Dolcetto is a rare grape in the heart of Willamette Valley - well, pretty much any red grape except Pinot Noir would be, but this Italian variety seems especially off the beaten path. Yet the folks at Ponzi have made this for many years. To honor their Italian heritage, the Ponzis planted this in 1992 at their estate Aurora Vineyard. This example opens with aromas of lilac, … [Read more...] about Ponzi Vineyards 2010 Dolcetto, Willamette Valley, $26
Oregon
Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2011 Caleb Knorr Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $12
Best Buy! This vintage marked the 10th anniversary of Pete Buffington taking over this vineyard east of Salem, Ore., which John Schmidt of Silver Falls Winery began planting in 1978. This delicious Pinot Gris, from vines traced back to David Lett, opens with aromas of lychee, Golden Delicious apple, lavender and minerality, followed by flavors of Granny Smith apple and slate. A … [Read more...] about Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2011 Caleb Knorr Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $12
Seven of Hearts 2011 Coupe’s Cuvee Pinot Noir Dessert Wine, Willamette Valley, $42
Owner/winemaker Byron Dooley has crafted a delicious Port-style dessert wine using Pinot Noir and fortified it from spirits distilled from Pinot Noir. It opens with aromas of strawberry jam, raspberry, cinnamon and orange marmalade. On the palate, it is difficult to sense the alcohol, which means it already is well integrated. It reveals flavors of raspberry, cordial cherry and … [Read more...] about Seven of Hearts 2011 Coupe’s Cuvee Pinot Noir Dessert Wine, Willamette Valley, $42
Carabella Vineyard 2012 Magenté Pinot Noir Rosé, Chehalem Mountains, $17
The Hallock family crafts wines from its Parrett Mountain vineyard in the Newberg, Ore., region. This delicious and beautiful rosé from Pinot Noir opens with aromas of truffle, lime, fresh cedar and strawberry, followed by flavors of cranberry, pomegranate and even a kiss of orange. A nice roundness on the palate makes this a delicious wine to pair with seafood, chicken or … [Read more...] about Carabella Vineyard 2012 Magenté Pinot Noir Rosé, Chehalem Mountains, $17
Abacela 2012 Estate Muscat, Umpqua Valley, $16
Muscat is one of our favorite varieties because it often is so beautifully aromatic. This one from Southern Oregon also delivers on the palate, providing delicate and perfectly balanced flavors. This opens with aromas of lychee, gooseberry, lime and slate, followed by rich flavors of jasmine, honeydew melon, orange oil and clove. Though it is 4% residual sugar, you might never … [Read more...] about Abacela 2012 Estate Muscat, Umpqua Valley, $16