DePonte Cellars has been one of our favorite producers from very early in our wine experience. We’ve been thrilled to be able to discuss new vintages with Isabelle Dutartre, the wine maker, over the past 3 vintages. 2010 has shown itself to be a wonderful vintage, and we’re excited to taste and discuss these wines. Isabelle also has some great comments about her wine making philosophy that we’re excited to share. This year, we implemented a bit of a change too. Since the Shirley’s Gran Reserva is released so late, we decided to taste the previous year’s wine in the show. In the past three years, we were essentially tasting it before they thought it was ready for release, and we all agreed that this is the best format for discussing this wine. So, in this show we have the 2010 DePonte Cellars Pinot Noir Dundee Hills, Estate, and Baldwin Family Reserve, and the 2009 Shirley’s Gran Reserva.
Do you have another favorite area for Pinot Noir outside of the USA and Burgundy?
Episode 174: A Visit with Wayne at Youngberg Hill
March 25, 2013
We found out about Youngberg Hill last year, and were happy to have a chance to taste with Wayne Bailey this past week. Wayne is the wine grower and maker at Youngberg Hill. With vineyards near the top of the hill, Youngberg Hill has vines growing in a few different soil types allowing them to show off the versatility of Pinot Noir. For this show, we taste the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Youngberg Hill Jordan Block Pinot Noir. This is the highest section of their vineyard, and the differences in these three vintages are quite evident.
When you’re shopping, and don’t know the labels, why do you choose the wine that you choose?
Episode 156: Tasting With Kim Kramer of Kramer Vineyards
November 12, 2012
We met Kim Kramer about a year ago when our friend Beau moved to Oregon. At various social events, we discussed the new things she was doing at her family winery, Kramer Vineyards, and her excitement for their vineyards. A few tastings of their wines proved enjoyable, and we finally managed to schedule a visit to the winery to do an interview. They have some unique vineyards and an ambitious Brut program, and we hope you enjoy Kim’s insights as we discuss the wine. In this show, we taste the 2010 Kramer Vineyards Brut, the 2010 Kramer Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, the 2010 Kramer Vineyards Cardiac Hill Pinot Noir, and the 2010 Kramer Vineyards Estate Müller-Thurgau.
What is your favorite kombucha?
Episode 85: A Visit With Grochau Cellars
May 1, 2011
After reviewing the 2009 Commuter Cuvee by Grochau Cellars winemaker John Grochau got in touch with us and we went to visit him at his winery in NW Portland. He shared some great information about his wines and it was great to see a whole lineup targeted at approachable price points. We tasted the 2008 release of Grochau Cellars Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Cuvee Des Amis Pinot Noir and Matador. What type of grape would you like to see grown or grown more often in the Willamette Valley?
Episode 84: Washington White Wines With Ryan Reichert
April 24, 2011
Ryan Reichert is a local blogger and writer and we crossed paths recently and quickly decided that it would be fun to do a show together. His work forcusing on white wine in the NorthWest grabbed our attention so we picked up three white wines from Washington to review together. Follow the link below to check out his blog! For this show we tasted the 2008 Syncline Horse Heaven Hills Rousanne the 2009 Magician from Sleight of Hand Cellars and the 2009 Composer from Rasa Vineyards.
What is your favorite white wine blend from the Pacific Northwest?