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Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday Find, April 26th

Each Friday we highlight a wine from the Northwest that we think is a real "find". By find we might mean that it's a steal, as all of these wines we'll feature weekly are at or under $20. We might also mean, "Hey, you really need to go find this", and it might be a wine that we feel not enough people know about. In any case, with the weekend pending, we're hoping to help you "find" a wine to kickoff the weekend right. We'll tell you a little bit about the wine and try to help you track it down here in the Northwest.

What makes a good story? Drama? Action? An unforeseen plot twist?




I had a college professor who once told me that there were only X number of original plot lines, and they were all told by Shakespeare, everything since has been a redux. You can argue that even Shakespeare's yarns were re-tellings of ancient Greek tragedies told by  AeschylusSophocles and Euripides.


As most folks know, the modern Shakespeare is Steven Seagal. He has woven those tales of betrayal, folly, adversity and glory into a modern day tapestry of ass whooping, bone breaking and poorly timed quips. None the less, it's hard to argue with his genius.  Just for safety's sake.




I used to think I knew what made a good story until I became a father. My daughter's current favorite story is the book Bee Wigged. It's a tale about a bee named Jerry, he's enormous, so large that it really is off putting. Frankly, it freaks people out. Jerry wanders around dejected until he finds a wig lying on the sidewalk. 


The wig changes Jerry's life. He becomes the most popular "boy" in town, until a windy day leaves him exposed. I won't ruin the end for you but frankly, I never saw this stroke of genius coming, and I'm sure it won't be long before it's co-opted by Steven Seagal and turned into a movie where Jerry is actually a paunchy middle-aged, pony-tailed guy who goes around seeking vengeance for something. And people are going to get hurt.


Today's Friday Find is a story about a place where you might not expect to find Pinot Noir. Oregon's Umpqua Valley is a large AVA and at it's northernmost point you'll find the new Elkton AVA. Scott Henry has been growing and making wine in the Umpqua for a long time, dating to 1978. The vineyard location for Henry Estate is more towards the middle of the valley, in a somewhat transitional climactic zone. The wines they're producing are largely cooler climate varietals, Pinot Noir and mostly crisp white varieties. At $18 this "Oregon" Pinot is a bit of both "worlds" aromatically it's very fruit forward, almost akin to a California Pinot in terms of the sweet cherry elements, the palate of the wine though brings you back to Oregon. It's a light bodied Pinot Noir with early season blackberry and raspberry flavors, a touch of spice and very prominent acidity. A surprising plot twist. 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Do the Clothes Make the Man? Northwest Fashion Meets Italian Wine at Blackbird

From Emily Popp:

When was the last time you paired your wine with your outfit? Some of you may do this with an innate sense of culture and style. Others? Not even close. Those who make a conscious effort are few and far between, but fashion and wine pairing is a more seamless match than you might think.

I was welcomed through the doors of Blackbird, a men’s fashion shop in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio crafted at the estates of Castello di Gabbiano. Winemaker, Federico Cerelli, jumped right into conversation, telling me about his run early that morning, the tour around the US that he would continue on over the next week, and of course, his lifestyle as a Tuscan winemaker.

Small groups and individuals gathered in the shop for the debut of spring’s hottest looks—and a taste of the wines that go with them.

Tailored men’s clothing, in primarily stony hues, hung neatly from racks along the walls. Scarves and ties sat rhythmically on wooden tables. The occasional magnum—decorated with the iconic knight on horseback—became a focal point among the neatly folded jeans and men’s fashion accessories.

Soon the murmuring, meandering crowd amassed behind tables where flights of wine awaited; the show would soon begin! Frederico Cerelli inquired first, of the crowd’s opinion of the music he selected. To his mock-disappointment, not one had heard the particular Italian musician before. He then told us of Castello
di Gabbiano’s historic winery, picturesque castle, and how he fell in love with Tuscany’s signature grape, Sangiovese.

“It’s good, it’s good. Drink, drink!” Cerelli recalls his grandfather’s encouragement. He was just 9 years old at the time—his first glass of Sangiovese in hand. This was the crop of his family’s land, both respected and enjoyed on a daily basis for children and adults alike.

Beyond the rich history, Cerelli aims to cut through the fabric of modern times and craft wines especially for the young and aspiring professional. When he’s not making wine, he travels the world to gain insights from chefs and consumers, asking chefs what types of wine they want to pour, and asking consumers what flavors and profiles they enjoy most. “After all,” he remarks, “I can’t drink all the bottles myself.”

The fashion of the evening took on a similar theme. Outfits were styled for the young professional; that individual who is on the brink of his career and passionate about culture and the luxury of quality materials. Here exhibits the similarities and companionship of fashion and wine. Just like we dress for the occasion, we select wine for the occasion.

Blackbird’s Creative Director, Nicole Miller, shares her tips for selecting outfits and wine for three different types of events that you might find yourself attending this spring.

Take, for example, your backyard barbeque. Gabbiano’s fresh, fruity and dry Pinot Grigio is the perfect sipper for this afternoon affair. In struts Aaron, wearing Foss Tugger Chinos in fir, made from dense 100% Japanese cotton twill, a mahogany belt with a hand-cast buckle and a checked plaid top. Miller tops the outfit with a grey sweater tied on the shoulders for a fashionable and functional solution to Seattle’s chilly spring air.

Now it’s Wednesday; your favorite wine bar awaits. What to swirl and wear? Fill your glass with Gabbiano’s Riserva Chianti. Ripe berry notes and a hint of cocoa will break up the week and take off the edge. Sipping this Sangio, you’ll want to look casually put together. Miller recommends a contrast collared shirt buttoned to the top, blue pants, and a one button notch jacket that is described to exude “humor, inventiveness, rebelliousness, and highly advanced tailoring.” What more you could ask from a Wednesday night?

Finally, let’s talk formals. Some might argue that your choice of wine and fashion are most critically measured at an aristocratic event. In such cases, the reserve wines will do supremely. We were presented with two tastings for the upscale soirée: Bellezza DOCG and Alleanza IGT.

Bellezza is 100% Sangiovese from the finest blocks on the estate vineyard. It displays a statuesque nose of ripe raspberry and berry notes complemented with French oak nuances. It was smooth in mouthfeel with silky tannins, bright acidity and a lasting elegant finish.

Alleanza was crafted in the new world style. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine exhibited bold ripe fruit alongside notes of fresh basil and pepper. This wine is both complex and refined.

Nicole Miller makes her pairing with an icon in mind, “The ultimate to us is this James Bond look.” Beautiful wool and double vented, this suit is the epitome of charm. A classic and clean white button-up is complemented with a modern slim
black tie.

Layers, textures, tradition and impression, Gabbiano and Blackbird’s fashion and wine pairing event demonstrated that fashion and wine have long had a love affair. From barbeques to formal events, the two attend in tandem.

Do you have tips for selecting the right wine for the occasion? The right ensemble? Please do share!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Soos Creek: 2010 Coming Out Party


Soos, not Seuss. From Lucha Vino:

David Larsen has been making wine commercially at his Soos Creek winery since 1989.  For the first seven years he made a single wine focusing on quality.  In 1996 he released his second wine, Sundance.  Now, with the release of his 2010 vintage David delivers 6 top notch wines for all of us to enjoy.


Soos Creek recently released their 2010s and I was able to attend the release event and you'll find my impressions of the new releases below.


Sundance


This is the Soos Creek everyday wine.  It is the final wine made after all the other blends have been completed.  Don’t let that lead you to believe this is a cut rate wine.  The 2010 follows in the footsteps of preceding vintages and over delivers on the $20 price tag.  This vintage features grapes from Champoux and all the other top vineyards that David works with.  

The blend is 50% Cab, 31% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc. The nose is showing dusty currant and candle wax.  The palate is savory with currants and black cherry that lead to a finish featuring rich espresso bean tartness.


Palisade


The Palisade is merlot focused.  The blend is different each vintage and this year features 89% merlot and 11% cabernet sauvignon. Character of black cherry and smooth light hints of earthy all spice and a touch of bitter cocoa.  This wine is ready to drink right now.



Artist


The Artist is a Cab Franc focused wine.  Each year features a label by a different artist.  David’s son’s art has been featured several times.  The 2010 features a label by American Abstract Expressionist, Herman Cherry


The blend is 49% Cabernet Franc, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot.  The nose shows clean dark cherry and herbal spices that add some lavender and violet notes with some air.  The palate is a bit darker with black cherry and earthy spices leading to a dry pepper spice finish.


Ciel du Cheval


A single vineyard designate wine.  The blend changes with each vintage to achieve the style that David feels best expresses the terroir of the Ciel du Cheval vineyard.  The blend for 2010 is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot.


The nose is showing dark berries with savory light smoky sandalwood character.  The palate is featuring dark berries, clove spices with a touch of menthol on the dry barrel spice finish.


Champoux


This is also a single vineyard designate wine, featuring 100% of the grapes from the Champoux vineyard which is located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.  The blend for 2010 is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Cabernet Franc and Merlot.


Dark currants. earth, candle wax and some funk on the nose with a similar palate that adds in some tannin inspired spices and a dry semi-sweet chocolate finish.


There will not be a 2011 release of the Champoux single vineyard designate from Soos Creek due to major vine losses suffered at Champoux in the winter of 2010.  Grab what you can of the 2010 because the 2012 will be extremely limited.


Commander Comet


The Commander Comet is 100% syrah and the 2010 will be the last vintage for this wine.  David made the difficult decision to discontinue his Syrah in order to focus on new blends and vineyards beginning in 2011.


This Syrah is dark and  smoky with notes of dark cherry, light smoke and cracked pepper on the palate.  The finish includes spices and floral notes.


What's Next?


Look for some new wines from Soos Creek in the coming vintages.  The quality of David’s wines have helped to open doors and gain access to fruit from several other top notch vineyards in the state.  We will probably see another (different) single vineyard designate wine released in the near future.


All of the 2010 Soos Creek releases are drinking well now.  The Sundance and Palisade are the most approachable and ready for immediate enjoyment.  The Ciel, Champoux and Artist are all showing nicely now and show signs that they will continue to improve with time in the cellar.  


The Commander Comet is showing the familiar notes of a hearty Washington State Syrah.  Enjoy it now along with the Sundance and Palisade.  These three Soos Creek wines will help keep you distracted while you let the Ciel du Cheval, Champoux and Artist Series relax in your cellar.

You will not be disappointed, regardless of when you choose to open the 2010 Soos Creek Vintage.  David Larsen has delivered another high quality set of wines that will drink wonderfully for years to come.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday Find, April 12th

Each Friday we highlight a wine from the Northwest that we think is a real "find". By find we might mean that it's a steal, as all of these wines we'll feature weekly are at or under $20. We might also mean, "Hey, you really need to go find this", and it might be a wine that we feel not enough people know about. In any case, with the weekend pending, we're hoping to help you "find" a wine to kickoff the weekend right. We'll tell you a little bit about the wine and try to help you track it down here in the Northwest.

I believe strongly in the work smarter, not harder mantra. In fact, when you study worker productivity it's interesting what the corollaries are. They're hardly ever intuitive.


Contrary to what we might think, mindless internet surfing actually makes us more productive. What's interesting is that this company, SpectorSoft has developed a tool to make workers less productive but they sell it as making them more productive. Bizarro land.  We're still never far from snake oil salesmen.


There are several varying speculations out there about what makes people more or less productive at work, exercise  sleep, coffee and creative play. Companies like Google often have "game rooms" and the like set up for their employees, the thinking being that their best thinking might come doing something completely not work related.


In an effort to work smarter, not harder today's Friday Find is riding on the coattails of Full Pull Wines offering this week of the Kevin White wines. 


I first got to try the wines Kevin is making last year at a tasting with Sean Sullivan, and tasting them with several other Washington wines at the time his Syrah, En Hommage really stood out. It was floral, elegant and loaded up with minerality in a way that had it standing toe to toe with some of Washington's big names, and much, much bigger price tags.  I took this picture that evening of my stand outs, I stand by that assessment to this day. As you can see Kevin's Syrah is flanked by the Betz Cabernet and the Waters 21 Grams. These are bigger wines, both in flamboyance and in price. I thought the KW belonged in the shot if only because it distinguished itself in terms of elegance, acidity and fruit, much less oak and not quite as ripe and round as many of the other wines.



Kevin's new releases just hit the street and they're as good, and there's two this time and not just one. The prices are still at $20 and under, which is absolutely insane for a wine this good, and there's so little of it. For Kevin it's about paying his dues, when I talked to him at Taste Washington this year and asked him about pricing his response was full of humility. "Well, I'm new, and nobody knows me yet, so it doesn't make sense to me to price the wines too high."

That's refreshing.


The 2011 wines are well worth checking out and they're a steal. The deal is if Kevin keeps this up these won't always be under $20 gems. They're much more wine for the money than you'll get nearly anywhere, so get some. Get a bunch if you're the kinda person who buys wine a case at a time, but definitely get a bottle or two because you'll be supporting a good guy who's an up and comer. Kevin still has a day job. Check out the Full Pull Wines offer here to order yours.  

Monday, April 08, 2013

Phelps Creek Vineyards: Oregon Wine, French Twist



With such great progress happening in the Portland urban winemaking scene, and the usual spotlight on the Willamette Valley, it’s all too easy to forget about the many wineries and producers in the Gorge. A short hour east of Portland proper we can find a similar, slightly nuanced wine country with just as much exploring to be done!


Phelps Creek Vineyards runs their tasting room on the Hood River Golf Course, with the vineyards not too far away in Hood River, Oregon. Owner Bob Morus relocated his family to the Gorge in the late 80s and planted the first Phelps Creek vines in 1990. For years, PCV supplied grapes to Willamette Valley wineries until 2002 when they began bottling wines with the Phelps Creek label. They currently produce wines using their estate-grown grapes, which truly utilize and exude the Columbia Gorge terroir they were harvested from.

In 2007, Bob was introduced by a mutual friend to Alexandrine Roy, a fourth generation winemaker from Burgundy, France of the Domaine Marc Roy. Alexandrine was touring the Gorge AVA with a group of French winemakers prior to attending the International Pinot Noir Celebration that year, when Bob asked Alexandrine if she would join the Phelps Creek staff to make a Cuvee of their Pinot Noir, which she has been doing since. With their 2012 vintage, Alexandrine becomes the Director of Winemaking for Phelps Creek and will oversee all aspects of their production. She visits 4 to 6 times per year to check in on the progress of the grapes, and finishes bottling wines in France just in time to come out to Oregon for harvest at PCV.

Phelps Creek recently hosted a wine dinner for their Wine Club members during one of Alexandrine’s regular visits. Alexandrine and Bob anecdotally introduced each wine alongside food pairings at Nora’s Table, a quaint location in downtown Hood River. Chef Kathy Watson spent time with each of the PCV wines to develop the six-course menu, each course more inventive and delicious than the last. While incredibly difficult to narrow it down, my favorite wines and pairings of the evening have me hooked and excited about the future of PCV wines…

Coeur de Roy Blanc de Noir – this crisp white Pinot Noir was a new, and might I add successful, experience for Alexandrine. Paired with prawn fumet, grilled prawns, saffron spaetzle, romesco crouton “dunker.”







2010 Cuvee Alexandrine Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir – wonderfully bright on the palate for pinot noir, this wine was made from use of grapes with thicker skin, and vines with deeper roots, truly isolating unique features of the Gorge terroir. At the time of the dinner only 18 bottles were left of this vintage! Paired with provencal lamb shank, olives, parsley, preserved lemon, roasted Saur Farm Red Norland potatoes.



Vin Dore Gewurztraminer – this wine, a perfect complement to a sugary dessert, was made especially sweet by cranking the heat on the grapes and nearly turning them to raisins for concentrated sweetness before pressing for the juice. Paired with panna cotta, pistachio meringue, candied kumquat, pineapple and sage.





I was able to snag Alexandrine during her visit and get some of thoughts on her experience thus far making wines in Oregon…

How is the Gorge different from Willamette Valley?
Alexandrine decidedly notes a different kind of “perfect” acidity in the Gorge, which has higher altitudes and longer maturation periods than the Willamette Valley experiences. The climate in the Gorge, specifically the wind off of the Columbia River, cools and controls the sugar levels in the grapes grown there.

What new things are you getting to do making wines in Oregon?
With winemaking so heavily regulated in France, experimentation is hardly available to winemakers. Alexandrine was excited to try her hand at the Blanc de Pinot, and generally about the prospect of purposeful experimentation. With the Blanc de Pinot she was able to choose the grapes and use them to make this specific wine – the wine was not an afterthought of another bottle.

How would you compare the wines you are making here in Oregon to wines you make in France?
“I don’t compare, they are completely different!” says Alexandrine. She finds she cannot make this comparison with such different controls in place. She notes what truly stands out in the Oregon wines she’s making is the strong expression of terroir, and significant flavors that take new and exciting turns than as expected.

Alexandrine finds the wine world in the Pacific Northwest welcoming and very community-oriented, and is excited to continue her work with Phelps Creek as their Head Winemaker. Bob Morus expects Alexandrine will continue to drive their emphasis on spontaneous fermentation during the winemaking processes, making serious use of the flavors and acidity the elements of the Gorge provide the grapes. 

Phelps Creek Vineyards currently offers tours on-property in addition to their tasting room and Wine Club activities. Visit them here.

Friday, April 05, 2013

Friday Find, April 5th

Each Friday we highlight a wine from the Northwest that we think is a real "find". By find we might mean that it's a steal, as all of these wines we'll feature weekly are at or under $20. We might also mean, "Hey, you really need to go find this", and it might be a wine that we feel not enough people know about. In any case, with the weekend pending, we're hoping to help you "find" a wine to kickoff the weekend right. We'll tell you a little bit about the wine and try to help you track it down here in the Northwest.


Everyone loves a mystery, right?  Whether it's the butler in the bathroom with the candlestick or whatever the case may be.  A good case of whodunit can make for at the very least, fun conversation. In the wine world there are two things that come to mind when the word mystery wine is mentioned, Garagiste and then these varying mystery labels that we find lying around, at grocery franchises mainly. Whole Foods has one, Costco has one, Trader Joes pretty much only has them. These labels are often lucrative opportunities for wineries and winemakers to often sell off sub par bulk juice. By sub par, I don't mean that it's bad, perhaps its just not up to their exacting standards. Often times, and many point to Costco as examples, the wines are fantastic and offer an amazing value. I've never had the Costco stuff but this is what I've been told.


My issue with these labelings, if I have one, is the mystery behind the wine. The blend or varietal is typically labeled and honest, but where did it come from? Who made it? What were the vineyards, etc? There's not a lot of information there, and when you flip to the back page, or label, as the case may be, the story never really comes to a conclusion. Sometimes a google search will lead you somewhere, but many times, it's just further down the rabbit hole.

Today's Friday Find is one of those wines. I have to say, I was shocked at how good the wine was drinking, the 2011 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Savoureaux. Savoureaux? Like a French thing, according to Dictionarist.com it means: adj. tasty, savory; toothsome, pithy; palatable.  Nice, toothsome. I like a toothsome wine.  A little digging on the interwebs and I found out where Savoureaux came from, more or less. Mostly less.

Cultavin Cellars, the folks who produce this wine is a distribution company that carries the wines of Solena Estate. Excellent wines made by Laurent Montalieu. Cultavin it turns out is the distribution but NW Wine Co seems to be the production company. So perhaps the wine comes from the Hyland Vineyards? Who knows? Thus the mystery. They do custom crush there as well as some brand packaging, like this wine I suppose. It's a nice wine, but for consumers who want to know more, perhaps it's more confounding than anything. Certainly, when you think of the importance of site for Pinot Noir, this wine does nothing to keep that concept intact.  For me, I wouldn't typically buy a wine like this, too much is unknown, but someone brought one to my house and frankly, the 2011 Pinot Noir from Toothsome, er, rather Savoureaux is out of sight.

Today's Friday Find is a bit of a corporate one, as I believe these Toothsome labels, I mean, Savoureaux were done for Metropolitan Market. This wine is the entry level, there is also a reserve bottling. The 2011 is super fresh with brambleberry fruit, great acidity and tons of minerality which I don't typically expect to find in a wine in the $14 ballpark. But hell, buy it if you like it, because it's a great house wine for everyday drinking.

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Bringing Sexy Back, Syrah Too: The 12th Annual Sexy Syrah at Salty's April 10th


It’s time for the 12th annual Sexy Syrah event brought to you by David LeClaire of Wine World & Spirits and Tim O’Brien of Salty’s restaurant.
Are you Syrah curious?  Or are you Experienced?  Either way, Sexy Syrah is the place for you on Wednesday April 10th.  This is the evening to fly your freak flag and celebrate Washington's latest fling.
Syrah is Washington’s current Love Child.  What!?  Yep, Washington Syrah is getting plenty of love these days and Salty’s on Alki is hosting your opportunity to see what all the fuss is about.  Sexy Syrah is the Washington Syrah Love Fest on the shores of Alki Beach from 6 – 9 PM on April 10th.
You will be able to taste Syrah from 35 Washington Wineries all in one place.  One of the things that makes Washington Syrah so seductive is the distinct character delivered by each of our 13 AVAs.
Are you looking for something bold and brash yet down to earth?  Check out the Syrah from the Red Mountain AVA.
Maybe you prefer something a bit more shy, coy and hard to get.  If so, then you should check out the cooler climate Syrah from the Yakima Valley AVA.
Or maybe you are like Elvis and are searching for a hunka, hunk of burnin love.  For you, there are lots of choices from the Walla Walla AVA.
There is literally something for every taste at this year’s Sexy Syrah event.  And we haven’t even talked about the food yet.  You are in for a treat with offerings from Salty’s Executive Chef Jeremy McLachlan.  Jeremy is going to challenge your senses with Blackened Cod Fajitas, Mini-Chinese Pork Buns, Alaskan Halibut Cakes and Chocolates galore.
Sexy Syrah is offering up an amazing array of Syrahs and delicious food.  Get your tickets now.  This event is sure to sell out.  Don’t be left out in the cold while the party rages on.  Get in the mix and explore the wide variety of Syrah Washington has to offer.  And go over the moon as you discover how these wines pair up with some amazing food.
Tickets for the event are $45 with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit FareStart.
Read event details, including a list of the wineries, and purchase your tickets here.
Hold on tight, Sexy Syrah might just be the ride of your life!

Monday, April 01, 2013

Columbia Gorge Passport Weekend; April 12 - 14th

From Kelsey Ivey

The Gorge is the gateway to the Columbia River and also the gateway to a world of wine. From rich Italian varietals like Pinot Grigio, Barbera and Nebbiolo at Marchesi Vineyards to soft and spicy Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends at Cor Cellars, the Gorge’s wine country delivers signature options on both banks.

Whether you are a Washington wine fan or an Oregon connoisseur, taste your way through this scenic river valley and let your palate discover the variety of wine layers glass after glass.


To experience – and taste – everything the Gorge has to offer, head east and up river during Passport Weekend, April 12-14, 2013. Enjoy special deals all weekend long such as case discounts, waived tasting fees, special pairings, giveaways and more from the participating wineries. Welcoming in Spring, the Gorge will also be in full bloom and budding with open fruit stands and art galleries so maybe make it a weekend.


To prepare and preview the Gorge passport weekend, make your way to the Good Mood in Portland for the Portland Grand Tasting on April 8, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For $25, sip some of the wineries’ offerings, pick up your passport and whet your palate for the weekend to come. Or if you can’t make it to the passport weekend, this is a great event to uncover some of the area’s lesser-known wineries without leaving the city.


A few wines that you don’t want to miss:


1852 The Pines’ Old Vine Zinfandel


With notes of fig, black licorice and pie spices, this wine soothes your

soul from your taste buds to your toes.

Aniche Cellars Atticus


A cofermented blend of Syrah and Viognier, Atticus is a beauty of blackberry, cheery

and a touch of Mexican dark chocolate on the tongue. The wine's mouthfeel is impressive; a full bodied coating of your entire palate.

Cor Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon


Featuring ripe dark fruit flavors, pie spice and long finish, Cor’s Cabernet Sauvignon

kicks back with a balance of rich and soft layers that instantly makes this a classic
dinner wine.

Mt. Hood Winery’s Dry Riesling


Dry like a summer breeze yet with a juicy sweetness, this dry Riesling flourishes

with notes of citrus, melon and pineapple. Bask in the namesake mountain’s glory while
enjoying this wine on a hot afternoon.

Domaine Pouillon’s Katydid


A unique blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Cinsaut from the Horse Heaven

Hills hits the palate with layered tones of cassis, red fruit and pepper. Each sip
reveals more with this complex yet medium bodied wine.

Purchase your Passport for $15 online, call at 866-413-WINE (9463) or email

coordinator@columbiagorgewine.com

Purchase tickets to the Portland Grand tasting for $25 online, call at 866-413-WINE (9463) or email coordinator@columbiagorgewine.com