The best way to learn about wine is to taste it! This Friday at our “545” Wine Tasting (Try 5 wines for $5), the discussion and tasting will focus on the wines made in the states of Oregon and Washington, aka the Pacific Northwest. If you think the types and styles of wines are the same in each state, think again. Each of these two states enjoys a history and legacy all their own.
We’ll be at the bar pouring and talking to you about the “wine culture” of each of the states and how they are different. From the smooth and earthy Pinot Noirs from Oregon to the dark fruited and structured Cab and Merlot based wines from Washington, you’ll leave the store more educated and in the know when it comes to Pacific/Northwest wines. Please understand that if you arrive after 6:30, we might be out of some of the wines and new bottles will not be opened. Thanks for understanding. $5/person…..Free for Grape Nuts.
The Wines
Prices range from $15 to $24
1. 2011 Guild Lot #6 White Wine”
Guild” is a cooperative of Portland, Oregon vintners who create delicious and affordable wines together. This white is a dry blend of 85% Pinot Gris and 15% Riesling from Washington’s Columbia Valley. It is sunshine in a bottle!
2. 2011 Chehalem Chemistry White Wine
You gotta’ love the creative spirit of the Oregon wine community and this wine is one of the results. A blend of Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, it is a slightly sweet white wine abounding with fresh orchard fruits, spice and floral notes.
3. 2009 Van Duzer Pinot Noir “Vintner’s Cuvée”
Great producer, great vintage, great wine! From a warm and sunny vintage, this is ripe, nicely textured and ripely fruited Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at a super price.
4. 2010 Guild Lot #6 Red Wine
This one is a stunner……….to us! A blend of 67% Syrah, 19% Counoise, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Grenache and 4% Viognier, it is plump and richly fruited with additional nuance of smoky coffee, pepper and roasted herb. Get ready to fire up the grill and make sure you have plenty of this on hand.
5. 2009 Grochau Cellars Red Wine
Some of you might have had this at some point, but it never hurts to see how a wine evolves, even if just over the course of a few months. John Grochau, an up and comer based in Portland, makes this meritage, based on a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. It is solid from top to bottom with a nice core of dark berry fruit topped with shadings of earth and toasty oak.