Certificate vs Bottles

I think we need to have a few gift certificates mixed among the bottles in each region to encourage people to go to the wineries and spend some time tasting the other wines they offered and explore the other wineries..
Setting that president is Melrose Vineyards in the Umpqua region. They have graciously given a certificate for a bottle of 06 Pinotage. This is a wine found almost exclusively in South Africa and it has very unique qualities. Linda and I had dinner in Amsterdam at Puri Mas and when I ask for a wine to go with the spicy food, the waiter came out with a red...."Oh?' ask I " and what would THIS be?" He smiled and told us about Pinotage, the way it is grown, and why they serve it with spiced foods. Chilled a bit to around 52 degrees, it takes on an astounding quality. It approaches the spice and instead of masking it as some big reds would, it enhances the subtle flavors and enjoys the contest without trying to win. Needless to say I was excited when Melrose uncorked a bottle for me to try. VERY big fruit nose! More subtle ion the pallet. A keeper that will be good for at least 5 years if you can control yourself.
So look for some paper in your cases of wine you bid on and you may discover a real treat!

Umpqua Valley in the Rain

I started the day with a 7:30 Travel Lane County meeting about the re-branding, then 2 hours pouring over the financials at OMP.
I was ready for a road trip! Heading south on I-5 I stopped at Oakland for a snack at Tolly's
and then off to find wine. First stop was Henry Estate where Daniel gave me a real nice surprise: a 2003 Barrel Select Pinot Noir. I made my way up a winding road Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards and was amazed to find a wine cave with private tasting rooms, and carved stone statues. They gave us a 2007 Grüner Veltliner .
Off to Becker Vineyard where we were treated to a 07 Pinot Noir. I found my way to Palotai
and tasted the Bull's Blood and the 07 Pinot Noir. They gave us an 07 Bull's Blood, a rich table red with lots of old world flavors.
My last stop of the day was at MarshAnne Landing. Great folks there. Greg and Fran gave me a tour of their tasting room and property. They are located in one of Oregon's best keep secret valleys. Rolling hills and green pastures and a wonderful view off the Cascades. I left with Red Planet, cloves and earth with a hint of sour blackberry. The web site is way out of date so do not be misled by the pictures: The tasting room is large and very modern with lots of light and a wonderful view.