2009 Memoirs!
29th January 2011
Picked by: Kendra Wells
I had always felt a certain intimidation when it came to wine, and starting a new job in a wine bar was no exception. Aside from the staff here, one of the first new friends I made was Mo Ayoub. Mo has been coming to visit the Ponzi Wine Bar for over ten years. I think he is the perfect example of what I love about working in the Willamette Valley.
Wine is not his only job, he also has a “day job”, but making wine is what brings him the most joy-and he’s good at it! Although he seems to always be running between his two split personality careers, Mo is never too tired to tell you about his wine. Schedule a tasting with Ayoub Wines and you aren’t greeted by a receptionist, but rather invited into his home. All too eager to tell you about his wine I think you’ll find that the wine speaks for itself.
His Memoirs label is just another example of how much pride and care is taken with each bottle. On the front you’ll find a picture of his beloved parents taken in his home country Lebanon. Inside is a wine that just keeps getting better, and with only 350 cases produced, it’s a privilege just to taste it. He chose 4 vineyards in 3 growing areas, including his own, to make this wine. That soil variation brings out layer upon layer of fruit and wildflowers. Such a beautiful and seductive bouquet beckons a sip. Using older French barrels he achieved a soft mouth feel with subtle earthy nuances.
Drink now or in a decade, but only if your one of the lucky few to get some!