Oregon Wine Concierge 6-23-11

2009 PONZI VINEYARDS ROSATO PINOT NOIR ROSE
The perfume of wild strawberries, watermelon and Bing cherries! Sound like summer? You bet, and this is the perfect wine to sip while you’re enjoying one of the many activities that makes summer so memorable.

A quick soaking with the Pinot Noir skins gives this stylish wine a wonderful bright pink color and aromatics that erupt out of the glass. Fashioned after the great European rosés, this is exactly what you’d be sipping if you found yourself along the coast of France or Italy in the warmer months. It has enough texture & body to stand up to light dishes off of the grill (think wild salmon or chicken thighs), yet it finishes light and crisp. In my book, this is what summer wines are all about; easy to drink and even easier to love!
$15/Bottle – $162/Case, includes a case discount

2009 BRICKHOUSE CUVEE DU TONNELIER PINOT NOIR
Brick House’s Cuvée du Tonnelier is made from 100% estate grown Pommard clones of Pinot Noir. These were the first plantings established on the vineyard back in 1990, and they are showing both depth and complexity that older vines promise.

The Pommard clone was established early on in the Willamette Valley as being one of the best selections for our climate, soil type and growing conditions. It has been the backbone of our growing region’s most memorable wines to date! In most growing years, Pommard will hang longer on the vine, developing deeper color, richer flavors and nuances that quicker ripening clones or younger vines rarely if ever achieve. This certainly rings true for this wine, which leans toward a black cherry, raspberry profile and a freshness (zing of acidity) that is spot on.

$45/Bottle – $486/Case, includes a case discount

2008 BELLE PENTE ESTATE PINOT NOIR
Belle Pente is a family operation just outside of the town of Carlton. Owner/winemaker Brian O’Donnell crafts wines that always exude a sense of place (what the French refer to as Terroir). This bottling is from his estate vineyard which was originally planted in 1994.

2008 marks a milestone for the O’Donnells, all vineyard blocks are now at least 10 years old. Brian had quite a challenge sorting through his barrels in 2008 as most “wanted to be his Estate Reserve” bottling. After many tasting trials, he felt as though he was able to separate the very, very good from the GREAT barrel lots. Look for a framework typical of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, rich dark tinged with notes of anise and exotic spice.

$35/Bottle – $378/Case, includes a case discount

2008 J.K. CARRIERE WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT NOIR
From the ever comical and utterly talented Jim Prosser comes his signature Pinot Noir, J.K. Carriere’s Willamette Valley blend. As Jim so eloquently describes the 2008 vintage: “you had to be on your game and those who were, made nuanced, non Syrah-esque wines (that 2006 was sometimes known for).” Jim took the words right out of our mouths.

This bottle is Jim’s blend, culled from his favorite barrels of the year. Some of Oregon’s most esteemed vineyards find their way into this wine every year, including the famed Shea Vineyard. The other wonderful thing about Jim’s wines is how well they age. Having just thoroughly enjoyed his 2002 Pinot Noir, I’ll tell you that they are wines that will surprise and delight you every time!
$42/Bottle – $453.60/Case, includes a case discount

Here’s to warm summer days that seem to never end!
Andrew Turner | Ponzi Wine Bar Manager