Leland, not far from Oregon City, has been one of founder Dick Erath's favorite vineyards for a long time. His first vineyard-designated Leland was in 1987, the same year he began contracting for all of its grapes. This version of the Leland opens with alluring aromas of black olive, ginger, clove, Rainier cherry and black truffles. On the palate, it offers a clean entry of … [Read more...] about Erath Winery 2010 Leland Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $50
Archives for May 2013
Memorial Day a big weekend for Oregon wineries
Back in the 1980s, Willamette Valley wineries had a good thing going with an open house on Thanksgiving weekend. So a spring or summer event to bring out wine lovers became the next goal. In Yamhill County, Don Lange of Lange Estate Winery recalls wineries trying such events as "The Reds are Coming" and "A Match Made in Heaven." Nancy Ponzi remembers the Washington County … [Read more...] about Memorial Day a big weekend for Oregon wineries
Oregon wineries to celebrate National Chardonnay Day
Production and sales continue to prove that Chardonnay certainly deserves its spot at the table of United States wine discussions. And today, wineries across the country, including Oregon, will be observing National Chardonnay Day. According to The Wine Institute, Chardonnay continues to be the most popular variety in the country, accounting for 21 percent of table wine. … [Read more...] about Oregon wineries to celebrate National Chardonnay Day
Maryhill Winery 2010 Clifton Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $40
Clifton Hill Vineyard is owned by the Milbrandt brothers and is along Highway 243 as one drives past the turnoff for the town of Mattawa. The Wahluke Slope is one of the warmest regions in Washington wine country and is considered by many winemakers as the workhorse of the industry because it consistently delivers beautifully ripe grapes vintage after vintage. This is a superb … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2010 Clifton Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $40
Dusted Valley Vintners 2010 Rachis Syrah, Columbia Valley, $53
The Dusted Valley boys have put together a high-end Syrah that was crafted using what's called a whole-cluster fermentation. The name - "Rachis" - comes from the term for the grape stems, which also go in as yeast converts sugar to alcohol. The wine opens with aromas of cedar, fresh-from-the-oven brownies, black cherry and walnut. On the palate, it offers full-bodied flavors of … [Read more...] about Dusted Valley Vintners 2010 Rachis Syrah, Columbia Valley, $53