: This wine displays both red and black fruit aromas (cherries and raspberries) on the nose and the palate. In addition, one finds a light touch of brown spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice).
True to their house style, it is elegantly textured with satiny, polished tannins showing in the finish. Pair it with salmon or ahi, veal or pork, poultry (think duck) or beef, or hearty vegetarian entrees.
$27.20/bottle
2008 Alchemist Cellars W. Valley Pinot Noir:
This is 100% Pinot Noir from the esteemed La Colina Vineyard in the Dundee Hills. It was fermented for 18 days with 20% whole clusters, and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, of which 25% were new. This transforms the fruit into a wine rich with scents of black cherry, plum, and cedar. Complex and balanced, this is a beautifully tailored wine, with a lovely finish. $22.50
Anam Cara Cellars (Nicholas Estate) Pinot Noir:
Plum, raspberries and dusty rose petals on the nose blend with pomegranate, tea and toasty spices on the palate. All framed by the vineyard's signature minerality, silky texture and rich yet soft tannins. The nicely rounded mid-palate rolls lingeringly into the sustained finish. $24.65/bottle 2008 Brandborg Benchlands Umpqua Valley Pinot Noir: From our friends to the south, the Brandborgs continue to impress with their parcels in the Umpqua Valley. The 2008 Benchlands is a study in subtlety - softer, sweet berry and watermelon, with bright mineral highlights and a certain finesse. Tangerine and thyme acces round out the high toned fruit. Very different but delicious express of Pinot Noir. $19.80/bottle
2008 Brooks W. Valley Pinot Noir: This entry from Brooks Winery expresses the right balance of robust cherry fruit and a raspberry-like brightness in this aromatic blend. Heady nutmeg and tree bark scents, and a minty, almost camphor-like accent and tangerine lifts the fruit in this interesting, food-friendly Pinot Noir. $22.50/bottle
2008 Cloudline PInot Noir: On the nose, deep cherry and earth; on the palate, there is excellent weight and balance, with good structure, and substantial depth of fruit. It is a wine that offers immediate pleasure, either on its own, or better yet, in the company of a delicious meal. This is a second label out of Dom. Drouhin - a special project of Veronique
Drouhin. $17.10/bottle
2008 Domaine Drouhin W. Valley PInot Noir: Gorgeous, complex, intense, and very youthful. Aromatically expressive, with notes of red and black cherry, spice box and cedar. Elegant and lovely, this cuvée has excellent weight, balance, and a very long finish. Though enjoyable now, it will develop substantially in the years to come, and should easily age for 10-15 years. $34.00/bottle
Availability and prices guaranteed through October 31, 2010. |
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