Wines Tasted - June 04, 2010

Archery Summit Winery - Vireton Rose' - Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley - Oregon - 2009 - $20 - (Patio Wine, Food Wine, Summer Sipper) - A new release from Archery Summit, this wine showcases bright pale pink/salmon color, and a bouquet of fresh red flowers, strawberry and crushed cranberry.  Loaded with acidity to refresh the palate and a tooth coating viscosity.  A touch spritzy at the moment, which continues with the refreshing theme, but remember that this wine has some weight to it.  Highly recommended with Chilled Salmon Salad with Goat Cheese Crumbles.

Wines Tasted - May 28, 2010

Rose' Wines I've Enjoyed:

Domaine Sorin - Cotes du Provence - Rose' - 2009 - $16 - (Classic, Food Wine) - Aromas of ripe peach, strawberry and red currant abound amongst cracked sea shells and red flowers.  Bright Acidity and a refreshing length to the finish.  A delight with Antipasti and Buratta over Grilled Bread.

Carlotta Cellars - Eagle Point Ranch - Grenache Rose' - Mendocino - 2009 - $18 - (Classic, Food Wine) - Vinified by a great Sommelier and great friend: David Grega and his business partner Aran Healy, from top quality Grenache fruit from the famed Eagle Point Ranch.  This is not saigne', this is also not a full throttle version of a rose'.  This is however a well balanced, food-friendly version of a Southern Rhone (think Lirac or Navarra) or Northern Spain Grenache.  I loved the salmon/pink color extraction, the soft white flowers and pink skinned fruits glowing in the aromas.  The palate was more shy (only a few weeks in bottle) yet I feel restraint is the sign of a good Rose' producer.  This wine should show more lifted characteristics as Spring becomes Summer.  Enjoy now with Humboldt Fog on Warm Baguette.

Wines Tasted, May 20, 2010

Fore Front by Pine Ridge - Pinot Gris - Willamette Valley - Oregon - (Modern, Food Wine) - $16 - A pale platinum-green color, hinting toward more development.  The nose is moderately intense with plenty of non-fruit characteristics such as beech mushroom, white flowers, peach pit and red pear skin to match up with a hint of maraschino cherry.  Dry, medium+ in acidity and medium+ in body, this wine has significant weight, mild bitterness(inherent in the grape, due to its thick skins and "grey" color) classic of Pinot Gris.  Spicy florals, pear skin and peach develop slowly in the mouth and extend to medium+ length.

Wines Tasted, May 20, 2010

Pine Ridge Vineyards - Sans Barique - Chardonnay - Carneros - Napa Valley - (Balanced, Food Wine) - $32 - A pale straw/platinum wine in color with intense aromas of ripe yellow pear, creamy banana custard and green fig.  A light biscuit note precedes the juicy pear and cream flavors.  The wine is un-oaked & non-malolactic, but has seen extended lees contact in stainless steel tanks.  Only 400 cases made.

Wines Tasted, May 20, 2010

Pine Ridge - Chenin Blanc/Viognier - California - 2009 - (Food Wine, Classic) - $14 - A pale, platinum wine with flecks of green and gas present.  Aromas of ripe pear, lychee, grapefruit pith, cut apples and kaffir lime leaf.  Flavors of ripe fruit salad of afformentioned fruits and a crackling, mouth-watering layer of acidity.  This wine has a medium+ to long finish, moderate-low alcohol and medium- body.  Great with slightly sweet shellfish and spicy Thai!