Today we’re taking a venture over to the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of the greater Willamette Valley, Oregon. Another beautiful Pinot Noir from Panther Creek and—sorry, no—this one does not come with a slice of pizza. (Though, it totally could.)
Tag: wine
Passagio Wines 2018 Passion Cuvée
This is a little sneak peek post. This wine isn’t officially on sale until next month, but hey, why not start planning your summer sipper shopping list now? In all seriousness, though, this wine is called passion because that’s what winemaker Cindy Cosco has—serious passion for her craft. Solid body, packed with complex flavors and textures, this is a full-on white wine blend for the kids that don’t think they like white wines or are hesitant to pair white wines with a substantial meal.
Vino Noceto 2016 Marmellata Vineyard Sangiovese
I came across Vino Noceto a few years ago, writing a travel article for the SF Chronicle. What I loved was the modern atmosphere of the tasting room that sits amongst the beautiful vineyard setting. This is in sharp contrast to what I loved about their wines. Light, delicate, youthful expressions of classically Italian grapes, it made me nostalgic for the days I spent in Italy. Even their more rustic blends are nuanced with site-specific characteristics and show very little winemaking interventions. But so much so for their single vineyard, single-varietal offerings, like this Sangiovese.
Panther Creek 2016 Chardonnay
I am on a Chardonnay kick. Wait. Let me edit that. I am on a QUALITY Chardonnay kick. As in, recently, I threw out 3 bottles of Chardonnay after the first sip because they are still adhering to the old-new world expression: over-oaked, buttery spread. But trends are changing: everything that’s old is new again and that goes for the “Chablis-style” Chardonnay. I recently attended a panel discussion of winemakers making wine in this style (please read The Chardonnay Style Spectrum) and I am so pleased that the industry is headed this direction. And much of this is headed by the Oregon wine industry. Chardonnay may be the most widely planted white wine grape in California, but it is creeping up the Oregon ladder (currently still behind Pinot Gris) — and these guys are doing it right. Case and point: Panther Creek Cellars.
Lange Twins 2017 Pinot Grigio
Believe it or not, this is my first Lange Twins experience. The family-owned winery is a well-known Lodi staple that produces a very extensive portfolio of wines. Here I have something not from their Lodi home base, but sourced from one of my favorite mini-wine regions: Clarksburg. This wine is a testament, not just to the good reputation of the winery, but to what (I think) the climate of Clarksburg does best — crisp but earthy white wines.
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