Leah Jørgensen Cellars 2015 Tour Rain Vin Rouge, Oregon, $25

Portland urban winemaker Leah Jørgensen continues to further the cause for “Loiregon,” and she works closely with State of Jefferson grower Herb Quady in Oregon’s Applegate Valley to continue her success with Cabernet Franc. Tour Rain, inspired by the Touraine blends of France’s Loire Valley, is her flagship bottling, a blend of Cab Franc (60%) and Gamay Noir from Havlin Vineyard near the proposed Van Duzer Corridor American Viticultural Area north of Salem. It’s built to be a sipper, starting with aromas of mincemeat spice and sweet blackberry, joined by mint, black pepper and earthiness. Boysenberry and red currant fruitiness dominates the juicy flavors that focus on acidity rather than tannin. Chai spice and red bell pepper add to the finish that’s built for a plate of cheese and Olympia Provisions charcuterie as well as beet salad, Asian noodles, smoked salmon or kabobs. Jorgensen suggests it be presented slightly chilled, akin to a rosé, and it’s a delicious reminder of why LJC was selected as the 2014 Oregon Winery to Watch by Wine Press Northwest — and a 2015 Winemaker to Watch by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 304 cases

Alcohol: 13.4%

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