Monday, November 29, 2010

Good News for Cana's Feast

Cana's Feast Winery's 2008 Meredith Mitchell Pinot Noir earned 90 pts from Wine Spectator! Great job Patrick!!

I always enjoy visiting and tasting there. Try the big reds!

 

Belle Vallée Cellars For First Thursday

As the holiday season moves into full swing, Belle Vallée Cellars would like to inform you of some upcoming specials and events in the Tasting Room.
Continuing our weekly featured wine program, Belle Vallée's side label, The Corvallis Wine Company Pinot noir will be offered at a steal for $79.99/case from 11/26-12/2!
First Thursday!
The place to be on the first Thursday of every month is down town.  This coming First Thursday (12/2), the Belle Vallée Tasting Room will host fused glass artist Claire Magee.  Take a stroll down town and enjoy local arts.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Oregon wins! Boise Loses!!!

Could not happen to a nicer bunch of guys, I am talking about Boise State of coures. Hubris does it again.
We drank a bottle of LaVelle 2009 Chardonnay sourced from the Columbia Valley. Great tasting with a little, and I do mean a little oak, kind of like a really dry martinee when you just wave the Vermouth over the shaaker.
It retains a nice crisp feel and slightly chill, was a perfect foil for our white cheeses and apples. We will drink this one again.
Latter we opened a bottle of Giradet Baco Noir '06 Reserve. Linda was less than impressed but she likes her wines a little more easy to deal with. I like a chalenge so this one waas mine.Lots of plum and black fruit with a little bite. Very strong prune after taste.
Great with roasted meats and fall vegetables.
Go Ducks!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving in Wine Country

It has become a real tradition for all of the wineries to open their doors to the public on this special weekend. The list is to long to put here but if you look over to your left you will see a huge table of wineries to visit all over the state.
Have a great Thanksgiving and buy lots of wine this weekend!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Last chance to get 2009 Viognier from Cowhorn

Our good friend Bill is running out of one of our favorites! Posted from Cowhorn's site:

You may ask, "Why on Earth are they saying goodbye to a vintage that just released?" Well, as soon as the word got out how little 2009 Viognier we made, Club COWHORN members, sommeliers, and wine shops made a run on the winery leaving us with less than half.
Our site's rocky soil and cold climate bring some brilliant flavor out of the white Rhône varietals growing here at COWHORN. While much of our Viognier is reserved for Spiral 36, a blend that includes equal parts Marsanne and Roussanne, we always set some aside for a small production. With just 13 cases left at last count, it won't last long.

> Read 2009 Viognier Notes

Nice Blog about Biggio Hamina

I am a big fan of Todd's wines and his way of approaching wine making. His wines are consistently good and his Pinot Gris is no exception. Though I do like most Oregon Pinot Gris, here is another opinion.
Here is a blog from "Beyond the Bottle"
I am not a big fan of Oregon Pinot gris, as most seem monochromatic to me. I rarely buy it, opting instead for more interesting white varieties from the state such as Chardonnay and Riesling. My subjective palate even finds Pinot blanc more intriguing than most Pinot gris.
The Biggio Hamina 2009 Pinot Grigio Cougar's Mark Vineyard Willamette Valley (12.9%) is an exception and- more

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Weddings in the Vines

Youngburg Hill, along with Willamette Valley Vineyards, David Hill, Ponzi, and some others are featured in Oregon Bride magazine as a place for your wedding.
I have been to most of these places and can't think of a better way to make your vows than surrounded by the bounty and beauty of Oregon's best product!
Linda and I got married at Chateau Loraine on the shores of Lake Louis and it will always be a wonderful memory! The wine was great also!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Next wave of Oregon Wine

I have decided to attempt yet another year of  "One Bottle Project" and will be bothering all the wineries in Oregon for one bottle for the next few months.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Glen Cortese announces his resignation as OMP’s Artistic Director

Glen Cortese announces his resignation as OMP’s Artistic Director, effective after the last concert of OMP’s 2010-2011 season in May, 2011.
OMP’s Artistic Director, Glen Cortese, has announced that he will resign at the end of the current 2010-2011 season. OMP’s concert with the American String Quartet on May 14, 2011 will be Mr. Cortese’s last conducting performance as Artistic Director with the group. However, Mr. Cortese has accepted an invitation to serve as Artistic Director Emeritus during OMP’s 2011-2012 season and will return to conduct one concert during that season. Mr. Cortese will continue working as Artistic Director of the Greeley Philharmonic in Colorado, the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, and the New York Chamber Sinfonia. He also plans to devote an increasing amount of his energy to composing and guest conducting. “My tenure with the Mozart Players has been rewarding and fulfilling,” states Mr. Cortese. “I will miss the Eugene community and my interaction with the players and our audiences.”
 Mr. Cortese has served as OMP’s Artistic Director since the 2003-2004 season, leading the group to new levels of artistic excellence and consistently engaging programming. Mr. Cortese has continued to live in New York during his tenure with OMP, and has used his connections there to bring distinguished guest soloists to Eugene to perform with the orchestra. His original compositions have been a highlight of each season, giving OMP’s patrons the opportunity to enjoy contemporary works alongside Classical and Baroque era pieces for which the group is best known. OMP Executive Director Larry Wayte notes that “Glen Cortese has been a very energetic, consistent, and generous artistic leader of this orchestra for the past eight years, and I am very glad to have had the opportunity to learn from him.” OMP Board President Robert Canaga adds, “Glen has been a driving force behind OMP’s transition to a more outward-looking, inclusive, and community-oriented organization. His generosity, humility, and willingness to give back to our community will be greatly missed.”
The Oregon Mozart Players will conduct a search for a new Artistic Director beginning immediately. OMP plans to invite a series of guest conductors to Eugene over the next two years, with the goal of identifying the next Artistic Director by the end of the 2012-2013 season.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Great Article in OregonWine.com about Carlton

Featured Story
THREE PERFECT DAYS IN CARLTON

by Jim Gullo

My friend Carol was visiting from Los Angeles, so naturally I drove her down NW Westside Road, the back way from McMinnville to Carlton, and naturally she gasped and cried out, "I want to move here!" We passed amazing grain silos and an enormous, white farmhouse, and the green fields, I told her, turn bright purple in May when the red clover plants mature, before they're harvested for seed. We passed the meat-packing plant, the town's park and ballfield, and when we crossed onto Main Street, Carol gasped again, because Carlton is an utterly picturesque collection of old brick buildings, and they're all full of wineries and tasting rooms.

"I want to live here," she repeated, remembering the traffic and congestion of southern California. It had taken all of thirty seconds for her to be seduced by Carlton's charms. Easy.(more)

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Yamhill Carlton Tasting Event at Portland Armory

One of the coolest tastings you can find takes place in Portland at the home of PCS on the 30th of August.
I just found out that the Ghost Hill '08 Pinot Noir is down to 5 cases so this may be the last chance to taste and buy this remarkable wine! The Yamhill Carlton Winemakers all get together and show off their wonderful wines. It will only cost you $25 if you book now and $35 at the door, but my advice? BUY NOW!
Here is the list of wineries:
Adea*
Alexana Estate Vineyard & Winery*
Anne Amie*
Atticus Wine
Belle Pente
Biggio Hamina Cellars
Carlton Cellars*
Carlton Hill Vineyard
EIEIO & Company
Elk Cove Vineyards*
Ghost Hill Cellars*
Ken Wright Cellars*
Kramer Vineyards*
Lemelson Vineyards
Lenne’ Estate*
Lunimous Hills/Seven of Hearts
Merriman Wines
Panther Creek Cellars*
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars*
Roots
Solena & Gran Cru Estates*
Soter Vineyards
Stag Hollow*
Twelve
Wahle Vineyards & Cellars
WillaKenzie Estate Winery*

*Donated "One Bottle" in the past

Another Great Vintage from Bergström

I got this today in an email from Caroline, such good news for them! They always come through with spectacular wines. They are a real gift to the Oregon Wine industry.

Another Great Vintage from Bergström
as Reviewed by Wine Spectator!
We are delighted to share with you our latest scores from the Wine Spectator.
As we anticipated our estate vineyards have been recognized as the crown jewels of our portfolio. de Lancellotti Vineyard has been recognized by Harvey Steiman in the “HOT WINES” section of the Wine Spectator insider.
(94) Bergström Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains de Lancellotti Vineyard 2008 ($60)
Firm in texture and light on its feet, this has red cherry, raspberry and tangy lime flavors that pick up a distinct mineral note as the finish expands and rolls on and on. This has all the pieces to develop into something special. Best from 2012 through 2018.    H.S.
(93) Bergström Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Bergström Vineyard 2008 ($78)
Firm in texture and tightly packed with red cherry, raspberry, caramel and sassafras aromas and flavors, extraordinarily well-structured despite its light weight and harmoniously hinting at wet stone flavors as the expressive finish persists. Needs time. Best from 2012 through 2018.    H.S.

(92) Bergström Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge Le Pre du Col Vineyard 2008 ($55) Sold out
Supple, graceful and generous with its blueberry, currant and mineral flavors on a lithe, refined frame, persisting impressively on the long, harmonious finish. Drink now through 2018.    H.S.

(91) Bergström Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Temperance Hill Vineyard 2008 ($55) Sold out       
Light and spicy, glowing with blueberry and cherry fruit, shaded with hints of mineral and clove as the finish lingers easily. This has grace and intensity. Drink now through 2018.   H.S.

These wines are extremely limited so please contact us if you would to purchase the 2008 de Lancellotti Vineyard Pinot Noir or 2008 Bergström Vineyard Pinot Noir. We are already sold out of the 2008 Le Pre du Col Pinot Noir and 2008 Temperance Hill Pinot Noir, these wines were offered exclusively through our wine clubs.
For additional information, contact Caroline Schoonveld cschoonveld@bergstromwines.com (503)554-0463.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

6th annual Portland Indie Wine & Food Festival

Great opportunity to taste some great wines and sample local foods.
Join 40 craft producers that represent the heart and soul of Oregon’s world-class wine industry as they pour their wines during the 6th annual Portland Indie Wine & Food Festival. The festival is an exciting opportunity to meet rising star winemakers from emerging cellars across the state in a farmer’s market-style setting. Most of the wines being poured are very limited in production and not widely available to purchase. This is your chance to buy wine you like from the winemaker on the spot and take them home.
2010 marks the official launch of the Indie Wine Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and sustaining the art of craft winemaking. We are excited to announce a few changes to this year’s festival, so please read carefully below.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Sokol Blosser Winery Featured as Environmentally Sound

Great piece by  Organic Wine ExaminerKimberly King about Sokol Blosser:
The winery spotlight today is on Sokol Blosser Winery in Dayton, OR. Susan Sokol-Blosser and her family have played an important part in shaping and helping develop the Oregon wine industry while being a champion of environmentally friendly wine making and sustainable practices in the industry. In 2007, Sunset Magazine honored both Susan and Sokol Blosser with their prestigious "Green Winery of the Year" award.

Sokol Blosser strives to create wines that are of world class quality while being made with sustainable, environmentally conscious methods. Here are some facts about how Sokol Blosser's green efforts at the winery (courtesy of the SB website):
More here

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Great Trip Planner if Your in the Mid-Valley

Click the map for details:
Click for details.
Corvallis Wine Trail:
(they have it miss labeled as Eugene wine tour) but it is handy non the less.
A small town with big city culture, Corvallis, Oregon has an abundance of arts and culture, and what better way to drink it all in than a tour of local art galleries and local wineries? Join us as we meander across Benton County from the heart of historic downtown Corvallis to the tiny town of Wren. Indulge your creative senses and your palate in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The route is approximately 30 miles round-trip and one hour driving time.

Wineries

  1. Tyee Winery – Located on a Century Farm just south of downtown Corvallis, Tyee Wine Cellars is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery. Once a dairy farm, the vintage milking barn still stands today and serves as an art gallery adjoining the tasting room.
  2. The Wine Vault – Housed in an old bank in the small town of Philomath, Oregon, the Wine Vault is Pheasant Court Winery's official tasting room, and the old bank vault is still there!
More here

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Girardet at Astoria

Join Girardet Winery and many more this weekend--April 23rd-25th--for the 28th annual Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival! Enjoy a great spread of northwest cuisine, myriad arts and crafts, a selection of Oregon and Washington’s finest wineries, the beer garden, live music and more!
If you are a member you can visit them at their booth you can enjoy a free wine tasting --one of your many perks as a member.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Good News for Some Very Good Winemakers

From Wine Enthusiast comes good news for some of our friends:

95 Chehalem 2006 Statement Pinot
Noir (Ribbon Ridge);
$99. This one of-
a-kind offering from Chehalem celebrates
what they are calling a “great” vintage. The wine
is dark, supple and immensely rich and dense,
yet retains a lightness that captures the elegance
of the Pinot Noir grape while propelling it to rarified
heights. The mix of red and purple fruits,
herb, spice and earth all come together in a
smooth and seductive wine that drinks like a
dream. Cellar Selection. —P.G.
95 Scott Paul 2008 Audrey Pinot Noir
(Dundee Hills);
$65. All Maresh vineyard
grapes are behind this gorgeous and feminine
Pinot, with soft and evocative scents of
truffle, chocolate and raspberry. Brilliant winemaking
that takes all the elements of great Oregon
fruit and puts them into unique focus, with
winemaker Kelley Fox’s trademark blend of biodynami
c e a r thy /fung a l f l a vor s , e legant
berry/cherry fruit, and just a touch of milk chocolate.
The alcohol just reaches 13%. —P.G.
94 Kelley Fox 2007 Maresh Vineyard
Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
; $50.
This has a surprising amount of vanilla cream in
the flavors, plus soft, seductive raspberry fruit.
The fruit comes from the oldest part of the
Maresh vineyard—38-year-old self-rooted vines.
The wine is a pale rose, yet substantial in the
style of a classic Pinot from Eyrie. After some
hours breathing it opens up with elegant, seductive
aromas and some caramel streaks, delicate
and perfectly proportioned. —P.G.
94 Ken Wright 2008 Canary Hill
Vi n e y a rd Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity
Hills)
; $50. The top wine from Ken Wright in
2008, this beautifully elegant wine clocks in at
just 13.3% alcohol, yet delivers a mouthful of
delicious flavors. A lovely mix of cranberry,
pomegranate and wild raspberry is annotated
with dusty herb. Excellent midpalate concentration
and length. Cellar Selection. —P.G.
93 Evening Land Vineyards 2007
Seven Springs Vi n e y a rd La Source
Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills)
; $67.
Dominique Lafon consults on these wines,
sourced from a vineyard now almost 30 years old.
Evening Land is among the wineries who sense
an opportunity to make refined, elegant wines
from the terroir of this little-known region.
Lovely aromas, complex scents and flavors, pine
and herb, cranberry and raspberry, earth and
seafoam—lots of nuances here. Editors’ Choice.
—P.G.
93 Kelley Fox 2008 Maresh Vi n e y a rd
Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills);
$50. This
has pure fruit – strawberry especially – creating
an elegant, light, delicate, complex, though still
quite young wine. Some caraway seed flavors
come into play, and bolder black cherry fruit.
— P.G.
93 Longplay 2 0 0 8 Jory Bench
Reserve Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
(Chehalem Mountains); $
30. Longplay’s
2008 reserve is quite different from its nonreserve
stablemate. The aromas include more
earthy barnyard scents, the color has a hint of
maturity, and no new oak was used. As a result,
this wine could pass for one with a few more
years under its belt; its flavors more suggestive of
fruit pastry, figs and plums, leather and compost.
Complex and detailed, it’s a lovely effort. —P.G.
93 Scott Paul 2007 La Paulée Pinot
Noir (Willamette Valley);
$30. Four
vineyards – Ribbon Ridge, Momtazi, Maresh and
Shea – are included here. Soft and seductive, this
wine caresses the palate with silky fruit. Aromatically
it weaves together red fruits, truffles and
clean, earthy scents. It reaches just over 13%
alcohol; truly Burgundian yet with an Oregon
flair to the fruit flavors. It puts the lie to any
notion that this was a poor vintage. Challenging
to be sure, but great wines were made in 2007,
and this is one of them. —P.G.
92 Adelsheim 2008 Elizabeth’s
Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette
Valley);
$48. This barrel selection from the best
estate vineyards is given just 10 months aging in
30% new oak. The fruit is exceptional – a mix of
red berries with tasteful threads of caramel sneaking
into the finish. Let it breathe—it’s a baby—
but very nicely proportioned and showing layers
of detail throughout a lingering finish. —P.G.
92 Anne Amie 2006 L’iris Pinot Noir
(Willamette Valley)
; $75. Drinking
very nicely, this wine bursts from the glass with
rich aromas of cherry, chocolate, truffle and
loam. The fruit factor is ramped up, delicious and
coats the palate with bright cherry candy flavors.
But this is more than a fruit bomb; the acidity
and ripe tannins balance it out as it runs into a
clean, lengthy finish. —P.G.
92 Brittan Vineyards 2006 Basalt
Block Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
;
$45. The private project of veteran winemaker
Robert Brittan, the limited-production
wines under his own label are treasures. This is
his inaugural release. Both fruit ripeness and
meaty depth are here in abundance, with a complex
mix of tree fruits and stone fruits, streaks of
earth and a fine layering of chocolate. This is a
wine you excavate as much as drink; it’s full of
surprises. —P.G.
92 Ken Wright 2008 Abbott Claim
Vi n e y a rd Pinot Noir (Yamhill- Carlton
District);
$50. The 2008 Pinots from Ken
Wright display their individual terroirs quite succinctly,
with little evidence of the (roughly) 30%
new oak they receive. The Abbott Claim has a
bit more of a chocolaty flavor, with full, spicy
cherry fruit at its core. In fact there is so much
fruit, spicy and candied, that it is a bit like fruitcake,
in a good way. —P.G.
92 Ken Wright 2008 McCrone Vineyard
Pinot Noir (Yamhill- Carlton
District)
; $50. Still quite young, but showing
real depth and layering, the McCrone vineyard
designate offers pomegranate and raspberry fruit,
dusted with baking spices, and finished with a
tasty vein of mocha. This is a wine to enjoy in the
full bloom of its youth. —P.G.
92 Soléna 2007 Hyland Vi n e y a rd
Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills)
; $45.
Laurent and Danielle Montalieu acquired this
high-profile vineyard in 2007; this is the first
Hyland release under their Soléna label. It’s a
beautiful Pinot, with the elegance of Burgundy
and the freshness of New World grapes. Fermentation
in rotary barrels (for color extraction
and tannin management) yields a silky, perfumed,
feminine wine that penetrates subtly and
lingers gracefully. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.
For a complete rating click here

Sunday, April 11, 2010

We Are Selling The Hat

Howard Hughes' "Lucky Fedora" 

Howard Hughes' Hat!
One of our board members gave us the hat for the auction. 
In his letter about the hat, he says:
For 35 years I was a practicing Medical Specialist in the Los Angeles area.  During that time my wife and I became very friendly with JOHN SLEETER,  a general practitioner in a neighboring community, and he and I developed a professional relationship as well.
One evening while my wife and I were the Sleeters' dinner guests,  John told us that while he was training at Los Angeles County Hospital, he came to care for HOWARD HUGHES, who was a patient there. Hughes had been taken to that hospital following a plane crash of his on July 7th, 1946. John,  for a period of time, became Hughes' physician.
That evening, knowing that I was a private pilot,  thinking I would appreciate it, John offered me a hat that Hughes had given him.  Was this the only such hat that Hughes had, since a famous photo of him showing him in the pilot seat of the Spruce Goose shows him wearing what appears identical to this one , or did he have multiple such hats, I do not know.
I kept it ever since and even considered donating it to the Smithsonian Museum Aviation Section at one time.  It now seems an appropriate time to make it available to a person or entity seriously interested in possessing what I consider to be a valuable and real bit of memorabilia.
  (John died in 2009. I downloaded his obituary from the Internet. It was from the Tama, Iowa local newspaper, the place of his birth, and it states that he had been Hughes' personal physician).   by Anonymous board member

Now that I have done a bit more digging, I have found that Sleeter was a Lt. and had indeed treated Hughes after the crash, and hitched a ride with him on his first flight after the ordeal. Read the book starting on the bottom of 157.page
I have also found reference to the hat being recovered and taken to a police station, then rushed to Hughes at the hospital. It kind of gave me chills, reading about the crash and his connection to Sleeter, and having the hat sitting here in front of me.
If you have any aviation fans (with money) please let them know about this. Click here to see some of the other items up for auction.
We now have a letter from Dr Sleeter's wife attesting to the authenticity of the hat. 
To quote the letter: To whom it may concern,
Approximately 15 years ago my husband, Dr John W. H. Sleeter while guests at our home at 1200 S, Orange Groove Blvd, Pasadena, gave to Dr Charles Tannenbaum the hat that Howard Hughes gave him while he was under John's care after he was discharged from Good Samaritan Hospital after his plane crash.
I witnessed this gift being given myself
Patricia G. Sleeter
There is also a certificate verifying his service at the hospital that makes direct reference to Hughes case.
These may be sent by email upon request.
rcanaga@gmail.com



Thursday, April 8, 2010

OK, Last Trip

This morning after a pleasant drive past Fern Ridge reservoir to LaVelle Vineyards I got to taste one of the most promising wines yet for the '08 vintage. Mathew LaVelle let me sample his '08 Reserve Pinot Noir($40) and I am impressed. This is realy his first attempt at making the wine himself and he picked a good year to start.
The wine was of course not ready to drink as it has only been in the bottle for a short time but it has so much character already that I can only imagine what it will be like in 2 or three years.Mostly made with 777 and Pommard with a little estate grown 115, it has great combination of dark aromas and delicate flavors.
The nose right now is filled with chocolate, earth, and warm fruit. Very aromatic and lush. The taste goes quickly from a tart cherry to a sweet berry. Delicate and long lasting with hints of sweet strawberry on the back of the tognue. The finish satys with you for a very long time and each sip brings up a new layer of flavors and complexity.
This wine has that rare quality of strength and delicacy and is, as Mathew put it, "...so much going on yet still is very feminine"
After leaving LaVelle I made a quick trip around the corner to see Buzz at Domaine Meriwether and pick up his wonderful donation of a magnum of '99 Captain Clark Vintage Cuvee'($75).
His new building is coming along fast and the epoxy is on the floor of the winery. As soon as that is all done they start on the front, which will be a large and modern tasting room with office space and storage. It has been designed by a friend who also does some architectural work in Las Vegas.
I can't wait to see waht it looks like when finished.
Wee, That about does it for the year. I have driven more miles and visited more wineries than I ever could have imagined.
Starting soon I will be doing more in depth interviews and will be filming some of the winemakers as the year progresses.
Hope you enjoyed this year as much as I did!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

14 Cases, 7 Magnums, and a Very Careful Drive

This morning I set out to pick up the rest of the wine from the Abbey and get a bottle of Amity Vineyards '06 Winemakers Reserve Pinot Noir. Both tasks were successful.
When I arrived at the Abbey I started packing in the cases, three in the front, 6in the back seat, and 5 in the back. The ride was very solid and I was a nervous wreck worrying about having something happen.
I stopped for lunch at Farm to Fork and spoke to Kendal about having them do an auction Item for next year. Her husband Paul gave us a bottle a few weeks ago of his wonderful wine, De Lancellotti Pinot Noir.
I had the Duck Confit salad and a glass of Maysara '08. It was perfect match. The tartness of the Rose' with its overtones of cherries and rhubarb worked perfectly with the blue cheese, figs, and dressed greens, and enhanced the flavor of the crisp duck. Wonderful!
I went carefully south and stopped at Amity Vineyards for a bottle to complete the founders case, wines with a long history, in this case 1971! I selected a bottle of the Winemakers Reserve '06 Pinot Noir($50), what they donated last year, and by pure luck, I bought the case it was in!
Jill let me taste all the Pinot Noirs they had out and I really enjoyed them, especially the '07 Crannell Single Vineyard, Pinot Noir: Earthy, big fruit, tobacco, pepper, and spice on the nose and a soft warm mouthfeel that has lots of subtle blackberry and spice. Long after with tangy citrus and berry.
And of course the devastatingly good '06 Winemaker's Reserve: Lighter than some of the '06 Pinot Noirs but with a cool steady raspberry and earth nose and a warm, mouth-filling berry, vanilla, coco, and black cherry pallet. Love it!
Now I am home and have to sort wine...
In the morning I am going out to pick up a bottle of wine that LaVelle has for me and  for a magnum of Merriweather's '99 Cuvee'!