Las Rocas Garnacha 2007; Catalunya, Espana

This is a a very unique wine. The scent is like black pepper, and that carries over right into it's taste. Really. I get so much black pepper, it almost overshadows everything else. There is definitely an earthy component, and some black fruits on the latter part of the palate. Overall, I don't like the light body, but it's flavors fly in the face of that body. The finish is ok, but not great; again, too much pepper! An interesting wine, but not my favorite.

Couvillion 2005 Sagemoor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; Columbia Valley, WA

This little producer from Walla Walla produces one HECK of a cab. First, the bouquet is thick with vanilla and berries. Sweet tannins quickly give way to concentrated bing cherry, vanilla, pepper, cedar, and other resiny flavors. This lady makes a beautiful cab. I would guess this baby would evolve, for the better, for several more years, but it is drinking wonderfully right now. This wine showcases a full, almost chewy, body; it is dangerously good, I could drink the bottle in a sitting. If you can find this wine (internet best bet) please do yourself and your collection a favor and pick it up. Shows everything I love about quality Washington Cabs! Retail $30.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Reisling 2007; Columbia Valley, WA

This is a fantastic Reisling. Bright, clean notes of pear hit the nose. The body is surprisingly full, but the wine is brisk and bright. Pear, apple, and even light hints of citrus and pineapple hit the palate with beautiful, racing clarity. There is even some gorgeous creaminess going on- not from oak, just present in the wine. Some nice mineral notes hit late palate/finish, with more creaminess on that finish. This wine exhibits some surprising sweetness given the high (for a reisling) alcohol content. This wine went wonderful with a salad of Romaine, olives, red onion, gorgonzola, and bacon with a balsamic vinaigrette. This step up bottle from CSM retails somewhere in the 15-20 dollar range. This is a great addition to any cellar.

Ventus Pinot Noir 2007; Patagonia, Argentina

This wine has a nice nose- scents of roses, brambles and berries. The palate is also almose perfumey at first- not in a bad way, but interesting. Then peppery cherry notes follow, and the finish is surprisingly long. The wine does not exhibit great concentration, however...it is kinda thin. It is still very pleasant, however.

Willamette Valley Wine Tasting

Yesterday I had a great time wine tasting in the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir madness, baby!
My first stop was Ponzi, on the north side of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. I thought they did a nice job, and was worth the stop just to see their old Pinot vines. Planted in something like 73. I liked their Tavola Pinot best, so I bought a bottle.

Next stop was the wine that gave me my wine epiphany, Argyle. Tried their 06 Reserve, and 06 Nuthouse. Both were fantastic. I love Argyle's stuff. Beautiful facility in downtown Dundee, and the folks here are very friendly. Their Reserve bottling of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir really is a beautiful wine, and I have always had it on occasions where I will always remember the moment. My sentimental favorite, Argyle will always get me through their doors when I'm in Oregon, and I can't pass up a bottle if ever I see some for sale.

On to arguably (well, not really) the epitome of Oregon wines, Archery Summit. These wines seem to be on a whole other level...the fragrances absolutely explode out the glass. I tried 4 Pinots here, their Premier Cuvee, Red Hill, Renegade Ridge, and Looney Vineyard. Truthfully, I thought the Premier Cuvee was as good as the more expensive bottlings, with the possible exception of Red Hill. Each wine was layered with complexity, absolutely lovely body, and finishes that might as well been a James Cameron drama. I wish they could be my go-to Pinot, but unfortunately, the pocketbook will not allow such things. I did bring home some for a special occassion, though! I also have to add, the folks in the tasting room and around the grounds were wonderful. For a place that's as hallowed as some Grand Cru Burgundies, this was an incredibly friendly place to visit. The pours were generous, (I felt awful dumping such wonderful wine in the spit bucket) not hurried, and the vineyards are beautiful. If you ever have a chance, go! Also, ask to use the restroom. They are in their winecave. Very cool.

Next I went to Elk Cove in Gaston. A very fine producer in a stunning location. The views are lovely. Their wine was great as well. I tried 2 pinot noirs, a pinot gris (came home with me- it's fantastic) a late harvest reisling (not too sweet) and a couple others. Also incredibly friendly. I asked if could take a few pics and the person told me I could go wherever and take pictures of anything. The vineyards here are the stuff of magazine covers. Also, the backdrop to the vineyard is a hardwood forest, so I want to go back in fall. I can't imagine how beautiful it will be.

Well, there you have it. A day of tasting in Oregon. I can't wait to go back.