uncorkingoregon.com Blog

Just got back from judging 24 wines at the Pronghorn Invitational in Bend, Oregon. One word-WOW! So many good wines are showing up in Oregon, and I’m proud to say, most lack that formulaic winemaking that besets other states. What I’m referring to is the UC Davis “formula”, which, while the end result is a clean wine that is generally free of defects, the wine itself can often times lack personality. Not so in Oregon, and not because we don’t have UCD grads at the helm; we do. So why do our wines possess more unique varietal character, and more panache? One word-SOIL.

So imagine our surprise at the Pronghorn when an Oregon Winery, Eola Hills, took best in show using Zinfandel grapes from…..California? My old stomping grounds, and while I immediately made the comparison in blind judging to Rosenblum’s single vineyard line, it was hard to swallow after we collectively gave it the highest honor, to know that the grapes did not come from the dirt we all love so much, aka the Red Hills of Dundee, or the Jory soils of Newberg.

But swallow it we did, and it was delicious. Some other wines we tasted that you should know about are:

1.

2007 Chehalem Pinot Gris

, Willamette Valley-Perfect typicity, with sweet peach and floral components that transitioned to melon and pear in the mouth, with a long, creamy finish that was not too dry, but was also, refreshingly, not sweet.

2.

2007 Alexandria Nicole Sauvignon Blanc

, Horse Heaven Hills-In it’s own category with zippy green lemongrass, and sweet green pea on the nose, complemented by lime zest and stone fruit in the mouth, with a very long finish. I could drink this wine everyday.

3.

2005 Left Coast Cellars “Suzanne’s Estate” Reserve Pinot Noir

, Willamette Valley-Initial aromas of Leather and Animal Fur (which is what drew me to Oregon in the first place), followed by pomegranate acidity (i.e. high), then a beautiful black berry fruit that lingers with a medium+ finish. This is not a wine for everyone, only the sexy people.

4.

2006 Airfield Estates Cabernet Sauvignon

, Yakima Valley-Put black currant leaf, spearmint and damp forest leaves into a pestle, and once blended, percolate perfectly ripe grape juice over the top, and you get this wine. Lovely balance, and integrated tannins that just got better with cheese and mushrooms. Blew my mind.

Thanks for reading and I welcome you to call or email with any questions or comments! Look forward to seeing you at In Good Taste for the NW Chocolate Festival! After that, you will find me at the new Nines Hotel, a Starwood Luxury Collection property, where I am the new AGM of Urban Farmer, a modern steakhouse. Come drink some Airfield Cab with me! Cheers to a great harvest and some sustained sunshine into October and November.