I know that I have been a bad blogger the past week and I apologize. I hope no one went thirsty last week. If you did, next time you are in San Francisco I will buy you a beer.
Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio is the same grape) have been on everyone's drinking radar for a quite a while now, but if you have not been buying your Pinots from Oregon, it is now time. This past weekend I went to Portland, Oregon for the weekend to see my Dad and step-mom for a little Labor Day weekend R & R. Since we were so close to the Willamette Valley I had to check out a few places and try a few wines. This Monday night we will visit the wines of Raptor Ridge and The Eyrie Vineyards.
Wine: Raptor Ridge
Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grape: Pinot Gris
Vintage: 2007
Price: $18
Website: http://www.raptoridge.com/index.html
Fun Fact: Raptor Ridge derives its name from the company the winery keeps. The property is the home toRed-tailed Hawks, Kestrels, Sharp-Shinned Hawks & Owls.
Tasting Notes: Raptor Ridge is not just a great Pinot Gris from Oregon, it is one of the best Pinot Gris I have ever enjoyed. The wine is bright and beautiful just sitting in the glass. The wine has aromas of: Asian pear, Meyer Lemon, Honeydew, white flowers and crushed stones. Once the wine hits the palate the aromas evolve into flavors with the addition of Tangerines on the palate. The texture is round and plush, yet finished with a kick of acidity that balances the wine. We enjoyed this wine with a roasted scallop with a citrus glaze. It was a sublime pairing!
Wine: The Eyrie Vineyards, Reserve
Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grape: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2003
Price: $50
Website: http://www.eyrievineyards.com
Fun Fact: The Eyrie Vineyards planted the first Pinot Noir vines in Oregon and the first Pinot Gris vines in the United States. The 1975 Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir won compitions in Paris (1979) and Beaune (1980) to put Oregon Pinot Noir on the "map".
Tasting Notes: The 2003 Reserve is an amazing wine. It has a beautiful translucent dusty red hue and aromas that can cause a sudden pause in conversation. This is one of the best Pinot Noirs made in the United States. This wine is all about elegance, finesse, and beauty. It is not flashy, in your face or fake. The nose is a mix between tart red berry, dried leaves, and savory spices. Each time you smell the wine it will give you a little more, causing you to thrust your nose into your glass to see what other aromas the wine will show. The palate redefines "smooth". Once the wine hits your palate you will have to sit back, take a deep breath and pinch yourself. The subtly of the wine, the texture, and the complexity are enough to cause one's head to explode. This was a monumental wine that was a focal point of our meal. We enjoyed this wine with a roasted rack of lamb. It would also be great with duck, salmon, or a mushroom and butter based pasta.
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