2009 Patricia Green Sauvignon Blanc – Willamette Valley, OR

Clear, pale, gold color with a soft green tinge. Clean nose, medium-light intensity (perhaps it was too cold?); stone fruit, apple, grass, cut hay. Dry wine, medium body, acidity, and finish, waxy mouthfeel as the acidity dissipates; lots of citrus, lime, stone fruit, tart green apple. Read more on oe•no•phile.

Tasting Room Confessions

For me, wine is about the experience and, for most of us, there are few places to get a more hands-on experience than in a winery’s tasting room.

Palate Press Wine of the Week: 2006 Piluso Vineyards Pinot Noir

This elegant yet complex, medium-bodied Pinot noir (from the lesser-known east side of the Willamette River) opens up immediately with ripe red cherries and raspberries. Keep swirling and discover layers of tobacco, rose petals and mint will come through. Slightly savory notes balance out the sweet, red fruit and the peppery finish adds an element of interest that persists long and pleasurably in the mouth. This is a classic Oregon Pinot Noir; pair this wine with cedar-plank salmon or try it with coffee-crusted pork tenderloin. Read more about Piluso Vineyards at Sip With Me.

2008 Phelps Creek Cuvée Alexandrine Pinot Noir – Columbia Gorge

Clear, ruby to purple color. Clean nose, earth, barnyard, vegetal, black cherry, and smoke aromas. Dry, medium body, tannin, and acidity. Flavors of mushroom and cherry with a medium-plus finish. Old world flare on new world juice.

2006 Piluso Vineyards Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley

This elegant yet complex, medium-bodied Pinot noir (from the lesser-known east side of the Willamette River) opens up immediately with ripe red cherries and raspberries. Keep swirling and discover layers of tobacco, rose petals and mint will come through. Slightly savory notes balance out the sweet, red fruit and the peppery finish adds an element of interest that persists long and pleasurably in the mouth. This is a classic Oregon Pinot Noir; pair this wine with cedar-plank salmon or try it with coffee-crusted pork tenderloin. Read more about Piluso Vineyards at Sip With Me.

Palate Press Wine of the Week: 2009 Soléna Estates Pinot Gris

The Soléna 2009 Pinot Gris is interesting, and stands out for its complexity amongst the many fine Pinot Gris releases in Willamette Valley. Fruit is sourced from 3 different vineyards: Grapes of higher acidity from cooler climate are blended with riper fruit from warm climates, to provide the complexity and differentiation. Pale straw color; Nose of green apple, pear, hint of minerality, more floral as it opened up. Lush texture, with the green apple carrying through, and citrus. The wine has a wonderful mid palate density for a stainless, non malolactic white wine, with fruit and acidity that is present at front, mid, and finish. It drinks wonderfully on its own, and would pair well with lighter fare, and most seafood. The full review can be read on Simple Hedonisms.

2009 Soléna Estates Pinot Gris – Willamette Valley, OR

The Soléna 2009 Pinot Gris is interesting, and stands out for its complexity amongst the many fine Pinot Gris releases in Willamette Valley. Fruit is sourced from 3 different vineyards: Grapes of higher acidity from cooler climate are blended with riper fruit from warm climates, to provide the complexity and differentiation. Pale straw color; Nose of green apple, pear, hint of minerality, more floral as it opened up. Lush texture, with the green apple carrying through, and citrus. The wine has a wonderful mid palate density for a stainless, non malolactic white wine, with fruit and acidity that is present at front, mid, and finish. It drinks wonderfully on its own, and would pair well with lighter fare, and most seafood. The full review can be read on Simple Hedonisms.

Oregon Wineries Take Advantage of Innovative Packaging for Wine

Keg wine. It might not sound very romantic, and it’s certainly not an entirely original idea, but Oregon’s Wooldridge Creek Vineyard and Johann Vineyards are taking a risk in a tough economy by selling wine kegs to restaurants for their by-the-glass pours. I think it’s nothing short of genius.

Palate Press Wine of the Week – 2008 Anne Amie Pinot Blanc

2008 Anne Amie Pinot Blanc – Willamette Valley The color is a pale yellow straw, clear and brilliant. Aromas of Asian pear, nectarine, and light citrus on the nose. In the mouth, a pleasant mix of pear, pineapple, and citrus, none of which are overwhelming, but well balanced. Lees aging gives the wine a wonderful [...]

2008 Anne Amie Pinot Blanc – Willamette Valley

The color is a pale yellow straw, clear and brilliant. Aromas of Asian pear, nectarine, and light citrus on the nose. In the mouth, a pleasant mix of pear, pineapple, and citrus, none of which are overwhelming, but well balanced. Lees aging gives the wine a wonderful mouthfeel and a slight creamy texture that combines well with the natural acidity for a pleasant, lingering finish. This combination will pair well with many foods, although it’s very enjoyable on its own as well. A well made, versatile wine, at a reasonable price. Only 400 cases made. Highly recommended. Read the full review on Simple Hedonisms.

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