July 25, 2008 (BEND)
August 1, 2008 (ASHLAND)
The Academy Pinot Noir ’05
Barney Smith from the Academy Vineyard in Southern Oregon has created this lovely wine it is fruit forward with bing cherry on the front palate and a nice cinnamon spice lingering on the finish. The 2005 vintage is Barney’s best effort as he prides himself on making classic wines for a reasonable price. This wine will pair well with all your summer dishes including grilled salmon.
Allyson’s Pairing: Boerenkaas Willamette
Arbor Brook Vineyards Pinot Noir ’05
It has a lovely perfume of damp earth, saddle leather,cherry cola, black raspberry, and blackberry liqueur. This leads to a velvety-textured wine with a solid core of sweet fruit with all components nicely integrated. The finish lasts for 45+ seconds. This fine example of the 2005 vintage may well evolve for 5-7 years but why take a chance? Drink it now. 91 Points Robert Parker
Allyson’s Pairing: Allyson’s Kitchen Chicken Pot Pie
A to Z Pinot Noir ‘06
Clear and vibrant, this wine has a beautiful dark color and aromas of mixed berries, earth, smoke, violets, and Asian spice. In the mouth the wine mirrors the aromatics with a succulent texture and good acidity. As the finish unfolds, the individual characteristics of the wine unify to make a beautiful Pinot Noir to drink over and over again.
Allyson’s Pairing: Brigante on Deux Chats Chedder, Chives & Currants Focaccia Crackers
Lange Reserve Pinot Noir ‘06
Don Lange and Jesse Lange chose among the finest barrels of the vintage to bring you the Reserve Pinot Nor. Long-standing relationships with some of the most renowned vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley guarantee that this wine will shine. The wine starts out with bing cherry and then gives way to crushed raspberry and sage. It is mouth filling with a nice juicy candied apple and dried cherry undercurrent. It finishes off with the perfect blend of red currant and black tea.
Allyson’s Pairing: Pyrenees Peppercorn Vache on Chive crackers
EIEIO Bingo Pinot Noir ‘07
Jay Macdonald and several winemakers collaborated to make delicious Oregon wines including this nice Pinot Noir they affectionately call Bingo. Bingo may be the baby wine of their lot but it is not a slacker wonderful soft fruit hits your palate
as it gives way to plum and cherry and raspberry. A classic and elegant Pinot Noir that would pair well with all our delicious Pacific Northwest foods.
Allyson’s Pairing: Cowboy Salmon Tartare, on Rosemary Crackers, Echo Falls Scottish Smoked Salmon
Torii Mor Pinot Noir ‘06
Jacques Tardy is the renowned winemaker for Torii Mor, his skill in producing an outstanding Pinot Noir becomes clear as you taste this wine. It brims over with boysenberry and dark cherries and hints of graham cracker and caramel oak. Earth layers wrap around the fruit but don’t overwhelm and cocoa and prunes show at the very end. A wonderful balanced and full bodied wine that you can drink now or cellar for further development.
Allyson’s Pairing: Blue d’ Avergne, drizzled with Saba
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Tuesday Night Wines
July 18, 2008 (BEND)
July 25, 2008 (ASHLAND)
Domaines Astruc Rose ’07 - France
Made with Syrah, this is more of a feisty rosé that shows tight red berry flavours, raspberries and redcurrants on the palate with a fresh spicy bite to the finish. It will go really well with fleshy white fish such as monkfish, but of course you can always just chill it down and sip it in the garden with your friends in the sunshine!
Allyson’s Pairing: Laura Chenel Goat Cheese Chevre served on Fruit Nut Crostini
Arborcrest Sauvignon Blanc – Washington
The 2005 Sauvignon Blanc is a product produced solely from the Bacchus Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. The deep sandy soils and mature vines allow the grapes to yield polished flavors that are fresh and lively with enticing grapefruit, pineapple and spicy characters that unfold nicely on the smooth finish. It is Arbor Crest’s time honored tradition of producing this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc.
Allyson’s Pairing: Delice de Bourgogne
Raymond R Collection Chardonnay ‘06 - California
Roy Raymond, Sr. and his sons, Roy Jr., and Walter founded Raymond Vineyard in 1971. Roy Raymond Sr. came to Napa Valley in 1933 and started as a cellar worker at Beringer Vineyards. The grapes for R Collection Chardonnay are all estate grown in Monterey California. The wine is cold fermented to preserve the rich, ripe fruit of Monterey only half of the wine sees aged French oak for 3 months to impart subtle oak and vanilla flavors. Great with seafood, chicken, light soups and salads.
Allyson’s Pairing: Gold and Petite Crimson Lentil Salad with Summer Vegetables, tossed with Orange Honey Vinaigrette…Gold or Petite Crimson Lentils
Tin Roof Merlot ‘05 - California
Tin Roof Merlot 2005 was produced from a blend of North Coast and Central Coast grapes. Merlot thrives in these climates, especially in moist alluvial soils. This wine is boldly flavored, smoothly textured and unusually complex. Tin Roof wines are designed to please wine lovers seeking distinctive varietal character. The wine is ripe, luscious with black cherry and plum flavors on the front-palate giving way to tobacco and herbal spice on the finish. Try this with your meatloaf, grilled meats or pork. 90pts Wine Enthusiast.
Allyson’s Pairing: Duck Mousse Pate with black truffles
Di Majo Norante Sangiovese ‘06 - Italy
Di Majo Norante is a noble family dedicated to the cultivation of vines since the 1800’s. Alessio Di Majo has hired renowned enologist Riccardo Cotarella as a consultant in order to ensure consistent high quality production for all the estate’s wines. The Sangiovese shows the effort with classic violet and wild berries showing and finishing with spice and leather. It is very smooth and would pair well with pasta, pizza, sausage and grilled meats.
Allyson’s Pairing: Bresaola (Cured Air Dried Beef) served on a Rosemary Crostini
2 Brothers Big Tattoo Red ‘05 - Chilean
This wine comes from two brothers who wanted to pay homage, in a non-serious way, to their late mother who suffered from cancer. They decided to label and bottle their own wine and donate proceeds to Virginia Hospice and a breast cancer research foundation. The wine is 50% Cabernet and 50% Syrah aged in French and American Oak. Nice berry and plums, as well as cocoa and tobacco form on the finish
Allyson’s Pairing: Black Plum and Hazelnut Tart with Cinnamon Crème Fraiche
July 25, 2008 (ASHLAND)
Domaines Astruc Rose ’07 - France
Made with Syrah, this is more of a feisty rosé that shows tight red berry flavours, raspberries and redcurrants on the palate with a fresh spicy bite to the finish. It will go really well with fleshy white fish such as monkfish, but of course you can always just chill it down and sip it in the garden with your friends in the sunshine!
Allyson’s Pairing: Laura Chenel Goat Cheese Chevre served on Fruit Nut Crostini
Arborcrest Sauvignon Blanc – Washington
The 2005 Sauvignon Blanc is a product produced solely from the Bacchus Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. The deep sandy soils and mature vines allow the grapes to yield polished flavors that are fresh and lively with enticing grapefruit, pineapple and spicy characters that unfold nicely on the smooth finish. It is Arbor Crest’s time honored tradition of producing this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc.
Allyson’s Pairing: Delice de Bourgogne
Raymond R Collection Chardonnay ‘06 - California
Roy Raymond, Sr. and his sons, Roy Jr., and Walter founded Raymond Vineyard in 1971. Roy Raymond Sr. came to Napa Valley in 1933 and started as a cellar worker at Beringer Vineyards. The grapes for R Collection Chardonnay are all estate grown in Monterey California. The wine is cold fermented to preserve the rich, ripe fruit of Monterey only half of the wine sees aged French oak for 3 months to impart subtle oak and vanilla flavors. Great with seafood, chicken, light soups and salads.
Allyson’s Pairing: Gold and Petite Crimson Lentil Salad with Summer Vegetables, tossed with Orange Honey Vinaigrette…Gold or Petite Crimson Lentils
Tin Roof Merlot ‘05 - California
Tin Roof Merlot 2005 was produced from a blend of North Coast and Central Coast grapes. Merlot thrives in these climates, especially in moist alluvial soils. This wine is boldly flavored, smoothly textured and unusually complex. Tin Roof wines are designed to please wine lovers seeking distinctive varietal character. The wine is ripe, luscious with black cherry and plum flavors on the front-palate giving way to tobacco and herbal spice on the finish. Try this with your meatloaf, grilled meats or pork. 90pts Wine Enthusiast.
Allyson’s Pairing: Duck Mousse Pate with black truffles
Di Majo Norante Sangiovese ‘06 - Italy
Di Majo Norante is a noble family dedicated to the cultivation of vines since the 1800’s. Alessio Di Majo has hired renowned enologist Riccardo Cotarella as a consultant in order to ensure consistent high quality production for all the estate’s wines. The Sangiovese shows the effort with classic violet and wild berries showing and finishing with spice and leather. It is very smooth and would pair well with pasta, pizza, sausage and grilled meats.
Allyson’s Pairing: Bresaola (Cured Air Dried Beef) served on a Rosemary Crostini
2 Brothers Big Tattoo Red ‘05 - Chilean
This wine comes from two brothers who wanted to pay homage, in a non-serious way, to their late mother who suffered from cancer. They decided to label and bottle their own wine and donate proceeds to Virginia Hospice and a breast cancer research foundation. The wine is 50% Cabernet and 50% Syrah aged in French and American Oak. Nice berry and plums, as well as cocoa and tobacco form on the finish
Allyson’s Pairing: Black Plum and Hazelnut Tart with Cinnamon Crème Fraiche
Friday, July 11, 2008
Big, Bold Summer Reds!
July 11, 2008 (BEND)
July 18, 2008 (ASHLAND)
Dona Paula Malbec 2007
Aromas of ripe plums, blackberry, blueberry, sweet tar, licorice, black pepper, mint, truffle with a hint of mocha flavors gives this malbec an expressive Argentinean character. Nice finish!.
Allyson’s Pairing: Fiscalini Cheddar
Marques De Alicante Tempranillo
Made from 100% Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo). Ruby red with good pigmentation density and solid ruby color. Marked berry fruitiness in the aromas. Hints of spice with Its bouquet is full of complex fruit tones that are aided by the aging in American oak casks for six months.
Allyson’s Pairing: Etorki-Basque Style Cheese
Goats Do Roam Goat Roti 2006
The 2006 Goat-Roti is a blend of Shiraz (96%), Viognier (4%), sourced from sites in the Paarl and Agter-Paarl regions.Vibrant deep red color. With Bramble fruit and subtle oak aromas on the nose. Full and complex, showing richness of fruit. Wood is evident, but integrates well with dense fleshy fruit flavors.
Allyson’s Pairing: Vella Dry Jack
La Corte Negroamaro 2005
Made from 100% Negroamaro harvested in mid September from head pruned vines. The wine was aged in barrique (80% American/20% French) for 12 months. Rich, opaque red in color with a scarlet purple rim, the nose exhibits aromas of dark berry fruit with rich, sweet and spicy backnotes. On the palate the wine is big with mouthfilling structure. Sweet red berry fruit flavors are followed by a dense finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Spanish Chorizo with Manchego Cheese on a la panzanella cracker.
Pepper Wood Grove Syrah 2006
Deep black cherry color with licorice and a sweet nose. The palate is "sweet" with bittersweet chocolate and cedar spice that's front palate and surprisingly tasty. Finish is a bit steely When you pay $8 for a bottle of wine you don't expect much. But this guy can stand up to Syrahs 3 times the price. So swallow your pride, and then swallow a gulp of this drinkable wine.
Allyson’s Pairing: Taleggio on a Deux Chats Cracker With Roasted Garlic Spread.
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
The 2005 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon displays upfront aromas of ripe red fruit and hints of vanilla, followed by similar vibrant red berry flavors. Solid tannins lend excellent structure, while maintaining a soft approachability reflective of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.
Allyson’s Pairing: Double Chocolate Espresso Brownie With Annette’s Chocolate Raspberry Sauce.
July 18, 2008 (ASHLAND)
Dona Paula Malbec 2007
Aromas of ripe plums, blackberry, blueberry, sweet tar, licorice, black pepper, mint, truffle with a hint of mocha flavors gives this malbec an expressive Argentinean character. Nice finish!.
Allyson’s Pairing: Fiscalini Cheddar
Marques De Alicante Tempranillo
Made from 100% Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo). Ruby red with good pigmentation density and solid ruby color. Marked berry fruitiness in the aromas. Hints of spice with Its bouquet is full of complex fruit tones that are aided by the aging in American oak casks for six months.
Allyson’s Pairing: Etorki-Basque Style Cheese
Goats Do Roam Goat Roti 2006
The 2006 Goat-Roti is a blend of Shiraz (96%), Viognier (4%), sourced from sites in the Paarl and Agter-Paarl regions.Vibrant deep red color. With Bramble fruit and subtle oak aromas on the nose. Full and complex, showing richness of fruit. Wood is evident, but integrates well with dense fleshy fruit flavors.
Allyson’s Pairing: Vella Dry Jack
La Corte Negroamaro 2005
Made from 100% Negroamaro harvested in mid September from head pruned vines. The wine was aged in barrique (80% American/20% French) for 12 months. Rich, opaque red in color with a scarlet purple rim, the nose exhibits aromas of dark berry fruit with rich, sweet and spicy backnotes. On the palate the wine is big with mouthfilling structure. Sweet red berry fruit flavors are followed by a dense finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Spanish Chorizo with Manchego Cheese on a la panzanella cracker.
Pepper Wood Grove Syrah 2006
Deep black cherry color with licorice and a sweet nose. The palate is "sweet" with bittersweet chocolate and cedar spice that's front palate and surprisingly tasty. Finish is a bit steely When you pay $8 for a bottle of wine you don't expect much. But this guy can stand up to Syrahs 3 times the price. So swallow your pride, and then swallow a gulp of this drinkable wine.
Allyson’s Pairing: Taleggio on a Deux Chats Cracker With Roasted Garlic Spread.
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
The 2005 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon displays upfront aromas of ripe red fruit and hints of vanilla, followed by similar vibrant red berry flavors. Solid tannins lend excellent structure, while maintaining a soft approachability reflective of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.
Allyson’s Pairing: Double Chocolate Espresso Brownie With Annette’s Chocolate Raspberry Sauce.
Pat’s Picks!
July 11, 2008 (ASHLAND)
Domaines Astruc Rose 2007
This rosé is made from the Syrah grape. Just 1,000 cases produced. It Has a deep salmon pink colour. With Some boiled sweet, raspberry and spice on the nose. It's a dry style with lovely red fruit. Strong Mid Palate with some spice and a dry finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Willamette valley Cheese Co. Boerenkass
Wild Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Lively and bright, with very good intensity, crushed stone and grass undertones. Paired with crisp herbal notes and of course those bloody gooseberries! The perfect match for a sunny afternoon with your best pair of Aviators.
87 Points. The Wine Spectator
Allyson’s Pairing: Soignion Bucherondin
Domaine Sorin Cuvee Tradition 2005
The 2005 Cuvée Tradition is made of Grenache 40%, Syrah 40%, Carignan 15% And Mourvédre 5%. You can almost taste all that sunshine in the wine. It is full and rich and loaded with ripe, tart, red-berry fruit. And yes, it would be very appropriate with Thanksgiving dinner!
Allyson’s Pairing: Parmesan & Pecorino Cracker with B.R. Cohn Olive Tapenade
Iron Stone Cab Franc 2004
The 2004 Reserve Cabernet Franc has robust but soft tannins with a reasonably long finish, top notes of black cherry and plum, hints of cinnamon, bramble brush and earth – somewhat of an Old World palate, but in a good way! The earthiness and minerality are classic of the appellation terroir in Calaveras County.
Allyson’s Pairing: Cypress Grove Midnight Moon
Piqnique Red 2006
“I can’t help but reminisce of my trips to France when I drink this wine. The bright, fresh red aromas of cherry and plum lead to flavor… flavor… flavor! Balanced tannins and a smooth fruit forward taste allow the grapes in this wine to harmoniously express themselves from bouquet to the palate’s last lingering moment. What a fabulous everyday drinking wine!”
Allyson’s Pairing: Red Dragon
Morgante Nero D’ Avola 2006
Aged four months in French oak, it boasts a beautiful dense ruby/purple hue as well as aromas of scorched earth, black cherries, blackberries, charcoal, and graphite. Full bodied, powerful, pure flavors, and a long, heady finish. This substantial beauty should be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years." 90 Points. Robert Parker
Allyson’s Pairing: Chocolate Biscotti
Domaines Astruc Rose 2007
This rosé is made from the Syrah grape. Just 1,000 cases produced. It Has a deep salmon pink colour. With Some boiled sweet, raspberry and spice on the nose. It's a dry style with lovely red fruit. Strong Mid Palate with some spice and a dry finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Willamette valley Cheese Co. Boerenkass
Wild Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Lively and bright, with very good intensity, crushed stone and grass undertones. Paired with crisp herbal notes and of course those bloody gooseberries! The perfect match for a sunny afternoon with your best pair of Aviators.
87 Points. The Wine Spectator
Allyson’s Pairing: Soignion Bucherondin
Domaine Sorin Cuvee Tradition 2005
The 2005 Cuvée Tradition is made of Grenache 40%, Syrah 40%, Carignan 15% And Mourvédre 5%. You can almost taste all that sunshine in the wine. It is full and rich and loaded with ripe, tart, red-berry fruit. And yes, it would be very appropriate with Thanksgiving dinner!
Allyson’s Pairing: Parmesan & Pecorino Cracker with B.R. Cohn Olive Tapenade
Iron Stone Cab Franc 2004
The 2004 Reserve Cabernet Franc has robust but soft tannins with a reasonably long finish, top notes of black cherry and plum, hints of cinnamon, bramble brush and earth – somewhat of an Old World palate, but in a good way! The earthiness and minerality are classic of the appellation terroir in Calaveras County.
Allyson’s Pairing: Cypress Grove Midnight Moon
Piqnique Red 2006
“I can’t help but reminisce of my trips to France when I drink this wine. The bright, fresh red aromas of cherry and plum lead to flavor… flavor… flavor! Balanced tannins and a smooth fruit forward taste allow the grapes in this wine to harmoniously express themselves from bouquet to the palate’s last lingering moment. What a fabulous everyday drinking wine!”
Allyson’s Pairing: Red Dragon
Morgante Nero D’ Avola 2006
Aged four months in French oak, it boasts a beautiful dense ruby/purple hue as well as aromas of scorched earth, black cherries, blackberries, charcoal, and graphite. Full bodied, powerful, pure flavors, and a long, heady finish. This substantial beauty should be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years." 90 Points. Robert Parker
Allyson’s Pairing: Chocolate Biscotti
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