Your Oregon Wine Concierge Newsletter, September 2009

Greetings fellow Oregon wine lover!

This time around, I thought I’d feature some lovely new Pinot Noirs, and also tell you about some other varietal new releases that we’re very excited about. Hey, occasionally we all like to mix it up and drink something other than Pinot, right?

2008 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Blanc

I absolutely adore Pinot Blanc! This brand new release is just plain stunning with a nose that screams quince and apple blossoms. There’s a great interplay here between ripe fruit that coats your palate and also crisp freshness that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re not familiar with this grape, Pinot Blanc is the lesser known cousin to the wider known (and much wider planted) Pinot Gris grape. They’re genetically related, cousins if you will, but the similarities end there. The only down side is that Luisa Ponzi doesn’t make much of this wine and we sell the bulk of the supply right here in Oregon.

$17/Btl – $183.60/Case, which includes a 10% case discount

NV Walter Scott White Wine

Here’s a brand new release from a wine peddler, turned winemaker that has been a favorite personality in the valley for close to 15 years. Ken Pahlow was at once St. Innocent’s assistant winemaker and also the all around sales guy. Finally, he decided to make a bit of wine himself. His Walter Scott label, an ode to his grandfather, is simply delicious. Roussane lends richness and a firm backbone while Pinot Blanc provides lightness and thirst quenching acidity. And, can you believe this price?

$14/Btl – $151.20/Case, which includes a 10% case discount

2006 Tyrus Evan Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Claret

Ken Wright launched the Tyrus Evan brand to be able to craft warm climate wines with the same skill and attention that he puts into his Ken Wright Cellars lineup. I’ve always been a fan of his Bordeaux inspired blends, and this just may be his best yet. For the first time ever, he was given access to the oldest block within the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, located in the Red Mountain growing area of Washington. This wine blew me away at how richly textured, yet unbelievably balanced it is. For all you Napa Cab fans, this one’s for you, at a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay for top tier wines.

$36/Btl – $388.80/Case, which includes a 10% case discount

2007 St. Innocent White Rose Vineyard Pinot Noir

White Rose is the ringer vineyard in the St. Innocent line up every year. It always produces a wine that is exotic and slightly wild in nature. The uniqueness of the site lends to how much it stands out from the pack, as does
the average vine age of over 25 years. Intoxicating violet and pink peppercorn aromas mingle with bright red cherry and black raspberry notes. All that in one wine? That’s the thing about this vineyard; in the hands of such a talented winemaker such as Mark Vlossak, the wildness is tamed just enough to ensure it remains caged, yet its spirit is not broken. Under 400 cases made!

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

2007 Owen Roe Eola Amity Pinot Noir

Within the wide array of Owen Roe wines, there are just too many great wines to pick and choose from. iterally, I find myself tasting through their new releases and saying, “darn, that one’s great too!” This is a tiny roduction Pinot Noir that they craft from several vineyards located in the Eola Hills. The varied soil types that exist in that corner of the valley inherently creates tremendous complexity and often times a bold natured wine. While Owen Roe is known for bigger style wines, I was thoroughly impressed by the elegance within the dark, ruiting nature of this Pinot Noir.

$42/Btl – $453.60/Case, which includes a 10% case discount

2006 Et Fille Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir

Every once in a while, a newcomer bursts onto the Oregon wine scene that demands we take a closer look at their story and wines. Et Fille is just that. Ever since their first release in 2003, father and daughter team Howard and Jessica Mozeico have garnered some very impressive national as well as regional media attention. This 2006 offering is one of the standout bottles from a warmer, at times a bit over the top, growing year. Elton is a vineyard largely made well known by Ken Wright, who has been making wine from this site for some 20 plus years. Sadly, this is the last vintage that either of these winemakers will have access to this fruit. If your tastes air on the side of richer bodied Pinots, you need to take a closer look at this wine!

$45/Btl – $486/Case, which includes a 10% case discount

Also just released:
2005 Soter Brut Rose @ $50/Btl, $540/Case (Better than ever!)

2006 ROCO Willamette Valley Pinot Noir @ $34/Btl, $367.20/Case (From our friend and neighbor, Rolland Soles of Argyle fame. This is his estate grown & produced Pinot Noir.

2005 Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir @ $68/btl, $734.40/Case (Don’t miss out on this legend. Just a few cases remain for sale!)

2007 Bethel Heights Flatblock Reserve Pinot Noir @ $50/Btl, $540/Case (A rare bottling from the original Wadenswil Pinot Noir plantings on the estate vineyard. Beautiful wine!)

2007 Brick House Cuvee du Tonnelier Pinot Noir @ $42/Btl, $453.60/Case (Lovely, pure Pinot Noir. Deliciously rich, velvety smooth from Doug Tunnel)

2006 Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir @ $44/Btl, 475.20/Case (A fantastic blend of Dundee Hills and Eola Hills fruit)

2007 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir @ $24/Btl, $259.20/Case (One of our favorite young winemakers. Great price for such a well crafted wine)

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our new website, http://www.ponziwinebar.com!

It’s easier than ever to read about and purchase your favorite Oregon wines, and perhaps discover some new ones. 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. I hope that your summer was filled with fun, relaxation and plenty of wine sipping!

Best regards,
Andrew
Andrew Turner | Wine Bar Manager
PONZI WINE BAR
100 SW 7th ST
Dundee, OR 97115
Ph: 503.554.1500
F: 503.554.8800
http://www.ponziwinebar.com