McKinlay, Pinot Noir, 2007
My goodness, this is a bonafide eighth wonder of the world: cheap and good Oregon Pinot. This was only 14.99 (or $13.50 if you buy 6) at Freddie's. So this is seriously a steal -- just to get that out of the way. However, if you are a big, jammy Oregon Pinot fan, this one may disappoint. It's definitely on the light side of Pinot -- very light for the stereotypical Oregon Pinot. On the other hand, if you like Burgundy, then keep reading.
This one starts heavy with fruit, and then ends floral. Total cherry. And for $15, youd expect it to be a bit unbalanced, maybe a bit harsh or raspy. Nope, none of that. However, it is a very light bodied Pinot. Subtle. Feminine. Delicate. And yummy.
Toasty oak and dust in the smell. And later it had sort of an outside-skin-of-a-nectarine smell. Cinnamon. Satsuma. Dust. Yep, that's about right.
The taste was predominantly red cherry. A hint of earth of some kind (not sure). Then it into floral. Rose! Subtle, but definitely rose.
Denise really liked this one too. She's not usually for the over-oaked, overly rich Oregon Pinot. And she fell for this one similarly to how she loved the Spinnaker (see review here). Without showing her the bottle or telling her anything about this wine, I asked her: "so how much to you think this cost?" She said "$25". See, $15 (or maybe even $13.50), this is a serious bargain. Hint: Hollywood Freddie's is at about 28th and Broadway in NE Portland. Get in your car now!
Cost:
Rating:
8.5
Spinnaker, Pinot Noir, 2007
I picked up this gem of a wine at a gem of a store, Ross Island Grocery:
If you've never been you're missing something unique; Ross Island Grocery is a great little destination for those trapped between Barbur and I-5 in Lair Hill (that's just south of downtown Portland). There, you can pick up food for your cat. You can get a great sandwich -- made by a person with tattoos, purple hair, and a warm smile. And you can get wine -- by the glass for hanging out, or by the bottle to go. It was here that I found this phenomenal wine.
This wine was a light, feminine cherry that danced on your tongue. It was also very smooth, especially considering the price. Denise described it as "flirty". Then she said something surprising: "it's like a low grade Beaux Freres". Wow! Now that may sound like a put-down, but she meant the opposite. Beaux Freres is Denise's favorite. And it costs like 5 times as much, at least. So this was a pretty serious compliment.
The nose was a light dustiness. Later is had a very light floral element. Some sort of green flower; not pungent. Something like lettuce. And a touch of oak. The taste was mainly cherry and cranberry.
Denise said later, that this was a perfect "red wine for Easter bunch". I don't know what that means exactly, but we both really enjoyed this one.
Cost:
Rating:
8.5
How to open a bottle of wine with out an opener!
Perhaps you've already seen this; it's posted all over. But this is too good not to share if you haven't:
Posted by Jason on November 4, 2009 4:17:06 PM PST
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Press Release: Southern Oregon Grand Tasting
SUN. NOV. 1st - SOUTHERN OREGON GRAND TASTING
The Governor Hotel
614 SW 11th Ave.
Portland, OR
4 - 7 p.m.
Tickets: Only $35
Join us for Portland biggest wine events of the year! Last year over 400 enthusiasts experienced an exciting array of Southern Oregon wines which are now finally receiving national acclaim. While you may think Pinot Noir is Oregon wine, that will change after you experience this tasting! Southern Oregon is producing some outstanding wines and a wide range of varietals!
The wines and winemakers of Umpqua and Rogue River Valleys come to us in Portland, and you can save the gas money from driving down south and check put the best the area has to offer including: Albarino, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Roussanne, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and some eclectic red blends - all at The Governor Hotel in Portland. At only $35 it is a fantastic deal. Tickets include light appetizers by Jake's Grill and unlimited tastings of over 100 wines from 28 wineries. Bottle sales are also available at the event!
Get your tickets now before we sell out at www.sorwa.org
Participating wineries include:
Abacela
Palotai Vineyard
Agate Ridge Vineyard
Pebblestone Cellars
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery
Quady North Winery
Bridgeview Winery
Rocky Knoll Vineyard
Carpenter Hill Vineyard
Roxyann Winery
Cliff Creek Wines
Sarah Powell Wines
Del Rio Vineyards
Slagle Creek Vineyards
Devitt Winery
Spangler Vineyards
Folin Cellars
Trium Winery
Foris Vineyards
Troon Vineyard
Girardet Wine Cellars
Valley View Winery
Henry Estate Winery
Wild Rose Winery
Longsword Vineyard
Wooldridge Creek Winery
Misty Oaks Vineyards
Note: we are generally happy to post press releases for events that are local to Oregon and SW Washington. Please send us yours!
The Governor Hotel
614 SW 11th Ave.
Portland, OR
4 - 7 p.m.
Tickets: Only $35
Join us for Portland biggest wine events of the year! Last year over 400 enthusiasts experienced an exciting array of Southern Oregon wines which are now finally receiving national acclaim. While you may think Pinot Noir is Oregon wine, that will change after you experience this tasting! Southern Oregon is producing some outstanding wines and a wide range of varietals!
The wines and winemakers of Umpqua and Rogue River Valleys come to us in Portland, and you can save the gas money from driving down south and check put the best the area has to offer including: Albarino, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Roussanne, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and some eclectic red blends - all at The Governor Hotel in Portland. At only $35 it is a fantastic deal. Tickets include light appetizers by Jake's Grill and unlimited tastings of over 100 wines from 28 wineries. Bottle sales are also available at the event!
Get your tickets now before we sell out at www.sorwa.org
Participating wineries include:
Abacela
Palotai Vineyard
Agate Ridge Vineyard
Pebblestone Cellars
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery
Quady North Winery
Bridgeview Winery
Rocky Knoll Vineyard
Carpenter Hill Vineyard
Roxyann Winery
Cliff Creek Wines
Sarah Powell Wines
Del Rio Vineyards
Slagle Creek Vineyards
Devitt Winery
Spangler Vineyards
Folin Cellars
Trium Winery
Foris Vineyards
Troon Vineyard
Girardet Wine Cellars
Valley View Winery
Henry Estate Winery
Wild Rose Winery
Longsword Vineyard
Wooldridge Creek Winery
Misty Oaks Vineyards
Note: we are generally happy to post press releases for events that are local to Oregon and SW Washington. Please send us yours!
Posted by Jason on November 1, 2009 8:30:56 AM PST
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