January 7 2008
Author Note: I was lucky to collaborate with Jill from online wine retailer Domaine547 (http://www.domaine547.com) in putting together a three-pack of wine recommendations that Jill has made available for purchase at the site. It’s a cool project—she basically gave me carte blanche on the wine recommendations giving me only the stipulation that she be able to source it into California. I chose three whites from Oregon producers that are all excellent wines at a reasonable price. I have no vested or financial interest in this other than supporting an online wine retailer that actively engages in the wine blogosphere in addition to the vicarious thrill of making wine recommendations that I believe in. Please check out and buy the Good Grape Wine Blogger Sampler Pack at this link.
The below is an excerpt of the newsletter that is included with your purchase.
Somewhere between being a contrarian and a lemming is where I like to write and observe. I call it being “pragmatically idealistic.” Because of this, I knew I’d have to get creative with my theme for the Wine Blogger Sampler Pack. A California Cab three-pack probably wouldn’t fly, you know what I’m saying? And, this semi-contrarian bent is probably the reason I’m enjoying whites this time of year, flying in the face of the ‘comfort casserole and red wine’ prevailing wisdom.
The endlessly fascinating thing about wine and what has allowed it to hold my gaze for far longer than any other pursuit is the fact that you can never, ever have empirical expertise on wine. There is an inexhaustible amount of information to know and continue learning. For this reason, I think Jill from D457 and I are like-minded spirits. One of the impetuses for her to develop this site was, in her words:
“(I) came to realize that wine offers a terrific means for traveling the world. Not in the traditional sense, mind you, but in a modern, newfangled, and virtual sense. Sure, you can physically visit wineries on six continents, 70 countries, and an almost uncountable number of cities, towns, and villages. But sometimes you don’t have the time, or you don’t have the money (in our case, we’re a little short on both). But at some point it dawned on us that wine was actually bringing the world to us, right to our doorstep, to our dining room, and to our mouths— by way of the history, local culture, cuisine, science, and so much else captured in each 750 ml bottle.”
This is armchair travel at its best because my recommendations are around Riesling and an Alsatian blend. No need to head to the outlying nether regions of northeastern France (Or Germany for that matter, where the Alsace region passed back and forth between France and Germany several times between the 17th and 20th century) or hop a bird to Oregon during the winter, it’s all here in the glass.
Why choose Riesling? Several reasons … First, it’s the Alsace regions predominant varietal. Secondarily, Riesling is one of the hottest selling varietals in the U.S. market today, noted, alongside Willamette Valley’s other famous grape, Pinot Noir, for its ability to pair with a wide range of food. A brief sidebar and prediction: long after Pinot Noir has lost its trendiness amongst the general population, Riesling will be going strong and competing well in the section of the marketplace for food white wines and the fast-growing un-oaked Chardonnay category. The third reason for choosing Riesling is Oregon’s Willamette Valley is frequently compared to Alsace and many of the same varietals are planted in the region—according to the Willamette Valley web site:
“…The Willamette Valley compares favorably with the Burgundy and Alsace regions of France. Wineries also produce Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, and some Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.”
Fourth, the wineries chosen, Amity and Brooks, have incredible back story’s that are compelling to any budding or bloomed wine enthusiast and, finally, and most importantly, each of these wines are delicious—and compelling examples of the high quality that can be produced in the U.S. at a reasonable price. You will not be disappointed.
Amity Vineyards 2005 Willamette Valley Riesling
Founded in 1974 and one of Oregon’s pioneering wineries, nestled to the north in the Willamette Valley, Amity makes small lots of affordable, but high-end Pinot Noir, Riesling and Gewurztraminer, amongst other varietals.
Tasting Note: Floral and citrus fill the nose, and lead into a rich, full bodied wine. Unlike most Rieslings that are made for sipping this wine is intended for food. It is a perfect match to shellfish, crab, and white fish.
A scant 100 cases of this Riesling was made from estate grown fruit.
Brooks Winery 2006 Willamette Valley Riesling
Brooks is a darling in the Oregon wine scene. Founded by Jimi Brooks in 1998 and focusing on Pinot Noir and Riesling, Brooks is an organically farmed vineyard noted for their high quality. Sunset Magazine named the 2005 Riesling their “Favorite Western Riesling.”
Jimi Brooks, unfortunately, met an untimely death at the age of 38 in September of 2004, but the winery lives on under the guidance of his sister and as a legacy for Brooks’ young son, Pascal, who is frequently cited as one of the youngest winery owners in the world.
Quality and a commitment to excellence have not flagged since Jimi’s passing and the torch carries on continuing to build the winery in his spirit.
Tasting Note: This wine is not your typical Riesling… it is an initiative to restore the reputation of old world German Rieslings and to showcase how well old vines can grow in the Willamette Valley … immediate aromas of green apple, minerals, white currents, raspberries, cherries and citrus. After some time in the glass chestnuts, honey, slate, lime and mint all make an appearance. The focus pushes the wine into the mid-palate with concentrated flavors of stone and honey. There is great power, succulence and depth in this gorgeous wine.
493 cases produced.
Brooks Winery 2006 Amycas Alsatian White Blend
Tasting Note: A fanciful name for a blend of noble white varietals. Pure, complex and diverse … Immediate aromas of ripe peaches, lime, white flowers, citrus fruits, clover honey and ripe cavaillon melons. With air, apricots, tangerines, wet stones, cinnamon and clove notes, nectarines and hints of fresh hay add to the complexity. Rich texture and great focus. Intriguing blend of honey and minerals with a broad mid-palate is rich, with good texture and presence. A great value for a powerful wine.
1118 cases produced.
So, there you have it. Three beautiful whites from two wonderful producers in Oregon. All of the wines are tremendous values and scarcely distributed outside of their home state. Assuredly, you won’t find these beauties at your local shop. Purchase them at Domaine547 www.domaine547.com
digg this | toast this! | add to del.icio.us | add to newsvine | add to furl | add to reddit |
Posted in, Tasting Safari: Wines You Can Buy Online. Permalink | Comments (2) | Print |
Enter your email address for a monthly summary of posts, additional news and information available only to email subscribers. Your email is never rented, nor sold to anybody else!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.5 License.
Design by The Blog Studio
 of 04 Barnwood Cab_thumb.JPG "Barnwood Cab")
