Can American Vitis species produce wines that compare with those made from vinifera on a global stage? If so, will the wine traditionalists ever accept them? While continued research and experimentation with these varieties will hopefully answer these questions, perhaps-read more-
The organizers call it “Cochon 555”—a lovely name, to be sure. But the event could have far more evocative labels, like “Porkstock” or “Pigapalooza” or “Swine Lake.” Okay, that last one I stole from a hilariously famous episode of “The-read more-
The 2007 Bishop Creek Barrel Selection Pinot Noir spoke volumes. The wine was delicate, a bit thin and a light ruby color, yet incredibly complex and well integrated. The taste was undeniably gorgeous, opening up to reveal layers of tart-read more-
The 2006 Lange Three Hills Cuvee (90 points by Wine Advocate) is a great example of what Oregon is doing with pinot noir. This blend from three Lange estate vineyards is powerful on the nose with an earthy, dark cherry,-read more-
With a rich and creamy mouth feel, the wine made its entrance with the typical apple and pear you’d expect at the surface. Underneath however, I detected entrancing layers of melon and tropical star fruit notes while the mouth offered-read more-
The 2009 JK Carriere Glass White Pinot Noir holds all the promise of summer in one glass. The wine is produced using the same techniques as turn-of-the-century French rosé Champagne, and though it doesn’t actually have any bubbles, it does-read more-
Moving to the Willamette Valley in Oregon, I fully expected to be surrounded by heavenly coffee, fantastic food, killer microbrews, and world-class Pinot noir. Lots of Pinot noir. What I did not expect was to discover a thriving scene of-read more-
Lots of red fruit, overripe strawberry and black cherry, with some sage, fennel and wax, on the nose. The palate matches the nose, plus a bit of allspice. It also has a certain savoriness, a silky umami, that makes the-read more-