Killer Wines – Pinot in the City

For sure, I love Oregon wines. What’s not to love – some of my favorite wines from many family-owned, small, boutique producers. Reminds me a lot like Texas (except for the grape varieties!).

This week’s Pinot in the City event provided a great opportunity to taste some terrific Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir – and some Chardonnay and bubbles – from Willamette Valley. Here are some of my favorites from the night!

Bubbles from Argyle Winery and Roco Bubbles!

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My favorite Pinot Gris of the night - the 2015 Estate Van Duzer. Steely, mineraly, austere. My kind of white wine.

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Also enjoyed the Elizabeth Chambers 2015 Pinot Gris – pear notes with lots of minerality; austere.The 2014 Lazy River Pinot from Yamhill-Carlton was lush, smooth, with earthy, leather notes (with a cherry lollipop finish). Yum. 

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Favorite Pinot Blanc of the night – Brooks! Super expressive wine with peach, floral and tropical notes, and a nice round texture. This wine is from vines planted in 1984.

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Their 2013 Janus estate Pinot Noir had beautiful mushroom, savory notes. 

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Hello Shea Wine Cellars! Definitely want to visit them next time I go to Oregon. Beautiful 2014 Chardonnay, 2013 estate Pinot Noir (fruit forward with cherry, raspberry notes) and 2012 Homer Pinot Noir (cherry, savory, mushrooms, and smooth tannins).

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The Domaine Drouhin 2014 Arthur Chardonnay is “Chasault” style – a cross between a Chablis and Mersault. You are calling my name! Also enjoyed the Rose Rock from Eola-Amity Hills (floral, cherry, strawberry, feminine number) and the Domaine Drouhin 2014 Pinot Noir (floral, super lush, silky).

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The beauty of these tastings is the people you meet. The Native Flora folks are one of the smallest wineries in Willamette yet 95 percent of their wines leave the state! Loved the 2015 Strawberry Blonde Estate Rose’. #roseallday

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Loved meeting Donna Morris and Bill Sweat of Winderlea. This couple moved from Boston to start a winery 11 years ago and are killing it with their Chardonnay (Burgundy in style) and classic Pinot Noir.

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Met David Adesheim and his daughter whose portrait is on his Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir, a rustic, earthy Pinot. Loved meeting his daughter in person!

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And last but not least, Kim Coleman – a former electrical contractor-turned-winery owner. His 2014 Old Block Pommard Pinot Noir was a rough-around-the-edges, burlier and heavier Pinot coming from 7 acres of 20-year old vines. Only 50 cases of this baby, so get it while you can. 

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I sure hope the Williamette Vallery wineries make this an annual event. Lots of Oregon wine lovers in Austin. Cheers!

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