My friend Rebecca, the wine maker at Ghost Hill, told me about this:
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Ashland for Plays, Food, and Wine
We made a short trip down to Oregon's mecca for theater, food, and more and more, wine. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has been growing and changing under the direction of Bill Rauch and we have enjoyed watching the transition. We try to see at least 7 plays a year and our last three of the season were both dynamic, quirky, and one was just odd.
We stayed at the Winchester Inn two blocks from the theaters Saturday afternoon we started with and order for a bottle of Torii Mor's 09 Dundee Hills Select Pinot Noir to be sent to our room for apres play, remembering late night in Ashland..., then we strolled down to the shoe store, Village Shoes, and scored a pair for Linda and a new set of John Fluevog's for me. Next, a stop at Liquid Assets for a flight of reds for Linda and whites for me. We both went off the plantation for some exploration. Linda did a flight that included a Ben Marco '10 Malbec, a David Bruce '10 Petite Syrah,(thank God his wine is better than his web site) and the '10 Ken Wright Pinot Noir (her fav). My whites were the Wente '10 Chardonnay, the Trium '11 Viognier, and the Gruet Blanc de Noir. I was most surprised by the Viognier! It was bone dry and had few of the fruity pears and associated tastes I am used to. Lovely in a very different way. Great match to Asian foods. While sipping we saw a new set of photos by Dan Elster and bought one! Of course this had nothing to do with our second glass of our favorites.
We strolled over to Sesame for a great meal of Thai food and we were treated to "just in time for the play" service. We walked up to the New Theater for "Party People", an exploration of the then and now of the Black Panther Party and the Young Lords. Amazing play! Moving and exciting, and controversial enough that a few old white guys fled during the first act. They missed not only the point but also the dramatic ending.
When we got back to the Inn we poured a glass of the wonderful Pinot Noir from Torii Mor and sipped it while discussing the play. I really enjoy their wines. They have mastered the art of the elegant and the '09 is no exception.
The next morning we arose early for a breakfast down stairs in the main dining room. Very elegant and refined, and they have great Latte'. We spent most of the day window shopping and again had a small lunch at Sesame before our first play, "All the Way". The reference of course is to LBJ's slogan All the Way with LBJ, and it was the second best play I have seen in years, the first being Equivocation, truly the finest work I have seen performed by any ensemble, anywhere, ever!
We had a wonderful dinner at Amuse and we split a half bottle of Belle Pente '08 Pinot noir. I have had this one a few times and loved the that it had some elegance and well balanced, with nice acidity with complex aromas of mint, red berry, and smoke. Now it has taken a few steps back and is softer and more subtle, setting very well with the hanger steak and roasted root veggies I had, and also with Linda's Gnocchi.
Then...then, we saw, how should I phrase this? A play or three, all at once, all on top, stack up only to fall crashing, over and over, and over, melding and separating, blending and being blender-ed, then shaken and thrown back on to the stage. I do not recommend this play though I did find a few moments of pleasure wound up in it. Media, Macbeth, and Cinderella have as much in common and , well, imagine watching A fish Called Wanda, The Odd Couple, and The Matrix all at once. You do the math. My first inquisition upon leaving the Bowmer was "Why?"
We finished our bottle of Torii Mor in the room and I sat out on the balconey watching the full moon and stars.
In the morning it was a slow trip north with a stop for a latte' and to enjoy the amazing colors of fall.
We stayed at the Winchester Inn two blocks from the theaters Saturday afternoon we started with and order for a bottle of Torii Mor's 09 Dundee Hills Select Pinot Noir to be sent to our room for apres play, remembering late night in Ashland..., then we strolled down to the shoe store, Village Shoes, and scored a pair for Linda and a new set of John Fluevog's for me. Next, a stop at Liquid Assets for a flight of reds for Linda and whites for me. We both went off the plantation for some exploration. Linda did a flight that included a Ben Marco '10 Malbec, a David Bruce '10 Petite Syrah,(thank God his wine is better than his web site) and the '10 Ken Wright Pinot Noir (her fav). My whites were the Wente '10 Chardonnay, the Trium '11 Viognier, and the Gruet Blanc de Noir. I was most surprised by the Viognier! It was bone dry and had few of the fruity pears and associated tastes I am used to. Lovely in a very different way. Great match to Asian foods. While sipping we saw a new set of photos by Dan Elster and bought one! Of course this had nothing to do with our second glass of our favorites.
When we got back to the Inn we poured a glass of the wonderful Pinot Noir from Torii Mor and sipped it while discussing the play. I really enjoy their wines. They have mastered the art of the elegant and the '09 is no exception.
The next morning we arose early for a breakfast down stairs in the main dining room. Very elegant and refined, and they have great Latte'. We spent most of the day window shopping and again had a small lunch at Sesame before our first play, "All the Way". The reference of course is to LBJ's slogan All the Way with LBJ, and it was the second best play I have seen in years, the first being Equivocation, truly the finest work I have seen performed by any ensemble, anywhere, ever!
We had a wonderful dinner at Amuse and we split a half bottle of Belle Pente '08 Pinot noir. I have had this one a few times and loved the that it had some elegance and well balanced, with nice acidity with complex aromas of mint, red berry, and smoke. Now it has taken a few steps back and is softer and more subtle, setting very well with the hanger steak and roasted root veggies I had, and also with Linda's Gnocchi.
Then...then, we saw, how should I phrase this? A play or three, all at once, all on top, stack up only to fall crashing, over and over, and over, melding and separating, blending and being blender-ed, then shaken and thrown back on to the stage. I do not recommend this play though I did find a few moments of pleasure wound up in it. Media, Macbeth, and Cinderella have as much in common and , well, imagine watching A fish Called Wanda, The Odd Couple, and The Matrix all at once. You do the math. My first inquisition upon leaving the Bowmer was "Why?"
We finished our bottle of Torii Mor in the room and I sat out on the balconey watching the full moon and stars.
In the morning it was a slow trip north with a stop for a latte' and to enjoy the amazing colors of fall.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Revisiting Old Wines
Tonight I felt adventurous and wanted to treat my wife to a great meal. I went to the store and picked up a nice large Portobello mushroom cap, some heirloom tomatoes and a chunk of hand pulled Mozzarella, then came home and turned on the grill at low. I dressed the shroom with Red Ridge Farms Koroneiki Olive and fig balsamic and sprinkled some red pepper flakes on for good measure, the took the last two egg plants we grew and sliced them to 1/2 inch and drizzled them in olive oil, lightly salted them, and put on some while pepper. I took one of the heirloom tomatoes and cut it in 1/4 inch slices and sat it in some oil then took the whole lot out to the grill snd put it on the raised part behind the burners I had on.
My steak was marinating in olive oil and fig balsamic so I took it out of the warming oven and sat it on the front burner of the grill. Now I set the timer for ten minutes and opened a bottle of Ghost Hill '08, our second to last, and poured it in to two Oregon Pinot Noir glasses. I then sliced up the heirlooms and mozzarella and tore up some fresh basil from the herb garden and dressed our salads with a little oil and balsamic.
Nice meal with little fuss. Everything was done just right and the wine was great.
Oregon '08's have a kind of weakness that shows up in "big" wines. They drink great for the first couple of years then diminish rapidly, but the Ghost Hill held on to the rich complexity and intense pallet it had while mellowing. Great choice for the meal.
My steak was marinating in olive oil and fig balsamic so I took it out of the warming oven and sat it on the front burner of the grill. Now I set the timer for ten minutes and opened a bottle of Ghost Hill '08, our second to last, and poured it in to two Oregon Pinot Noir glasses. I then sliced up the heirlooms and mozzarella and tore up some fresh basil from the herb garden and dressed our salads with a little oil and balsamic.
Nice meal with little fuss. Everything was done just right and the wine was great.
Oregon '08's have a kind of weakness that shows up in "big" wines. They drink great for the first couple of years then diminish rapidly, but the Ghost Hill held on to the rich complexity and intense pallet it had while mellowing. Great choice for the meal.
Just got a note from Rachel Shepherd, the retail manager at Willamette Valley Vineyards:
Please mark your calender for our upcoming Thanksgiving festivities. You'll have a chance to taste and purchase limited library wines and mingle with our Winemakers in the cellar. I'm especially excited as each event offers a unique Pinot noir and food pairing experience. Please find the details below.
--
Library Tasting
Sat & Sun | Nov. 17th-18th, 2012 | 11:00am-6:00pm
$10 per person (admission waived with 6 bottle purchase)
Wine Club Members are complimentary
Willamette Valley Vineyards has kept some of the best vintages and wines we have ever made under lock and key in our Library Wine Vault. You are invited as we unlock the doors and offer a rare opportunity to taste these very limited wines that have been aged to perfection. Don’t miss the chance to take home these rare wines to share with family and friends over the upcoming holiday season. This is an open house style event. Admission includes tasting.
Barrel to Bottle Pairing Dinner
Saturday | Nov. 17th, 2012 | 7:00pm (Following the Library Tasting)
$60 (Includes dinner, wine, and gratuity)
$50 for Wine Club Members
Experience wine on its journey from barrel to bottle. The evening will begin with hand-passed hors d'oeuvres in our cellar and a barrel tasting of 2011 Hannah Pinot Noir. We will then move to our grand Estate Room for a 3 course dinner paired with pre-release, current, and library vintages of the Hannah Pinot Noir. This is a tasting experience you won't want to miss. Seating is limited. Please call 800-344-9463 for reservations.
Thanksgiving Weekend Barrel Tasting and Open House
Fri, Sat & Sun | November 23rd-25th | 11:00am - 6:00pm
$10 General Admission (Includes Riedel wine glass)
Additional $10 for "Pairing Passport" Upgrade
Upgrade is complimentary for Wine Club Members
Library wines, decadent chocolates, gourmet cheeses, and more from local artisans. Bring your family, loved ones, or adventure out on your own and experience Oregon Bounty. Upgrade to the “Pairing Passport” for an additional $10 and join our winemakers in the cellar for an exclusive barrel tasting experience and gourmet bites paired with each wine.
--
Please mark your calender for our upcoming Thanksgiving festivities. You'll have a chance to taste and purchase limited library wines and mingle with our Winemakers in the cellar. I'm especially excited as each event offers a unique Pinot noir and food pairing experience. Please find the details below.
--
Library Tasting
Sat & Sun | Nov. 17th-18th, 2012 | 11:00am-6:00pm
$10 per person (admission waived with 6 bottle purchase)
Wine Club Members are complimentary
Willamette Valley Vineyards has kept some of the best vintages and wines we have ever made under lock and key in our Library Wine Vault. You are invited as we unlock the doors and offer a rare opportunity to taste these very limited wines that have been aged to perfection. Don’t miss the chance to take home these rare wines to share with family and friends over the upcoming holiday season. This is an open house style event. Admission includes tasting.
Barrel to Bottle Pairing Dinner
Saturday | Nov. 17th, 2012 | 7:00pm (Following the Library Tasting)
$60 (Includes dinner, wine, and gratuity)
$50 for Wine Club Members
Experience wine on its journey from barrel to bottle. The evening will begin with hand-passed hors d'oeuvres in our cellar and a barrel tasting of 2011 Hannah Pinot Noir. We will then move to our grand Estate Room for a 3 course dinner paired with pre-release, current, and library vintages of the Hannah Pinot Noir. This is a tasting experience you won't want to miss. Seating is limited. Please call 800-344-9463 for reservations.
Thanksgiving Weekend Barrel Tasting and Open House
Fri, Sat & Sun | November 23rd-25th | 11:00am - 6:00pm
$10 General Admission (Includes Riedel wine glass)
Additional $10 for "Pairing Passport" Upgrade
Upgrade is complimentary for Wine Club Members
Library wines, decadent chocolates, gourmet cheeses, and more from local artisans. Bring your family, loved ones, or adventure out on your own and experience Oregon Bounty. Upgrade to the “Pairing Passport” for an additional $10 and join our winemakers in the cellar for an exclusive barrel tasting experience and gourmet bites paired with each wine.
--
Good News from Alexana
New Release 2010 Signature & Shea Pinot Noir
In celebration of Fall, I am thrilled to announce the annual release of our premium bottlings of Pinot Noir. The 2010 Alexana Signature Pinot Noir and the 2010 Alexana Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir are now available in time for holiday celebrations.
The lush texture, juicy acidity and ripe flavors of Pinot Noir
make it a natural fit with Thanksgiving dishes. With less than 300 cases
produced of both the Signature and Shea Pinot Noir, these wines are
extremely limited.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
2010 Signature Pinot Noir
The 2010 Alexana Signature Pinot Noir
is a stunning selection of the best barrels from the estate Revana
Vineyard. Aromas of Asian spice and minerality combine with the fresh
blue and black fruit, which is the hallmark of the beautiful 2010
vintage. On the palate, the Signature is forward and juicy, but
maintains its elegance. The massive black fruit is balanced with a
delicate earthiness and has a silky, sophisticated mouthfeel with a long
lush finish. The 2010 Signature is a definite must for your cellar. 236
cases produced.
2010 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir
The 2010 Alexana Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir
is once again a timeless beauty. Classic Shea aromas of blueberries and
earthy mushroom integrate with clove, brown sugar and Christmas spice.
The silky smooth texture with fine grain tannins is a stunning platform
for the black pie cherry, mocha and spice box that usually is associated
with the Shea Vineyard. We highly recommend hiding this Pinot in your
cellar for quite some time. 263 cases produced.
Friday, October 19, 2012
New Cocktail to Try
Last night I was trying out, and liking, Blue Dog Mead. I was intriged by the taste and thought it might mix well. I poured 6 oz into my shacker and added 1 oz of Buffalo Trace and a dash of bitters. A little ice and a hard shake and WOW! No name for it yet but try it out and let me know what you think.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Blue Dog Mead
Well, I have been sipping some very good Sarah with dinner, Cowhorn's '07. Pruney and lush with a great balanced feel. Soft and unique. Great by its self and with strong BBQ tastes.
Now, the game (Oregon vs some team in Arizona) is on so I need some local libation. I pulled a bottle out of the chiller and saw a Blue Dog staring back at me. I pulled the cork and am smelling cream sherry, apples, saffron, and hints of poppy.
After it calms down a bit I will give it a taste. Oregon is up three TDs so no hurry.
Starting to warm up a bit and the nose is getting bigger and sweeter, more over ripe apple and mung beans that have aged (slight cinnamon and nutmeg small). Now darkening as it warms so time for a taste: Oh my! Dry and sweet all at once. Nice tartness on the finish that makes the second sip a must. The taste stays on the top of the tongue and there is very little side mouth taste. Soft and smooth. And it looks beautiful. Amber and clean. Ripe Bartlet pear and a perfect finnish. Most of the European meads and other American Meads I have had finnish with a harsh back of the mouth feel but there is none here. Very happy with this. Glad I have more.
They are here in Eugene and I am sure they would love to have you come and sample on your own.
Now, the game (Oregon vs some team in Arizona) is on so I need some local libation. I pulled a bottle out of the chiller and saw a Blue Dog staring back at me. I pulled the cork and am smelling cream sherry, apples, saffron, and hints of poppy.
After it calms down a bit I will give it a taste. Oregon is up three TDs so no hurry.
Starting to warm up a bit and the nose is getting bigger and sweeter, more over ripe apple and mung beans that have aged (slight cinnamon and nutmeg small). Now darkening as it warms so time for a taste: Oh my! Dry and sweet all at once. Nice tartness on the finish that makes the second sip a must. The taste stays on the top of the tongue and there is very little side mouth taste. Soft and smooth. And it looks beautiful. Amber and clean. Ripe Bartlet pear and a perfect finnish. Most of the European meads and other American Meads I have had finnish with a harsh back of the mouth feel but there is none here. Very happy with this. Glad I have more.
They are here in Eugene and I am sure they would love to have you come and sample on your own.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Chamber Music and Wine!
Is proud to present
Chamber Ensemble “Tres Donnes & Amica”
7 PM Saturday, October 20
We hope you can join us for a truly wonderful and diverse evening of chamber music!
Tres Donnes & Amica brings together musicians from the rich Eugene music scene in a wonderful evening of chamber music. This concert will showcase for the first time an ensemble that includes the oboe and English horn, along with the flute, violin and piano. They will be performing duet, trio, and quartet music from the works of Mozart, Bach, Telemann, Ibert and others!
Cheryl Wefler brings her experience with the oboe and English horn from years of performance with Eugene Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene Opera Orchestra, and the Oregon Bach Festival. Flutist Alice Burke and violinist Lisa Bieber share their experiences in many of these groups and have performed as a trio on many occasions with Cheryl. Dr. Rebecca Gordon joins the ensemble as pianist.
The evening’s performance will take place in the Gallery at MarshAnne Landing, the winery’s tasting room which showcases the extraordinary talents of over 20 local artists.
Due to limited seating, reservations are required (Please call 541-459-7998). MarshAnne Landing is located at 175 Hogan Rd, just 3 miles off I-5 Exit 142. Admission of $30 incudes abundant appetizers.
Nice News From Jim
 Dear Robert,We have picked all of our Pinot noir and the lots are fermenting now. The grapes taste delicious and the numbers (24-25 Brix and 6-7 TAs) are excellent. Given how ripe they are, we should see lots of color from the skins. We just got some other wonderful news about a previous vintage. The editor of Snooth.com, Gregory Dal Piaz, has just posted his top 15 Pinot noirs, listing our '09 Estate as #2 with 92pts. He is also running a reader poll as well called the "People's Voice Wine Awards." Two of our wines have made it to the final round and the deadline for voting is quickly approaching (Oct. 22). Please vote by following the links below. Click on the "vote now" button near the middle of each page. You can easily vote by registering with Snooth or by logging in with your Facebook account. Note: votes from the first round don't count for the final round. 2008 Estate Pinot Noir: http://www.snooth.com/wine/wil 2009 Pinot Gris: http://www.snooth.com/wine/wil Thank you for your support. Hope all is well with you and your family. Am looking forward to seeing or hearing from you this holiday season.  Warm Regards,  Jim Bernau Founder |
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Geocaching Comes to Lane County
Oct. 16, 2012For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Lawton, Director of Community Relations
(541) 743-8762; (800) 547-5445; www.EugeneCascadesCoast.org
Lisa@EugeneCascadesCoast.org
Travel Lane County to Launch First Geocaching Tour on the West Coast - Kickoff Event - Saturday, Oct. 20, 9 to 11 a.m.
Eugene, Ore. – Travel Lane County will launch Oregon's first official geocaching tour this Saturday--one of only ten worldwide.
While geocaching has been around since 2000, GeoTours, featured on geocaching.com, are now being created as a way to guide sightseers to special scenic landscapes, attractions, historic sites and other points of interest located within a specific destination or territory.
Stretching from Springfield to the crest of the Cascades, Travel Lane County’s first GeoTour, focused on the McKenzie River region, will officially launch on Saturday, Oct. 20, between 9 and 11 a.m at the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Adventure Center in Springfield. More than 30 geocaching sites have been selected and prepped for the new tour, officially named the Eugene, Cascades & Coast GeoTour – McKenzie River Edition. The tour will lead cachers to everything from trailheads to waterfalls.
Armed with smartphones, or dedicated GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, both expert and novice geocachers can hunt for the hidden caches. The caches, which are typically small, waterproof containers or canisters, are filled with treasures and trinkets, along with an official logbook that cachers sign and date.
Travel Lane County is challenging people to complete the tour’s accompanying passport, which will require treasure hunters to find a minimum number of hidden caches in order to earn one of the 200 limited-edition trackable geocaching coins. Coins, as they are called among cachers, serve as trophies, collectibles, souvenirs or trading objects. Travel Lane County’s locally designed and produced wooden geocoin will be one of a two-part series. Those cachers who complete the passport will be entered to win a free McKenzie River getaway.
During the kickoff, the trackable geocoin will be displayed and interested geocachers can pick up an official Eugene, Cascades & Coast GeoTour-McKenzie Edition passport. The passport may also be accessed online. For more information, contact Travel Lane County at (541) 484-5307 or visit http://www.
Travel Lane County is a private, nonprofit association dedicated to economic development through visitor spending. In 2011 visitors to Lane County generated more than $543 million in spending for Lane County’s economy. Travel Lane County is funded by room tax paid by visitors using area lodging facilities and campgrounds.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Catching Up
Man, where to begin? I have been off line for such a long time I feel I should say "I am sorry" to those who had been following my missives.
Some quick notes:
Luminous Hills 2009 Estate Pinot Noir---BUY IT NOW!!! It is beyond good. Creamy mouthfeel, layer upon layer of dark fruit with a lasting finish.
Ghost Hill Pinot Noir Blanc: Get off your dead ass and FIND THIS WINE!!! Nothing you have had for years compares.
King Estate Signature '09...Ok, not so much, but good with food. Very complex and goes well with grilled vegies and light meats. It seems to have "settled" and become softer and less defined over time.
My show of etchings on wood panels hanging now at Horse Radish in Carlton is going to be auctioned off for Salaud! on the 9th and 10th of November. Go take a look. I will be up to take a few real pics and will post them.
Some quick notes:
Luminous Hills 2009 Estate Pinot Noir---BUY IT NOW!!! It is beyond good. Creamy mouthfeel, layer upon layer of dark fruit with a lasting finish.
Ghost Hill Pinot Noir Blanc: Get off your dead ass and FIND THIS WINE!!! Nothing you have had for years compares.
King Estate Signature '09...Ok, not so much, but good with food. Very complex and goes well with grilled vegies and light meats. It seems to have "settled" and become softer and less defined over time.
My show of etchings on wood panels hanging now at Horse Radish in Carlton is going to be auctioned off for Salaud! on the 9th and 10th of November. Go take a look. I will be up to take a few real pics and will post them.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Wine and Etchings
WINE
Linda and I opened a bottle of '09 "First Class" Benton Lane Pinot Noir last night. This is an amazing wine! Dark chocolate dipped strawberry, cola, rich mouth feel and a very long lasting finish of berry and a hint of rose petal. Glad we have more. The wine has changed from good to great in the bottle.http://www.benton-lane.com/wines.html
Etchings
I am off to take shots at Maysara, R.Stuart, Ponzie, and Amalie Robert and to deliver a few finished prints.
I also finished some of the etchings printed on wood and leafed.
Linda and I opened a bottle of '09 "First Class" Benton Lane Pinot Noir last night. This is an amazing wine! Dark chocolate dipped strawberry, cola, rich mouth feel and a very long lasting finish of berry and a hint of rose petal. Glad we have more. The wine has changed from good to great in the bottle.http://www.benton-lane.com/wines.html
Etchings
I am off to take shots at Maysara, R.Stuart, Ponzie, and Amalie Robert and to deliver a few finished prints.
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| Witness Tree |
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| Evening Land |
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| Domaine Drouhin |
I also finished some of the etchings printed on wood and leafed.
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| Brooks |
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| Penner-Ash |
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
White Wines: Ice Cold or Flavorful? Your Choice!
How many of us have gone to modern, upscale restaurants and ordered a white win other than a Pinot Gris, Riesling, or Muscato (or variations) and had it served ice cold?
I have had it! The American public has been sold the idea the all wines white are served so cold that any taste that may escape is purely accidental. Now, when I go to a restaurant and order a white burgundy, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Sauterne, et al, I am DEMANDING it be served slightly below cellar temperature. I will not pay $$$ for something that tastes like water until it has been setting on the table for 45 minutes. I can understand small town diners, chain restaurant, or cheep dives not bothering to educate their clients, but the big boys need to step up and serve wine at a temperature that allows the hard work of the vintner, the love of the winemaker, and the essence of the grape to shine through!
Please ask you local upscale dining place to serve the wines at a proper temperature and lets start educating people about how wonderful white wines can be if you just stop killing them with coldness.
From Basic Wine Knowledge
White Wine Serving Temperature
For white wines, the opposite may be true. It’s better to serve a white wine too warm than too cold. White wines served too cold (under 45°F) lose many of their flavors and aromas.
However, you still want to serve your white wines colder than your red
wines. Serving white wines at a lower temperature brings out their
natural fruity, fresh, and sweet characteristics. You will want to serve your white wines at 45-55°F, depending upon the wine and your personal preference. A Riesling will be better a bit colder than a Pinot Gris or a Chardonnay.
Since most home refrigerators are kept at between 35-40°F, it’s best not to serve your white wines right out of the refrigerator.
Removing your white wine from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before serving should bring them to about the right temperature. And, you can always warm the wine up by cupping your hands around the glass as you swirl.
If your white wine has been kept at room temperature, place it in the refrigerator or ice bucket for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Do NOT stay silent! If you are served a white wine that it not a Riesling or champagne ice cold, speak up! Why should you be paying a premium price for something that tastes like flavored water when you can actually have a wonderful wine experience?
Please send me you comments or experiences and I will post them.
I have had it! The American public has been sold the idea the all wines white are served so cold that any taste that may escape is purely accidental. Now, when I go to a restaurant and order a white burgundy, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Sauterne, et al, I am DEMANDING it be served slightly below cellar temperature. I will not pay $$$ for something that tastes like water until it has been setting on the table for 45 minutes. I can understand small town diners, chain restaurant, or cheep dives not bothering to educate their clients, but the big boys need to step up and serve wine at a temperature that allows the hard work of the vintner, the love of the winemaker, and the essence of the grape to shine through!
Please ask you local upscale dining place to serve the wines at a proper temperature and lets start educating people about how wonderful white wines can be if you just stop killing them with coldness.
From Basic Wine Knowledge
White Wine Serving Temperature
For white wines, the opposite may be true. It’s better to serve a white wine too warm than too cold. White wines served too cold (under 45°F) lose many of their flavors and aromas.
Since most home refrigerators are kept at between 35-40°F, it’s best not to serve your white wines right out of the refrigerator.
Removing your white wine from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before serving should bring them to about the right temperature. And, you can always warm the wine up by cupping your hands around the glass as you swirl.
If your white wine has been kept at room temperature, place it in the refrigerator or ice bucket for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Do NOT stay silent! If you are served a white wine that it not a Riesling or champagne ice cold, speak up! Why should you be paying a premium price for something that tastes like flavored water when you can actually have a wonderful wine experience?
Please send me you comments or experiences and I will post them.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Some New Etchings for SALUD!
I spent the last few days prepping etching plates and today I printed a few. Love how they are turning out. I will make a small edition for the wineries (2), SALUD! (2),and my own collection. If anyone would like one let me know. They will be priced at $125 printed on cotton artist paper, unframed. The image is 5x7 inches.
I will print one on wood and that will cancel the plate so it will be the last one. That will be gold leafed and framed much the same as the ones in my show last year at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
I am working on Solena now. I printed one but found a CAT HAIR:( in the transparency AFTER I had exposed the plate.
I will print one on wood and that will cancel the plate so it will be the last one. That will be gold leafed and framed much the same as the ones in my show last year at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
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| Brooks |
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| Erath |
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| Scott Paul |
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| Scott Paul on wood |
Sunday, July 29, 2012
IPNC Walkabout
We are waiting and relaxing in our wonderful room at Allison Spa before we jump tounge first in to 70 wines and a whole lot of great food tastes at IPNC Walkabout. Our friend Rebecca Pittock Sholdis is pouring her Ghost Hill Cellars wine today. I am presenting both Scott Wright (owner) and Kelley Fox (winemaker) of Scott Paul a print from the first of the editions I am doing for SALUD! this year.
We will be tasting and spitting lots of wine. Seems like a waste to some but NO ONE can taste that many wines and drink even a little of what is offered and survive.
$150 may seem like a lot for tasting wines but if you were to go to all 70 wineries and pay even $5 for tastings (some are as high as $15) you would be paying $350 and you would not be getting all the extras such as great foods and other treats. And you get to meet the winemakers and owners.
Well! We are back from the event and Linda is drawing a bath while I blog.
The wines were all over the place in both source and taste, from N.Z. to France, from BC and Washington, to right here in Oregon and south to California. It was an exciting event, with wine snobs, new tasters, and everyone between. I did my best to be objective, and because I enjoy the distinct difference the come out of Pinot Noir, I had a really good time!
My first taste was at ADEA and it was good to see my friend Dean and his wife Ann. They were always very gracious about donating "one bottle" and it was always a nice Magnum. The wine he was pouring today was the '09 Cherry Grove. This vineyards fruit produced an 89 point wine in '07 and this '09 is just starting to sing the same tune. This needs to lay down for at least 3 more years so that the complexity can anneal. Big wide mouth feel with a little tartness but a finish that shows real promise. Hold till 2015.
I visited with Alexana Winery for a moment and will do more extensive notes on them in a few days after I go up and visit the new tasting room at Alexana Winery & Tasting Room,12001 NE Worden Hill Road in Newberg, OR
Great wines made by Lynn Penner-Ash, especially the ones from their own vineyard.
Wendy and Anndy Johnston, from BC brought a very tasty wine from their winery, Averill Creek, to the gathering. They are located on the northestern part of Vancouver Isalnd near Duncan. The wine is rich and soft with a generous helping of black fruit and a bit of jam. Two of the other winemakers today commented on how surprised they were with the maturity of taste from these vines. I want to visit them and find out their secret.
The next wine was Bethel Heights, an Oregon stalwart, who's wines are consistently rich and welcoming. This year was no exception. The '09's are packed with dark berry and a good tannin reserve and should be held for another two to three years. Ben and Mimi Casteel were pouring some teriffic wine.
Maison Ambroise was well represented by owner and winemaker Bertrand Ambroise pouring his wonderful Pinot Noir. One of the best wines I tasted. Replete with blackberry and a hint of roasted meat, this wine is dark and rich and lovely. He grows all his own fruit and follows organic farming from start to finish.
Ellen Brittan of Brittan Vineyards was swamped with people trying to get a taste of the wine she was showing. I have tasted both the Gestalt Block and the Basalt Block and loved them both. She gave me a bottle a few years ago for the one bottle project and it sold VERY well. Please try some of their wines, you will not be disappointed.
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| Ray Walsh |
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| Janie |
One of the wineries I am doing an etching of this year for SALUD! is Brooks, so I stopped by to say hello to Janie and let her know I had taken the perfect (for my purposes) shot of the winery. I just picked up the three pack of their Rieslings and can't wait to do a taste comparison.
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| Craig Camp |
After a visit to Juniper Grove Farm and a few samples of the incredible goat cheese they make, it was back to tasting.
Craig Camp of Cornerstone was very excited about his Oregon Pinot made by Tony Rynders. Dark, with hazelnut, black fruit, and a sweet high note finish, this wine is presenting great Pinot Noir quality. I plan on visiting and getting some to keep (2015).
Thursday, July 26, 2012
A Couple of Coastal Catches
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| Looking south from Otter Crest |
Next stop was at Domaine Meriwether for a taste and a visit. We have a good stock of the sparklers but had not yet tasted the '06 Pinot Noir. Well rounded, smooth and with a lush mouth feel, it is an impressive wine. I like that they hold wines back for release as it gives them time to build a bit in bottle. I plan on going back and doing some more serious notes.
We drove up the coast to Newport and a bite and a taste of the beers at Rogue. Linda has never been a big beer fan but some of the ones she tasted today turned her head a bit. She really liked the Good Chit Ale while I like the Brutal IPA. Ask for a four glass taste next time you are in.
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| Dan with his '09 Pinot Noir |
After a visit to Earthworks Gallery and the Newport Aquarium (MUST see the shark tanks you can walk through!!!) we Stopped for a taste at Flying Dutchman Winery at Otter Crest. Yes, they make wine on the coast, and these guys make it right there next to the ocean! Be warned, Dan (holding the bottle) can sell Eskimos to icewater so expect to by at least one bottle of their fine wines. I picked up a bottle of the Conductor's Reserve, a blend of cab, merlot, and other grapes. A percentage of the money goes to support the Newport Symphony I love visiting them for a glass and a stroll out the back to the deck where you overlook the Inn at Otter Crest and the beautiful Pacific. We got to meet some visitors who were having lunch out on the cliff: Three Cedar Waxwings were going after the abundance of berries on the Salal bushes.
We hada quiet night with the distant sound of the ocean and this morning Iwas awoken with the sounds of the gulls and the fishermen getting boats ready. Very relaxing and charming. When you come, bring a bathrobe or dressing gown.
We just met a nice couple involved with sea-edu.org, Go take a look! Very cool.
Other notes: The water presure is perfect! The view is wonderful and you get to watch the boats come and go.
In the morning we drive to Astoria and then to Portland for JAW Fest.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
IPNC Coming This Weekend!
I am taking my lovely wife on an adventure up the coast of Oregon, then over to Portland for a weekend of theater, then an afternoon of wine tasting at the IPNC event and a stay at Allison Spa, with dinner at Jory. A full four days with lots of great wines and food.
We are staying at a small hotel in Depoe Bay called Harbor Lights Inn, overlooking the smallest harbor you have ever seen:
We plan on visiting Astoria for lunch, then heading east to Portland for the JAW Fest at PCS and a stay at the Westin.
The JAW festival allows for new works to be read before an audience and critiqued on the spot after the reading. Lots of plays have come out of the readings to be performed at theaters in Portland. It is a great way to see new works and meet the playwrights.
On Sunday we will check in to Allison Spa and head out for a day of wine tasting at IPNC's walkabout in the park. We are very excited this year as one of our best friends, Rebecca Pittock Shouldis, the wine savant at Ghost Hill, will be presenting. Her 2011 Pinot Noir Blanc is headed for fame and fortune and will be featured as an editors choice in an upcoming issue of a prominent wine mag! This is one of the most remarkable wines I have tasted here in Oregon.
We are having dinner with our wonderful friends Rebecca and Thibaud Mandet, the star winemaker at WillaKenzie Winery, at Jory, and both have promised to bring a wine. Thibaud may bring a bottle of his 2009WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Aliette that just received BEST PINOT NOIR FROM THE UNITED STATES in the recent Decanter World Wine Awards! The2009 Aliette scored a Gold Medal, then went on to compete for BEST IN SHOW Pinot Noir from the U.S., and won! Should be a fun evening!
After a day of spa treatment I will put Linda on the plane for San Jose' and return home to get back to work on my prints for SALUD!
We are staying at a small hotel in Depoe Bay called Harbor Lights Inn, overlooking the smallest harbor you have ever seen:
The World’s Smallest Harbor
Depoe Bay is the world’s smallest natural navigable harbor,
currently covering approximately six acres, with a 50-foot wide,
100-foot long rockbound, dog-legged channel connecting to the Pacific
Ocean. There are two freshwater creeks that flow into the harbor; North
Depoe Creek enters at the northeasterly corner, and South Depoe Creek
enters at the southeasterly corner. These creeks are very different in
character. North Depoe Creek is rocky-bottomed and fairly fast flowing,
while South Depoe Creek is sandy-bottomed and slow moving. Originally,
the inner bay was shallow with a beach area on the east side
surrounded by a cedar forest. Boats would simply anchor in the bay,
afloat during high tide and resting on the bottom during low tide.
The JAW festival allows for new works to be read before an audience and critiqued on the spot after the reading. Lots of plays have come out of the readings to be performed at theaters in Portland. It is a great way to see new works and meet the playwrights.
On Sunday we will check in to Allison Spa and head out for a day of wine tasting at IPNC's walkabout in the park. We are very excited this year as one of our best friends, Rebecca Pittock Shouldis, the wine savant at Ghost Hill, will be presenting. Her 2011 Pinot Noir Blanc is headed for fame and fortune and will be featured as an editors choice in an upcoming issue of a prominent wine mag! This is one of the most remarkable wines I have tasted here in Oregon.
We are having dinner with our wonderful friends Rebecca and Thibaud Mandet, the star winemaker at WillaKenzie Winery, at Jory, and both have promised to bring a wine. Thibaud may bring a bottle of his 2009WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Aliette that just received BEST PINOT NOIR FROM THE UNITED STATES in the recent Decanter World Wine Awards! The2009 Aliette scored a Gold Medal, then went on to compete for BEST IN SHOW Pinot Noir from the U.S., and won! Should be a fun evening!
After a day of spa treatment I will put Linda on the plane for San Jose' and return home to get back to work on my prints for SALUD!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Impromtu Wine Class
Had a great day day! Stopped at Market of Choice and got to give an
impromptu wine class to a couple of women up visiting from Grass Pants.
Had them try the Spangler Chardonnay, a tasty Chard from the Umqua Valley with a totally unoaked taste. It opens with citrus, lime and
sandalwood, followed by a mouth-feel and flavor of green apple, lemon
and a bit of snap pea. Perfect for a hot summer day! Also recommended Drew's 2010 Harper Voit Surlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc is Drew Voit’s
present to all wine lovers after the long winter. The Surlie name
refers to the wine being aged "sur lie" which means “on the lees” ( the
dead yeast cells), imparting a very enjoyable creaminess on the palate.
Neutral oak barrels were used for fermentation. The wine is crisp and
light, yet creamy and mouth filling .Creme fresh, lemon curd, Greek
Yogurt, tonic water and bright limon.
I hope they enjoyed the wines.
I hope they enjoyed the wines.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
SALUD! Prints and a Pint
On the way back from hanging art at PeaceHealth's HQ in Vancouver I took a little side trip down to Carlton and took a couple of shots of Scott Paul's tasting room hoping to find the perfect one to begin my etching. This year I am printing ten small sets of etchings and one set on wood like this one in my show last year at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum.The print on the left is the one I did last year for Ken Wright.
This '11 wine is made with 12% Viognier, adding a nice nose and a little more flowery notes to a bright, clean, and crisp wine with distinctive citrus character, refreshing acidity and surprising richness. I picked up a couple of bottles and plan on serving them at our next deck outing.
After a quick visit to R.Stuart's wine bar in Mac I drove down to Salem for a bite and a beer with my friend Rebecca, winemaker savant at Ghost Hill. We met at The Brick and sat outside. Salem has done such a great job keeping the downtown vital. There is outside cafe seating everywhere and all the tables were full.
I had a beer from my home town Ninkasi's Total Domination and one of The Brick's Bun-less Burgers. Perfect match! If you have not had this beer pr any of the others they make you are loosing out. It is the best beer I have ever tasted and, at 63, I have tasted a few, both here and all over the world.
Next trip will be to take shots at Penner-Ash.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Revisting Old Friends at Art in the Vineyard
The first stop was for a taste of Methven's Pinot Gris. Light, clean, and nicely balanced with mellow fruits and a very pleasant mouth feel and aftertaste. Then a quick change of pace with a very good '11Gamay Noir. This is one of if not the best Gamay I have had in Oregon. Mellow, large black fruit, plums and rich ripe berry. Wow! This one is worth the trip up to the winery!
Next stop was at Namaste' and a visit with Dave. I must say this was a day for different wines than I usually go for. At his booth I went for a bit of the '07 Merlot and was rewarded with a silky smooth, rich mouth filling taste. It is a spectacular wine and need no other description other than "great". It is not yet on his web site but ask for it when you visit and expect a real treat.
The tragic story he told me after I tasted and bought a bottle of his name sake wine, '07 "Big Red" made me glad I got one of these rare bottles. He had made a small batch of the killer wine and let it age and grow for a good long time. He was told it was ready to pick up so he loaded up the truck and brought it home. As he turned up in to the drive it shifted and he lost 19 cases. Heart broken, he finished the night with Jack D., not his wine. If you get the chance, please visit him and let him share the story and have a glass of an amazingly bold wine.Across the way was the booth for Rivers Edge where the owners, Mike and Vonnie Landt, who started out in '96 and have been making very fine wines for a number of years. I love the '07 Pinot noir Barrel Select. It has turned in to a really superb wine and the only have a few cases left.
I visited with the folks from Rainsong and showed them the etching I did of there tree up the hill from the tasting room. Next was Lone Oak where I sampled a rich smooth Pinot. They are in a very old area of wine growing and are near Broadley. Great grape land and it is showing up in their wines. Dave and his wife Yvonne did their first production in '06 and the wines have been getting better every year.
I ended up with a bottle of Big Red, and a bottle of AlexEli Muller-Thurgau, a full tummy, and a happy wife.
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