Your Oregon Wine Concierge Newsletter, February 2009

Calling All Sparkling Wine Lovers!
2003 Soter Beacon Vineyards Beacon Hill Brut Rose
In my book, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a flute filled with pink bubbles. This is hands down one of the best! Tony Soter is at the top of my list when it comes to some of the most dynamic and character filled sparkling wines that come from the US. From the renowned Beacon Hill Vineyard comes this “grower” Champagne-esque bubbly that could easily stand up to the crystal bottle, jewel encrusted (and earth shatteringly priced) cousins across the pond. What you’ll notice first off is the tremendous nose of the most perfectly ripe strawberries imaginable mixed with raspberry and toasted brioche notes. Awesome stuff indeed!

$50/Btl, $540/case – including a 10% case discount

(Magnums also available – $115)

2006 Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir
Tyson Crowley has quite a résumé here in the Willamette Valley. Having worked in the cellars of Erath Vineyards, and most recently as assistant winemaker at Cameron Winery, he has finally taken the plunge and released his first wine. Entre Nous makes quite an entrance with its dark, lush and rich persona. Very 2006 in all aspects but its most important attribute is that it’s very well balanced. I have to say that for a young winemaker making his first statement of, “here I am”, I love that his price point is not only reasonable, it’s a down right steal! A lesson he has learned well from Cameron front man, John Paul, who insists that if his friends can’t afford to drink his wines, why do it? A sentiment well heard and appreciated!
$28/Btl – $302.40/Case, which includes a 10% case discount

2007 Scott Paul Cuvée Martha Pirrie Pinot Noir
The wines of vintner Scott Wright have virtually exploded onto the scene in the last five years. Scott is a self confessed Francophile who was exposed to some of the worlds greatest Pinot Noir as a youngster and ever since he’s been chasing the proverbial “dragon”, so-to-speak. He spent some years at the helm of the venerable DomaineDrouhin Oregon working closely with Veronique Drouhin charting out the course for the future of that venture while launching his own brand. I should say re-launch, as Scott started dabbling in Pinot Noir while living in the Napa Valley only to discover early on that Oregon was the place to be in order to make the kind of wine that evoked the soul of the Pinot that he remembered from his childhood. This bottling (named after his daughter) is his way of sharing with the world the sexy, sumptuous nature of this grape at a price point that allows those just starting out to jump right in. Having recently opened the 2001 Martha Pirrie and absolutely loving it, my advice is to pick up at least a six pack and don’t forget to stash a couple of bottles to enjoy in 2010. You won’t be disappointed!
$25/Btl – $270/Case, which includes a 10% case discount

on the Ponzi Vineyards front…

Have you had a chance to try our 2006 Pinot Noir Reserve yet? Wow sums it up perfectly! The scores from the wine media were very impressive; the Wine Spectator bestowed a wonderful 92 point score while Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rated this wine a whopping 93 point score. As you might expect, sales have ramped up and it’s moving quick. Don’t miss your chance to experience an Oregon legend in our midst! Perfectly put by the Advocate’s recent review, “Ponzi Vineyards remains a reference point for American Pinot Noir with winemaker Luisa Ponzi at the top of her game.” – The Wine Advocate, Nov 2008
60/Btl – $648/Case, which includes a 10% case discount, $150/Magnum just a handful left!

Access Ponzi Vineyard’s currently released wines as well as small production, hard-to-find wines at http://www.ponziwines.com under the “Other Oregon Wines” tab. Purchase a case of wine (12 bottles) either mixed or full to receive our 10% case discount. If you don’t see an Oregon wine that you’re looking for, feel free to give us a ring or shoot us an e-mail. We have access to everything and are always happy to source wine for you. Also, for those that live out of the area and are concerned with shipping costs, we can store your wine in our cellar ( no charge!) until the spring to save significant dollars if you’d like to take advantage of shipping via UPS Ground.

I want to thank you for your support in 2008. Let me know how I can be of greater service to you in 2009!

Best regards,
Andrew