August 2010
We have been experiencing a dreary past month or so and the lack of dry weather has had a dramatic impact on the local landscape here in Oregon Wine Country. It seems as if the growth of the vineyards has been put on hold since the last half of April and sadly the forecast only calls for more overcast days to come. What does this all mean? Well at this point it is hard to say, but fortunately Mother Nature has the months of July, August and September to spread some sunshine and get us back on schedule. I am also happy to say that amidst the inclement weather, the crowds still came out this past Memorial Day. We had a great turnout for our “Winemaker Showcase” where we featured a lineup of boutique producers in our barrel room (de Lancellotti, Crowley, Merriman, Coattails and Arterberry Maresh). Listed below are a few of our favorite wines from the holiday weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend Favorites!
2009 Merriman, Estate Grown Rosé of Pinot Noir ($20/bottle): This was one of our favorite rosés from 2008 and similar to last year’s version, it is dark pink in color and has a distinct richness in the mid-palate that compliments its naturally bright acidity. Aromatically, it is almost as if someone has put a handful of fresh Oregon strawberries in your wine glass and topped it off with a touch of Chantilly cream. This rosé has the ability to pair well with lighter fare and as always drinks beautifully by itself as an aperitif. (Only 72 cases produced)
2008 Crowley, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($24/bottle): Although the label states “Willamette Valley”, all the fruit for this wine comes from three very mature vineyards located in the Dundee Hills AVA (La Colina, Tukwilla and Gerhts). As you would expect from these iron rich volcanic soils, this wine possesses great minerality and beautiful high toned red fruit characteristics. It was by far the top seller of the weekend and for good reason. For $24/bottle (only $21.60 when you purchase 12 bottles or more) this wine is an absolute steal of a deal. (Only 350 cases produced)
2008 de Lancellotti, Estate Pinot Noir ($60/bottle): Released just in time for Memorial Day weekend, this wine is by far one of the best 2008 Pinot Noirs that we have tried to date. Owner/Winemaker Paul de Lancellotti crafts one wine each year made exclusively from Pinot Noir grown on his Demeter Certified Biodynamic vineyard located in the Chehalem Mountain AVA. After 18 months in French oak, this wine developed a deeply knit structure and rich mouth feel. It is amazing how approachable and expressive this wine is showing right now and we only expect it to get better over the next 5-8 years in bottle. (Only 495 cases produced)
2008 Coattails, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($70/bottle): This is the much anticipated bottling from two of the sons of Beaux Freres winemaker Mike Etzel, Mikey and Jared. As the name suggests, “Coattails” is meant to be taken somewhat as a joke, but more importantly as a sincere thank you towards all the people who have helped them along the way. All laughing aside, this is a very serious bottle of wine. It is extremely deep, dark and layered, and needs hours of aeration before it begins to reveal itself in the glass. Limited in production, this wine is meant to be cellared for a minimum of 3-5 years for full enjoyment. (Only 90 cases produced)
Also, please always remember that just because it isn’t on our website, doesn’t mean we can’t find it for you. Feel free to contact me via email (mark@pressawinebar.com) or by phone (503.538.7989) if you need help finding those elusive bottles of Oregon wine.
We have been experiencing a dreary past month or so and the lack of dry weather has had a dramatic impact on the local landscape here in Oregon Wine Country. It seems as if the growth of the vineyards has been put on hold since the last half of April and sadly the forecast only calls for more overcast days to come. What does this all mean? Well at this point it is hard to say, but fortunately Mother Nature has the months of July, August and September to spread some sunshine and get us back on schedule. I am also happy to say that amidst the inclement weather, the crowds still came out this past Memorial Day. We had a great turnout for our “Winemaker Showcase” where we featured a lineup of boutique producers in our barrel room (de Lancellotti, Crowley, Merriman, Coattails and Arterberry Maresh). Listed below are a few of our favorite wines from the holiday weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend Favorites!
2009 Merriman, Estate Grown Rosé of Pinot Noir ($20/bottle): This was one of our favorite rosés from 2008 and similar to last year’s version, it is dark pink in color and has a distinct richness in the mid-palate that compliments its naturally bright acidity. Aromatically, it is almost as if someone has put a handful of fresh Oregon strawberries in your wine glass and topped it off with a touch of Chantilly cream. This rosé has the ability to pair well with lighter fare and as always drinks beautifully by itself as an aperitif. (Only 72 cases produced)
2008 Crowley, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($24/bottle): Although the label states “Willamette Valley”, all the fruit for this wine comes from three very mature vineyards located in the Dundee Hills AVA (La Colina, Tukwilla and Gerhts). As you would expect from these iron rich volcanic soils, this wine possesses great minerality and beautiful high toned red fruit characteristics. It was by far the top seller of the weekend and for good reason. For $24/bottle (only $21.60 when you purchase 12 bottles or more) this wine is an absolute steal of a deal. (Only 350 cases produced)
2008 de Lancellotti, Estate Pinot Noir ($60/bottle): Released just in time for Memorial Day weekend, this wine is by far one of the best 2008 Pinot Noirs that we have tried to date. Owner/Winemaker Paul de Lancellotti crafts one wine each year made exclusively from Pinot Noir grown on his Demeter Certified Biodynamic vineyard located in the Chehalem Mountain AVA. After 18 months in French oak, this wine developed a deeply knit structure and rich mouth feel. It is amazing how approachable and expressive this wine is showing right now and we only expect it to get better over the next 5-8 years in bottle. (Only 495 cases produced)
2008 Coattails, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($70/bottle): This is the much anticipated bottling from two of the sons of Beaux Freres winemaker Mike Etzel, Mikey and Jared. As the name suggests, “Coattails” is meant to be taken somewhat as a joke, but more importantly as a sincere thank you towards all the people who have helped them along the way. All laughing aside, this is a very serious bottle of wine. It is extremely deep, dark and layered, and needs hours of aeration before it begins to reveal itself in the glass. Limited in production, this wine is meant to be cellared for a minimum of 3-5 years for full enjoyment. (Only 90 cases produced)
Also, please always remember that just because it isn’t on our website, doesn’t mean we can’t find it for you. Feel free to contact me via email (mark@pressawinebar.com) or by phone (503.538.7989) if you need help finding those elusive bottles of Oregon wine.
