Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Brigadoon at Travel Lane County

Last night I stopped by for a taste of Brigadoon's wines at the Adventure Center at Gateway. I was more than pleased with what they had to offer.
The first taste was the '11 Pinot Blanc. Two people there said it tasted like a Sauvignon blanc. That made Chris Shown smile a little bit as he explained how half the wine was barreled in new french oak and half was developed in steel tanks, then they were blended. Best of both worlds as far as I am concerned. The grapefruit, slight lemon, and fresh cut pear are layered over hints of butterscotch and the finish leaves just enough bite from the acid that your mouth waters waiting for more. I would pair this with a fatty fish and roasted fall vegetables. The brightness will balance well with oils and fats.
The next wine was the '10 Lylee Pinot Noir. This is "the best $30 wine you can get for $20" as Chris likes to point out, and it may well be. Smooth, well developed, and with lots of structure. Fine balance between the acids and fruit. This is an everyday meal wine that loves a little attention. I poured it in the Oregon Pinot noir glass we sell at Travel Lane County and let people smell the amazingly rich and bold fruits and floral bouquet.
Last on the list but far from least is the Taproot Pinot Noir. Aged for16 months on oak, this wine is meant to be held down for 6 to 8 years but if you must, you may drink it now. I enjoyed watching it open slowly in the glass, from an almost bright fruit to, after about 30 minutes, a soft and complex wine with layers of dark berry and jams under sweet, light hints of strawberry and winter spices. Very good wine!
To pair with the wines we were treated to some Chocolate Decadence.   They brought an assortment of chocolates ranging from what I assume was about a 70% to a milk chocolate. The tstes were perfect with the wines and I am going to have to go out today and visit the shop in Valley River Center to find out more.
We often have Tuesday evening tastings at the Adventure Center on the second Tuesday of the month so check for what is coming.

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