Friday, September 28, 2012
Dry Creek Vineyard 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel
Dry Creek Vineyard’s ‘09 Old Vine Zinfandel is gnarly. And I mean that in the most complimentary, surfer-talk kinda way.
The wine, from Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, is made with grapes from vines that average more than 90 years of age – some are more than 120 years old. Gnarly, dude!
This wine is very deep in color, the hue being enhanced by 14% Petite Sirah. The aroma is briary with spice, blackberry and a dash of pepper.
The body is rich and strong. Aging in French, American and Hungarian oak for 18 months adds to the unique character of this vino, which has an alcohol level of 14.5%. We recommend decanting at least 30 minutes to let some of the layers unwrap.
On the tongue this has a delightful earthiness with dark fruit, coffee and chocolate. The finish just keeps rolling on, like a crashing wave.
There were 2,096 cases produced with a retail price of about $30.
Rugged and rewarding, this is a perfect wine to savor with your feet up after a long day of outdoor adventure.
Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
10th Annual Island Wine Fest Scheduled October 6 At Put-in-Bay Winery
The event will feature wine tastings, retail bottle sales and grape juice sales. You’ll even have a chance to do some grape stomping. There will be retail bottle sales so you can take your favorite wine home with you. You’ll enjoy great food, a display on the history of island wineries and winery and grape related merchandise.
There will be great silent auction items, including vacation packages, large bottles of wine, and other fine gifts. The silent auction benefits the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society.
The $6 entry fee includes a souvenir wine glass. Sampling tickets are $1 each with samples ranging from $1 to $5. Not only will representatives of wineries from across the country be pouring wine, but it is your chance to sample wines produced on South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay) at Heineman Winery, established in 1888, and wine from Put-in-Bay Winery. The festival showcases small Ohio wineries in the Lake Erie region, and in particular South Bass Island's wineries.
For information on getting to South Bass Island visit www.millerferry.com, and if you would like more information on Put-in-Bay please visit www.visitputinbay.com.
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- Sipping My Way Through The Lake Erie Islands, Part Two: Heineman's Winery, Put-In-Bay (thewineymom.blogspot.com)
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: September 26-29, 2012
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. 15.
Thursday, September 27
The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Grand Southern Rhone from the perfect 2010 Vintage. This may be the best vintage of Southern Rhone wines I have ever tasted. We will serve Cote du Rhone Villages, Lirac and incredible Chateauneuf du Pape. Dollar for dollar Southern Rhone wines may be the best quality wine values on the planet. 1. Domaine Lafond Lirac Roc-Epine, 2. Mas de Boislauzon Cote du Rhone Villages, 3. Saint Cosme Cote du Rhone, 4. Domaine de la Carbonniere Chateauneuf du Pape, 5. Domaine Oliver Hillaire Cuvee Classique Chateauneuf du Pape, 6. Domaine de la Charbonnier Les Hautes Busquieres Chateauneuf du Pape, 7. Domaine Tour Saint Michel Feminessance Chateauneuf du Pape, 8. Bosquet des Papes Chant le Merle Chateauneuf du Pape. A premium tasting. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.
Friday, September 28
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Napa Valley Cabernet: 1. Twenty Rows, 2. Napa Cellars, 3. St. Supery, 4. Freemark Abbey. $20 tasting.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 4:00 PM. September Seafood Celebration . $30 per person – food. Wine Extra. – Reservations Required. End Summer with seafood! Chef Bill Kohloff will be grilling a feast of our freshest fish in a casual, ‘family-style’ party. It is all about the fish, the flavor, and the fun….and of course the wine!
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
- The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
- Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
- Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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- Wine For The People (urbanfoodprint.com)
- Trio of Cabs Highlights Cabernet Day Tasting (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Zinful Delights With Inaugural Wine Dinner
The wine dinner was the first launched since long-time wine guru Mike Gregg took over as Zinful’s wine manager. Mike says he plans to make the dinner a monthly affair, most probably the last Wednesday of the month.
The first course was roasted cod with pink peppercorns, sweet potato puree, micro salad and vanilla white wine sauce. The puree was superb. This was matched with the 2011 Joseph Drouhin la Foret Bourgogne, a classic French white Burgundy (Chardonnay) with citrus and elegance.
For our seafood course we had grilled prawns with prosciutto chips, potato corn cake and lobster jus. This dish was a work of art, elegantly displayed and a treat to consume. The crisp prosciutto chip was a great addition. The Delas 2009 Cotes du Rhone paired nicely with this dish and was one of our favorite wines. This Syrah-Grenache blend from Southern Rhone is high on the QPR (quality price ratio) scale with big raspberry and blackberry flavors.
The fourth course was petite filet with roasted garlic potatoes, haricot vert served with a red onion reduction that Chef Javon had been simmering for most of the day. I would have gladly paid the $50 price of the meal for this dish alone with the accompanying 2009 Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This is an entrancing wine blending Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. We had a chance to savor a bottle at the Rose and Thistle and were blown away with it then.
Sadly, the wine dinner had to end, but it did so on a high note. We enjoyed a tasty apple tart with caramel and whipped cream. The pairing was a 2009 Yalumba Wrattonbully Late Harvest Botrytis Viognier. Mike explained that although this was a Australian wine, it was using a French grape.
This dessert-style wine features grapes that are hand-picked and left to harvest after they have the “noble rot” of botrytis. The botrytis fungus removes much of the water from the grapes and leaves behind a higher concentration of sugar, fruit acids and minerals. This sweet wine had flavor notes of peaches and crème Brule.
Scoring very high marks for enjoyment, great food and tasty wines, we hope this is the first of many wine dinners at Zinful. This is a sure winner for wine lovers and foodies alike.
Technorati Tags: wine
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- International Grenache Day celebrates the grapes (thedrinksbusiness.com)
Monday, September 24, 2012
Finger Lakes Riesling Launch of 2011 Vintage A Tasty Success
The 2011 vintage of Finger Lakes Riesling was released with great fanfare last weekend. TWAV was pleased to participate in a virtual Riesling Hour event as we tasted through four of the Finger Lakes finest wines.
“Our bright, fresh and vibrant 2011 wines echo the life and energy that abounds in the Finger Lakes at this special time of year,” said Bob Madill, chairman of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. We certainly share his enthusiasm for this Riesling vintage.
We began the tasting with a surprising Dry Riesling from Montezuma Winery. We visited Montezuma a few years ago and found their lineup to feature an abundance of sweeter wines including fruit wine and mead. This Riesling is a new offering and it is very good. 530 cases were produced.
The wine is bone dry with just 0.3% residual sugar. It is unique because it isn’t 100% Riesling, but features 2.5% each of Traminette and Valvin Muscat. We found it to be refreshing with a nice balance. Citrus rules the flavor profile. 11.8% alcohol. Worked well with our bowl of Oriental noodles.
Fulkerson Winery’s Semi-Dry Riesling is on the dry side of the semi-dry range. It is subtle and understated with peach and pineapple notes. We noshed on shrimp with Saigon sizzle sauce and it paired nicely. I found the second glass to be more revealing than the first as I was able to tune in to the softer fruit flavors.
Our quartet of tasters (including Glorious T, the Cabinator and Green Dragon) then uncorked the Semi-Dry Riesling from Red Newt Cellars. This wine received high marks from all.
The glass erupts with honey, pear and tropical fruit. This Newt is sweeter on the palate with residual sugar of 2.5%. Skilled winemaking keeps the sweetness dialed in properly. The wine has a clean, crisp finish. This is a fuller bodied white than our first two samplings.
Red Newt is one of our favorite wineries and this reminded us why. We’ve enjoyed a couple winemaker dinners in their Bistro and very soon were talking about making another visit in the near future.
On this night we closed with a sweet surprise. As a group we favor drier wines and weren’t sure whether the Wagner Vineyards Riesling Select would overpower us.
The wine has 4.4% residual sugar and so is on the drier side of the sweet Riesling category. It is Wagner’s sweetest Riesling and is made from their oldest Riesling block. This is a wine that could age for five to seven years.
It has lush flavors of tropical fruit and honey. The sweetness is very apparent at first but then retreats. There is a nice mouthfeel with a liveliness on the tongue. Wagner’s Riesling Select is solid and satisfying.
In the US, the Finger Lakes region is the undisputed ruler of Riesling. The blend of minerality, terroir, acidity and taste add up to standout wines at smile-inducing prices. The low alcohol levels (ours ranged from 10.1% to 12%) also ensure the 2011 Finger Lakes Rieslings are food friendly.
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Saturday, September 22, 2012
Save The Date: Mobile Meal Wine Gala Scheduled For November 3
This is the Super Bowl of wine in the Toledo area! Not only is the event outstanding, but it benefits a very worthy cause.
Tickets are $150 ($100 tax deductible) or $175 for patron tickets ($125 tax deductible). For information call (419) 255-7806 or email info@mobilemeals.org. Your RSVP by October 19 is requested.
Here is the schedule for the evening.
6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Wine tasting and appetizers
6:00 - 10:00 P.M. Silent Auctions - Tables will be closed for bidding at various times throughout the evening. Bid early and often for your favorite items!
7:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Gourmet dinner with accompanying wines
8:30 - 10:00 P.M.
Live of fine wines
10:00 - Midnight
Music and Dancing
Andrea Price, Mercy President and CEO, is the honorary chair of the event and Rob Snoad of Mercy St. Charles is the event chair. Technorati Tags: wine
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Friday, September 21, 2012
Wither Hills 2008 Pinot Noir, Wairau Valley
We recently cracked open this 2008 Wither Hills Pinot and learned firsthand that there certainly is something to the buzz about high quality Pinots coming out of New Zealand.
The Wairau Valley is an area within the famous Marlborough wine growing region. It has shallow, stony and fast-draining soil and a warmer, wetter climate than the other valley in Marlborough.
I purchased this wine online for a mere $17. It scored highly during our first NZ Pinot test drive.
The wine opens a bit hot at first. Some swirling and conversation allowed the Pinot to unwind and soon it showcased bright fruit berries and an earthy tone.
A medium-bodied wine, it is cranberry in color. I found it to be more interesting than Pinots that strictly had a fruit profile. The herbal quality gave it an interesting twist.
The texture is relaxed all the way, with tannins playing an integrated support role. We suggest decanting this wine to enjoy the full extent of its charm.
The wine reminded me of a recent trip to visit my brother out in the country. At one point we were rumbling along a gravel road then we reached pavement and the ride suddenly became quiet and silky smooth. How refreshing!
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Value: 5 of 5
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
Albert Bichot Burgundy Featured at Middle Grounds Market Tasting
The French wine region of the Cote d'Or. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Middle Grounds Market, 27 Broadway, Toledo, (419) 351-3335, will feature a special wine tasting featuring the wines of Albert Bichot on Tuesday, September 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
The tasting, presented by the Middle Grounds Market and European Wine Imports, will feature four white Burgundies and three red Burgundies from Albert Bichot. The Middle Grounds Market is located in the Oliver House building. Albert Bichot is a legendary French wine negociant and his wines vibrant and memorable.
The cost is $25 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres. RSVP by calling (419) 351-3335 by Saturday, September 22.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Toledo Area Wine Tastings and Events: September 19-22, 2012
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Great Wines From Unusual Places: 1. Gruet Brut Sparkling (New Mexico), 2. Pelee Island Un-oaked Chardonnay (Canada), 3. Firelands Pinot Grigio (Sandusky Ohio), 4. Montevolpe Primo Rosso (Italian Rosso from Cali.), 5. Achaia Clauss Demestica (Greece), 6. South River Vineyards Karma (Geneva Ohio), $15.
Thursday, September 20
The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Argentina Malbec and More: 1. Allamand Cuvee Saint Jannet, 2. La Flor Malbec, 3. Luigi Bosca Malbec, 4. Felino Vina Cabos Malbec, 5. La Posta Malbec, 6. Trivento Malbec, 7. Tikal Amorio Malbec, 8. Caro Cabernet Malbec. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.
Friday, September 21
Saturday, September 22
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Aficionado 7th Anniversary Tasting: 1. Dom Perignon, 2. Landmark Overlook Chardonnay, 3. Vinum Cellars Cabernet Franc, 4. Rubicon Estate "Cask" Cabernet Sauvignon. $25 tasting.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. Oregon Wine Country Recap Tasting. Wine Guy Austin Beeman was in Oregon Wine Country last month and this is your chance to tasting some amazing Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris from Oregon’s finest producers. Premium tasting.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
- The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
- Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
- Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Trio of Cabs Highlights Cabernet Day Tasting
The TWAV tasting team gathered on Cabernet Day to sample a tasty trio of Cabs. The event was hosted by Glorious T and “The Cabernetor.” That requires an explanation.
The Cabernetor is not a new team member, but recently announced he was shedding his old name of Ace of Bass in celebration of his love of Cabernet Sauvignon.
In doing some research on Cabernet Day, I found out that it wasn’t only focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, but also Cabernet Franc and Cabernet blends. This was a golden nugget for us and Glorious T started us off with one of her favorite Cab Francs, the Ferrante 2010 Signature Series from Ohio’s Grand River Valley.
This was a perfect Cab Franc to launch Cabernet Day. A soft wine, it has a taste of currants with an undertone of pepper. The body is medium and it slides into home with a satisfying medium finish.
As we enjoyed an assortment of delicious appetizers and prepared to dig into some gourmet portabella hamburgers, we were ready for the next wine – a new favorite: St. Clement Vineyard 2005 Orropas. This is a jammy, rich Napa Cab with a few drams of Merlot and Petit Verdot thrown in for good measure. Orropas on the back porch enjoying the summer stars is a great finish to any day.
For several years the next wine had been biding its time on wine rack number two in my cellar. This rack is an old one that holds only about a dozen bottles, but I’ve reserved it for my “treasure” wines.
The Steltzner Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District was indeed primed and ready for the evening. This is full bodied with tannins that have integrated into an elegant wine. There’s plenty of red fruit here with some wafts of coffee and mild oak. The diverse flavors were woven into a delightful wine that kept urging us to refill our glasses from the decanter.
No question. Cabernet was certainly king for a day.
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Sunday, September 16, 2012
Rockway Glen 2007 Reserve Baco Noir, Ontario
Rock, rock, rock, Rockway Glen. It could be the beginning to a great garage band song! But instead it is an unusual winery in the Niagara Peninsula of Ontario that produces some surprisingly good wine.
I say surprising because Rockway is the only winery in Ontario with its very own 18-hole golf course. It serves up its wines at the 19th hole or at its posh restaurant.
The winery features a large portfolio of Cabernet and Merlot-based reds and Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris on the white side.
We snagged this bottle of reserve Baco Noir during a tasting. Baco Noir is a French-American hybrid that is particularly hardy. I also think it is particularly tasty.
This wine has a deep, rich fruitiness that hooks to the blackberry side of the spectrum. It is fruit forward with a refreshing mid-body feel. This reserve wine is barrel-aged, so it has more complexity than you would typically find in a Baco. It remains low in tannins.
The Rockway Glen reserve Baco tees off with smooth refreshing fruit. Blasts down the fairway with berry, smoke and caramel flavors. It then ends with a nice long puttering finish.
I can’t believe my “greens fee” was only $18 Canadian. This is a tasty wine that I would open right now if I had another bottle one hand.
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Friday, September 14, 2012
Zinful Schedules French Fusion Wine Dinner Wednesday, September 19
French wines are usually made to accompany food. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, has scheduled a.French Fusion Wine Dinner Wednesday, September 19, 6:30 - 9:30 PM.
The event will feature a five-course meal. Each course will be expertly paired with a delicious French wine. On hand to discuss each course and paired wine will be Ann Kisin of Vintage Wines, Chef Javan, and Michael Gregg, Zinful's new Wine Manager.
Cost is $50 per person. Make your reservations by calling Zinful.
Here’s the menu:
1st Course: Roasted cod with pink peppercorns, sweet potato puree, micro salad and vanilla white wine sauce
2nd Course: Quail with caramelized brussel sprouts, apple jus, and black garlic fig chutney
3rd Course: Grilled prawns with prosciutto chips, potato corn cake and lobster jus
4th Course: Petite filet with roasted garlic potatoes, haricot vert and red onion reduction
5th Course: Apple tart with caramel and whipped cream
Bon appetit!
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Thursday, September 13, 2012
Satek Winery Schedules Von Steuben Day Harvest Celebration September 15
The namesake of Steuben County, the Steuben grape variety, and wines made from those grapes, was a Prussian-born military officer who lived from 1730-1794. Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben served as inspector general and Major General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and served as General George Washington's chief of staff in the final years of the war. Steuben County, Indiana (home to Satek Winery) is named in his honor. Satek Winery grows Steuben grapevines (named by its developers in honor of Von Steuben), which are the most prolific grape producers of any of their vines.
In celebration of Von Steuben Day, for the first time, Satek Winery will present music on the lower lawn promenade. There will be two free concerts by the Sylvan String Quartet—members of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic—performing classical German compositions from the era of Baron Von Steuben. Concerts will begin at 1:00 and 3:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the beautiful sounds of these talented string musicians.
Guests can purchase a variety of German-themed foods from gourmet chef Linda Hankins of Apron’s Inn to eat while listening to the concert or in tented areas. Food available will include pork loin sliders, fresh salads, sauerkraut, apple strudel, cheese & cracker & fruit trays, and delectable mini dessert samplers.
Satek Winery will have all Steuben-grape wines for 20% off that day, which include Steuben 2011, Pam’s Perfect Little Red Wine, Kreibaum Bay Steuben Dessert Wine 2009, and Kreibaum Bay Krystal Steuben 2009. They hope to have fresh Steuben grapes from the vineyard for guests to sample as well (if weather cooperates). As always, they will offer free wine tasting all day.
This event has free admission and is family-friendly (guests who wish to sample or purchase wine must present proper ID verification of age). For more information, call Satek Winery at 260.495.WINE or go to www.satekwinery.com .
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Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: September 12-16, 2012
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. California Cabernet. Special half price tasting. Meet the new wine manager. $7.
Thursday, September 13
The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Rioja. 1. Sierra Cantabria Rioja 2008, 2. Sierra Cantabria Crianza Rioja 2007, 3. Covila Reserve Rioja 2004, 4. Muga Reserva Rioja 2006, 5. Fincas de Ganuza Rioja 2001, 6. Sierra Cantabria Privada Rioja, 7. San Vincente Rioja 2005, 8. Lan Edicion Limitada 2007. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.
Friday, September 14
Saturday, September 15
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Oregon Pinot Noirs: 1. Branborg "Bench Lands," 2. Patricia Green Reserve, 3. Chehalem 3-Vines, 4. Penner-Ash. $20 tasting.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. No tasting today. Special event on Sunday.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
- The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
- Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
- Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Willamette Valley Vineyards: Oregon Winery Visit
Willamette Valley Vineyards is a shining star in the Oregon wine scene. We were able to experience the sparkle first-hand during the recent Wine Bloggers Conference in Portland.
The winery and underground cellar are carved into an ancient lava flow. The volcanic, glacial and sedimentary flood soils plus ideal
orientation, elevation and grade add up to unique growing conditions. The red, oxidized iron soil is similar to the top terrains in Burgundy. This suits founder Jim Bernau very well indeed, since his focus has been on producing classic, elegant Pinot Noir.
Perched on a hill overlooking rolling vineyards, the winery features an airy tasting room and a deck with panoramic views. After savoring a glass of crisp 2010 Pinto Gris we entered into the coolness of the tank room. As we were guided through the winery production area, we were able to sample wine from all four vineyards used in Willamette Valley Vineyards wines: the Estate Vineyard, Elton Vineyard, Tualatin Estate Vineyard and Hannah Vineyard.
During a special tasting two years ago our tasting team was blown away by the Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir. Being able to taste the wines while winemaker Don Crank III explains makes every glass taste so much richer. Our crew was divided on which was best, but I cast my vote for the Tualatin Estate Vineyard. The complex flavors blended floral, vanilla, coffee and spice flavors.
Emerging from the cellar, we moved into the tasting room for a sumptuous wine dinner featuring Sherry Braised Chicken with white truffle wild mushroom and Fontina cheese and Dungeness Crab Fritters with shaved fennel citrus salad and mustard aioli. We enjoyed two Pinots with the meal: the 2011 Whole Cluster and the 2009 Estate Pinot. The whole cluster Pinot is a young wine that can be described as “liquid fruit salad.” It is bursting with vibrant flavor. Of course plenty of refreshing Pinot Gris was close at hand.
The Estate Pinot is the flagship wine, hitting all the flavor notes for a rewarding experience. Displaying cherry pie, oak and chocolate flavors it is a rounded wine that is perfectly balanced with a long finish. This is the essence of an elegant Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
We rounded out the dinner with a nice flourless chocolate torte with raspberry coulis and candied hazelnut. This was paired with a 2010 Tualatin Estate Muscat that matched famously with the rich dessert.
WVV wines are recognized as world class and the winery was named the 2011 Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits magazine. WVV is the leading producer of Oregon Certified Sustainable Wine and participates in the Salmon Safe program which has a goal of reducing in water runoff which feeds salmon streams.
Willamette Valley Vineyards sits on a lofty perch indeed.
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