Oregon Wine Concierge 3-17-10

2007 CROWLEY WINES GEHRTS VINEYARD PINOT NOIR
Ever since Tyson Crowley has taken the plunge and finally produced his own wine, we’ve admired the firm stance that he absolutely will not comprise the style of wine that he wants to put into the bottle. As he told the story of how he arrived at this wine, he quietly admitted that there was another barrel of Pinot from this vineyard that developed into something that wasn’t bad or flawed in any way, but it just didn’t fit his style. So, what did he do? Tyson sold it off to another winemaker and made the wine that he felt warranted the price and his philosophy. This one barrel (24 cases!) production wine shows us once again that his quality controls are very much intact. This jewel box vineyard site is owned by Richard and Nancy Gehrts, also the owners of the highly touted Red Hills Provincial Dining Room here at the northern edge of town. You might also know this vineyard as Cameron Winery (where Tyson was the assistant winemaker for years) typically makes a single vineyard designate from most vintages.

The first word that came to my mind when I swirled and inhaled this wine for the first time just about an hour ago was, pretty. Ever since I caught the “Pinot bug” twenty-some-odd years ago, this one word and wines exactly like this have been what’s kept me captivated, intrigued and continually excited about this grape. In truth, it’s one of the main reasons that I put down roots in Oregon. A wonderful expression of elegance and the finesse factor that the Dundee Hills, in the hands of an intuitive winemaker, brings forth. Extra long hang time in the fall provided for depth and concentration of flavors that linger long after the wine is gone from your mouth. There’s a slightly wild & sappy nature to the dark cherry & raspberry spectrum of flavors that keeps you coming back for one more sip (and sniff). Luckily for all of us, Tyson follows the Cameron school of wine pricing. “If my friends can’t afford to enjoy my wines, what’s the point?”
$35/Btl – $378/Case, includes a 10% case discount

ARLEY’S LEAP PINOT NOIR
For those of you who anxiously await the Cameron wines, there’s still a bit left of the lovely Arley’s Leap Pinot Noir (sourced from the younger blocks at Abbey Ridge) and also one of my all time favorite American Pinot Noirs, Cameron Abbey Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir.

2009 PONZI PINOT GRIS
Ponzi Pinot Gris is here! All the explosive citrus zing is there, with perhaps a bit more Key Lime pie richness thrown into the equation. So easy to drink…and love!
$17/Btl – $184/Case, includes a 10% case discount

Our new website is up and running and it’s now easier than ever to order your favorite Oregon wines. Every wine in stock has a detailed description highlighting some tidbits of why this wine made the cut and is now on our shelves. ponziwinebar.com

Happy swirling!
Andrew