10 July 2007
Speaking of wine . . .
Speaking of My Vineyard, I just started reading a new business biography that chronicles the rise and fall of the Mondavi wine family in California. The House of Mondavi is a great read so far, especially if you've spent time in the Napa Valley and are familiar with many of the wineries and characters in the book. Author is Julia Flynn Siler, WSJ reporter.
Am I back?
First post on my Blogger blog in about a year. I switched to Live Spaces some time ago, but with switching to Vista, have had problems uploading photos. So, I've decided to give Blogger another go as they say here. I'll likely just use Smugmug or Flickr to provide links to photos of relevant activities. I also have a place on Facebook that I maintain.
P.S. Thanks to John for suggesting that I return to Blogger!
P.S. Thanks to John for suggesting that I return to Blogger!
05 June 2006
Gold rush on Red Mountain
For those fond of Yakima Valley wines, some interesting reading about he future of the famed Red Mountain Appelation.
The Gold Rush on Red MountainWine industry
plots controlled growth in coveted viticultural district
By Shannon Dininny
Associated Press
BENTON CITY, Wash. --- In a tour of Washington wine country, theworld's buyers knew the Red Mountain region for its premium red wines.They stood atop the state's smallest winemaking district and drank inthe view: acres of vineyards, dotted with homes, wineries - and moundsof brown dirt. Already home to about a dozen wineries, several more are under construction, including a high-profile partnership between the Northwest's largest wine company and a leading Italian wine family. Asmany as 40 wineries could be producing wine here in the next decade.
The boom, while welcome, raises concerns about how much development the 4,040-acre Red Mountain appellation can support, prompting industry leaders to begin drafting a plan to limit growth while stillallowing potential for restaurants, motels and recreational opportunities.Red Mountain may be brown now, but it could soon be dollar-bill green for those who buy into the vision for the rural, sagebrush-covered hill.
"We think if we're successful, and we have every reason to believe so,that we could see anywhere up to 1 million visitors a year on thehill," said Jim Holmes, a longtime grape grower who harvests 120 acres annually from his Ciel du Cheval Vineyard.
Situated in the lower Yakima Valley, Red Mountain has become known forits red wines: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet frank, syrah,sangiovese, lemberger and malbec. The federal government recognized itas the state's fifth wine appellation, or grape-growing region, in2001.
Whether it can become a thriving tourism draw remains to be seen. Washington state's wine industry has exploded in the past two decades,from fewer than 20 wineries in 1981 to more than 360 today. The state is home to more than 30,000 acres of wine grapes, and the industry isworth close to $3 billion to the state's economy. On Red Mountain, just 710 acres are planted, but the state has offered several parcels of land for lease to growers and vintners, spurring new development.
Others are pursuing opportunities on the hill on their own. In 1993, Keith and ReNae Pilgrim began developing their vineyard andwinery, Terra Blanca, which now produces nearly 30,000 cases annually. The couple recently completed construction of a new 50,000-square-foot facility that includes a tasting room, banquet and conference rooms,kitchens and barrel storage. Still in the works is an amphitheater for summer concerts.
The number of visitors has increased 150 percent since the new building opened in February, said Pilgrim, who grew up near California's Napa Valley. County planning officials already limited subdivision development onthe hill in the mid-1990s, reducing the number of homes that could be built on prime wine land.
"If Napa had not had a strong vision, Napa would be a housing bedroom community for San Francisco and there would be no vineyards," Pilgrim said. "I'm a strong believer in channeling growth in special areas,and not just letting it happen." A conceptual plan for Red Mountain, completed for Benton County in March, outlines areas for potential development that might accentuate a wine enthusiast's visit. Ideas include a wine village with restaurants, limited lodging, an interpretive center and wine shop.
Hiking and biking trails have also been mentioned. The next step is to create a master development plan, including a more detailed economic and feasibility study. The state appropriated $200,000 toward the plan, which should be finished later this year. Of the roughly 4,000 acres, only about half are plantable, said Adam Fyall, community development coordinator for Benton County.
At thesame time, Red Mountain is working land, so any plan must accommodate farmers as well as wine visitors." As a broad brush theme, we would like to see an agrarian landscape there. It just might be an agrarian landscape that has a few more Cadillacs," Fyall said. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest wine company in the Northwest, is teaming with Europe's famed Antinori family to open a new $6 million winery on Red Mountain. The partners created Col Solare, a popular red wine blend, in 1995.
The Antinori family has been making wine in Italy for 26 generations. "We're looking forward to the day when we do get restaurants and little inns and spas there," said Ted Baseler, Ste. Michelle presidentand chief executive officer. "Historically, in wine country, it starts with the vineyard, then the wineries, then the amenities."
The plan really represents a vehicle to link winemakers with tourism developers, said Scott Williams, winemaker for Kiona Vineyards andWinery. Williams' father, John, founded the winery in 1980 with Holmes after planting the region's first vineyards. Now, Kiona is building a new 20,000-square-foot barrel cellar and tasting room. "There's lots of small wineries. That's where the tourism andvisitation is important. Those wineries aren't big enough really to get on a store shelf," Williams said.
There's no question wine connoisseurs have bought into the quality ofthe wine. Red Mountain has been winning top national awards in wine tastings for years. And more than 60 wine buyers and distributors visited Washington wine country, including Red Mountain, last month aspart of a tour organized by the Washington Wine Commission.
According to the conceptual plan, an estimated 175,000 wine enthusiasts will visit Red Mountain annually by the year 2025 - a nearly nine-fold increase over the current level. Holmes believes the tourism potential is even greater. He eventually split from Kiona to pursue grape growing on his own and remains one of only two growers on the hill who haven't built wineries. "Red Mountain has become a discovered place," Holmes said. " A place where people enjoy being, where they can taste these world-class wines - it couldn't get better than that," Holmes said.
The Gold Rush on Red MountainWine industry
plots controlled growth in coveted viticultural district
By Shannon Dininny
Associated Press
BENTON CITY, Wash. --- In a tour of Washington wine country, theworld's buyers knew the Red Mountain region for its premium red wines.They stood atop the state's smallest winemaking district and drank inthe view: acres of vineyards, dotted with homes, wineries - and moundsof brown dirt. Already home to about a dozen wineries, several more are under construction, including a high-profile partnership between the Northwest's largest wine company and a leading Italian wine family. Asmany as 40 wineries could be producing wine here in the next decade.
The boom, while welcome, raises concerns about how much development the 4,040-acre Red Mountain appellation can support, prompting industry leaders to begin drafting a plan to limit growth while stillallowing potential for restaurants, motels and recreational opportunities.Red Mountain may be brown now, but it could soon be dollar-bill green for those who buy into the vision for the rural, sagebrush-covered hill.
"We think if we're successful, and we have every reason to believe so,that we could see anywhere up to 1 million visitors a year on thehill," said Jim Holmes, a longtime grape grower who harvests 120 acres annually from his Ciel du Cheval Vineyard.
Situated in the lower Yakima Valley, Red Mountain has become known forits red wines: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet frank, syrah,sangiovese, lemberger and malbec. The federal government recognized itas the state's fifth wine appellation, or grape-growing region, in2001.
Whether it can become a thriving tourism draw remains to be seen. Washington state's wine industry has exploded in the past two decades,from fewer than 20 wineries in 1981 to more than 360 today. The state is home to more than 30,000 acres of wine grapes, and the industry isworth close to $3 billion to the state's economy. On Red Mountain, just 710 acres are planted, but the state has offered several parcels of land for lease to growers and vintners, spurring new development.
Others are pursuing opportunities on the hill on their own. In 1993, Keith and ReNae Pilgrim began developing their vineyard andwinery, Terra Blanca, which now produces nearly 30,000 cases annually. The couple recently completed construction of a new 50,000-square-foot facility that includes a tasting room, banquet and conference rooms,kitchens and barrel storage. Still in the works is an amphitheater for summer concerts.
The number of visitors has increased 150 percent since the new building opened in February, said Pilgrim, who grew up near California's Napa Valley. County planning officials already limited subdivision development onthe hill in the mid-1990s, reducing the number of homes that could be built on prime wine land.
"If Napa had not had a strong vision, Napa would be a housing bedroom community for San Francisco and there would be no vineyards," Pilgrim said. "I'm a strong believer in channeling growth in special areas,and not just letting it happen." A conceptual plan for Red Mountain, completed for Benton County in March, outlines areas for potential development that might accentuate a wine enthusiast's visit. Ideas include a wine village with restaurants, limited lodging, an interpretive center and wine shop.
Hiking and biking trails have also been mentioned. The next step is to create a master development plan, including a more detailed economic and feasibility study. The state appropriated $200,000 toward the plan, which should be finished later this year. Of the roughly 4,000 acres, only about half are plantable, said Adam Fyall, community development coordinator for Benton County.
At thesame time, Red Mountain is working land, so any plan must accommodate farmers as well as wine visitors." As a broad brush theme, we would like to see an agrarian landscape there. It just might be an agrarian landscape that has a few more Cadillacs," Fyall said. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest wine company in the Northwest, is teaming with Europe's famed Antinori family to open a new $6 million winery on Red Mountain. The partners created Col Solare, a popular red wine blend, in 1995.
The Antinori family has been making wine in Italy for 26 generations. "We're looking forward to the day when we do get restaurants and little inns and spas there," said Ted Baseler, Ste. Michelle presidentand chief executive officer. "Historically, in wine country, it starts with the vineyard, then the wineries, then the amenities."
The plan really represents a vehicle to link winemakers with tourism developers, said Scott Williams, winemaker for Kiona Vineyards andWinery. Williams' father, John, founded the winery in 1980 with Holmes after planting the region's first vineyards. Now, Kiona is building a new 20,000-square-foot barrel cellar and tasting room. "There's lots of small wineries. That's where the tourism andvisitation is important. Those wineries aren't big enough really to get on a store shelf," Williams said.
There's no question wine connoisseurs have bought into the quality ofthe wine. Red Mountain has been winning top national awards in wine tastings for years. And more than 60 wine buyers and distributors visited Washington wine country, including Red Mountain, last month aspart of a tour organized by the Washington Wine Commission.
According to the conceptual plan, an estimated 175,000 wine enthusiasts will visit Red Mountain annually by the year 2025 - a nearly nine-fold increase over the current level. Holmes believes the tourism potential is even greater. He eventually split from Kiona to pursue grape growing on his own and remains one of only two growers on the hill who haven't built wineries. "Red Mountain has become a discovered place," Holmes said. " A place where people enjoy being, where they can taste these world-class wines - it couldn't get better than that," Holmes said.
03 June 2006
Cranking this up again
Since we'll soon be leaving for London, I'm dusting off my blogging interest and skills so we can keep our friends abreast of all our comings and goings Over There. I will actually be in London later this month, so will start things then and see if I can't keep up a steady drumbeat of posts.
Here's a photo of the reception desk at our London office in Covent Garden. I call this my new home away from home.
27 May 2005
Yikes!
Just discovered that someone has actually linked to this blog . . . and I've not posted since January. Guess it's time to give it another whirl.
It's a little hard to stay focused with the unbelievable weather we're having this week and the good news is that it's supposed to stay through the holiday weekend. This is one of the two big weekends for wine tasting in Oregon. Virtually all of the wineries are open this weekend and we plan to take in our share.
Last weekend, we headed out to Belle Pente and found Bergstrom and Natalie's Estate open along the way. We were really impressed with the reds at Natalie's Estate. They have a brand new facility off North Valley Road at the base of Chehalem Mountain. The $15 Syrah was excellent, but we went for the cabernet from the Rosa Vineyard. Lots of great fruit in this wine and a very decent price ($32). We also liked the Merlot. If you're going to be out tasting this weekend, definitely stop at Natalie's. Bergstrom was also impressive. They are really building a reputation for producing quality pinots (and some of the pricing reflects it). I liked the reisling, but Lemelson's "lemon custard" reisling remains my favorite. Belle Pente was a pleasant surprise. They've also grown up over the years and the pinots are getting even better. We thought the Gewürztraminer was nice. The reisling was too sweet.
More postings over the weekend.
It's a little hard to stay focused with the unbelievable weather we're having this week and the good news is that it's supposed to stay through the holiday weekend. This is one of the two big weekends for wine tasting in Oregon. Virtually all of the wineries are open this weekend and we plan to take in our share.
Last weekend, we headed out to Belle Pente and found Bergstrom and Natalie's Estate open along the way. We were really impressed with the reds at Natalie's Estate. They have a brand new facility off North Valley Road at the base of Chehalem Mountain. The $15 Syrah was excellent, but we went for the cabernet from the Rosa Vineyard. Lots of great fruit in this wine and a very decent price ($32). We also liked the Merlot. If you're going to be out tasting this weekend, definitely stop at Natalie's. Bergstrom was also impressive. They are really building a reputation for producing quality pinots (and some of the pricing reflects it). I liked the reisling, but Lemelson's "lemon custard" reisling remains my favorite. Belle Pente was a pleasant surprise. They've also grown up over the years and the pinots are getting even better. We thought the Gewürztraminer was nice. The reisling was too sweet.
More postings over the weekend.
26 January 2005
Vodka
For everyone who thinks that all vodkas taste alike, check out The New York Times' review of vodkas on the front of the Dining section today. The winner? Smirnoff's at about $13 a fifth. They blind tasted 21 vodkas and picked the best selling unflavored vodka in the U.S.
16 January 2005
Handy password management app
I wanted a passworld management program I could have with me all the time and it has the added bonus of running on both a PC and a Mac. So far, I'm delighted with what I found from lava Software, PC-Mac Passworld Valut. Passwords are such a pain in the ass, but this gizmo takes much of the pain out of it.
The problems journalist-bloggers face
One of the obvious reasons why professional journalists don't blog. Not to mention the time it takes.
This is interesting too
I mostly agree with Scoble on this one. Word of mouth is huge in driving early adoption of a new product. It produces a much quicker and enthusiastic attach to a new product and therefore drives sales in today's model of communications. However, Microsoft still has one of the strongest brands in the world and while it may not be universally loved, no one can ignore its offerings and directions.
Oh, the movie
I really liked American Splendor, but I like PaulG. It's sort of plotless, but is just a nice story about a guy who was a file clerk at a hospital his whole life and created a comic book about his observations of life. I suspect a lot of people identify with him.
The bamboo is recovering
The ice is going away as it gets warmer and the bamboo is bouncing back. I don't think you can kill the stuff. Went to the grocery story after the Eagers put away the Viks and picked up the Sunset Magazine with Marie's kitchen on the cover. It's very cool. Simple, but very Marie. I love the lime green color she picked. And she used my favorite paint, Benjamin Moore.
So far, so good on the Sports Action, but the toughest game is on now. I've got the Colts. Maybe the weather will play into my hands.
So far, so good on the Sports Action, but the toughest game is on now. I've got the Colts. Maybe the weather will play into my hands.
15 January 2005
American Splendor
Watching this movie tonight because I liked Paul Giamatti, who also starred in Sideways. Sideways is a great movie, especially if you're into wine, but even if you're not.
We went up the gorge to Maryhill Winery over the Christmas break and were really impressed with the people and the wine. Bought some cabernet, syrah and zinfandel. The low-end zin ($18) is excellent for the price. It would be a great location in better weather for a day trip. The winery has a spectacular view of the Columbia River from the Washington side across from The Dalles. Nice grounds and space for a picnic. We're going to return later in the spring.
I'll try to make more entries and not just about wine.
We went up the gorge to Maryhill Winery over the Christmas break and were really impressed with the people and the wine. Bought some cabernet, syrah and zinfandel. The low-end zin ($18) is excellent for the price. It would be a great location in better weather for a day trip. The winery has a spectacular view of the Columbia River from the Washington side across from The Dalles. Nice grounds and space for a picnic. We're going to return later in the spring.
I'll try to make more entries and not just about wine.
15 August 2004
Summer whites
At wine club last night, we tasted six summer whites. These all came from my cellar, so I don't have pricing on any of them, but none were more than $20 and most were quite a bit less. The six wines we tasted were:
1. 2001 Chateau St. Jean Gewurztraminer Sonoma County
2. 2003 Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills
3. 2002 J. K. Carrier Glass (white pinot noir) Willamette Valley
4. 2003 Patricia Green Cellars Oregon Sauvignon Blanc
5. 2001 Lemelson Vineyards Dry Riesling Adria Vineyard
6. 2002 Chehalem Inox Chardonnary Willamette Valley
In a close vote, we liked the Gewurz and the Shaw and Smith in that order. We purchased the Gerurz at the winery a little over a year ago. Both favorite wines were about $18 each.
1. 2001 Chateau St. Jean Gewurztraminer Sonoma County
2. 2003 Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills
3. 2002 J. K. Carrier Glass (white pinot noir) Willamette Valley
4. 2003 Patricia Green Cellars Oregon Sauvignon Blanc
5. 2001 Lemelson Vineyards Dry Riesling Adria Vineyard
6. 2002 Chehalem Inox Chardonnary Willamette Valley
In a close vote, we liked the Gewurz and the Shaw and Smith in that order. We purchased the Gerurz at the winery a little over a year ago. Both favorite wines were about $18 each.
12 August 2004
The Dog Days
While the political campaign is heating up, there's little else of great import happening this month, save a few winery open houses on Aug. 21-22. The political thing is getting interesting, however. I heard on the radio this morning that Kerry has opened up a 6-point lead in Florida. Today both candidates are appearing in California, which ought to be interesting. Not sure why Bush is bothering with a state he will lose decidedly.
The election looks close, but with a decided edge to Kerry right now. The big questions are what kind of boost Bush will get out of his own convention in a few weeks and what trickery he has up his sleeve for the fall, especially if he becomes more and more desperate. Kerry still seems a bit too timid. He needs to hit harder. And when are we going to see all that footage of Bush's numerous gaffes over the past four years in Kerry ads? I assume that the Demos are just holding on to the juicy stuff for the stretch run or holding onto it permanently to see how desperate the Rs become. I'm predicting a ton of mud slinging before this is over.
Then there are the debates. How exciting are they going to be? They are crucial for Kerry, but also tricky. Because Bush is so dumb, he runs the risk of looking like an intellectual elitist. He almost has to act dumb himself to not look like a show off as he runs laps around Bush's brain. Four years ago, Gore came off as mean spirited in the first debate. Kerry just needs to come off as more in touch and in command (of his own brain). Bush will undoubtedly step on his tongue enough times on his own and mangle enough facts that Kerry doesn't have to win. He can let Bush lose.
On to wine. Chehalem is having its summer tasting on Aug. 21-22 at the winery at Rex Hill. The tasting includes a number of local artists and music if you get there at the right time. Of course, the wines are superb. Rex Hill is having its 2002 pinot noir release party on Aug. 22 at the winery. Those who bought futures can pick them up. Last year, they tasted some very nice vineyard designate pinot gris as well. On Saturday, Aug. 21, Sineann is having a barbeque and wine tasting at the winery in Carlton from noon to 4. These guys are making some very interesting wines, especially if you like reds and not just pinot noir. We're going to make the complete tour on Saturday, going to Sineann first and then hitting Chehalem on the way home.
John tried the bottle of 1998 Woolridge I gave him and said it was not good. Hmmm, I opened a bottle of the 2001 Merlot last night and it was fine, though the '98 cab was better. Woolridge still has some of the cab remaining. I should get my blush pinot noir within the next week. This was the wine we found so refreshing and delicious on our tour of SO in July. It's just been so hot down there, they're reluctant to ship it now.
The election looks close, but with a decided edge to Kerry right now. The big questions are what kind of boost Bush will get out of his own convention in a few weeks and what trickery he has up his sleeve for the fall, especially if he becomes more and more desperate. Kerry still seems a bit too timid. He needs to hit harder. And when are we going to see all that footage of Bush's numerous gaffes over the past four years in Kerry ads? I assume that the Demos are just holding on to the juicy stuff for the stretch run or holding onto it permanently to see how desperate the Rs become. I'm predicting a ton of mud slinging before this is over.
Then there are the debates. How exciting are they going to be? They are crucial for Kerry, but also tricky. Because Bush is so dumb, he runs the risk of looking like an intellectual elitist. He almost has to act dumb himself to not look like a show off as he runs laps around Bush's brain. Four years ago, Gore came off as mean spirited in the first debate. Kerry just needs to come off as more in touch and in command (of his own brain). Bush will undoubtedly step on his tongue enough times on his own and mangle enough facts that Kerry doesn't have to win. He can let Bush lose.
On to wine. Chehalem is having its summer tasting on Aug. 21-22 at the winery at Rex Hill. The tasting includes a number of local artists and music if you get there at the right time. Of course, the wines are superb. Rex Hill is having its 2002 pinot noir release party on Aug. 22 at the winery. Those who bought futures can pick them up. Last year, they tasted some very nice vineyard designate pinot gris as well. On Saturday, Aug. 21, Sineann is having a barbeque and wine tasting at the winery in Carlton from noon to 4. These guys are making some very interesting wines, especially if you like reds and not just pinot noir. We're going to make the complete tour on Saturday, going to Sineann first and then hitting Chehalem on the way home.
John tried the bottle of 1998 Woolridge I gave him and said it was not good. Hmmm, I opened a bottle of the 2001 Merlot last night and it was fine, though the '98 cab was better. Woolridge still has some of the cab remaining. I should get my blush pinot noir within the next week. This was the wine we found so refreshing and delicious on our tour of SO in July. It's just been so hot down there, they're reluctant to ship it now.
06 August 2004
Another great IPNC
I know this is a bit late, but did want to say a few things about this year's IPNC event at Linfield College. As with every one I attended, this was one of the most enjoyable, informative and intesting wine experiences of my year. We tasted about 70 2001 and 2002 pinots from around the world and sampled some wonder and unusual fare to go along with it.
My friend John joined me on this one, while our designated drivers (Lynne and Amy) occupied themselves in the antique stores in Lafayette. Cribbing from John's excellent notes, here's a sampling of what we liked:
Kingston Family Vineyards, Chile
2003 Casablanca
www.kingstonvineyards.com
Domaine Marc Roy, France
2001 Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos Prieur
+33 03 80 51 81 13
Dry River, New Zealand
2002 Dry River
Liza_lanier@rowines.com (importer)
Fromm Winery, Switzerland
2002 Malanser
www.frommwineries.com
Domaine Alfred, California
2001 Califa
www.domainealfred.com
Goldeneye Winery, California
2001 Anderson Valley
www.goldeneyewinery.com
Hitching Post Wines, California
2001 Highliner, Santa Barbara County
www.hitchingpostwines.com
Skewis Wines, California
2001 Demuth Vineyard, Anderson Valley
www.skewiswines.com
Chehalem, Oregon
2002 Reserve
www.chehalemwines.com
Elk Cove Vineyards, Oregon
2002 Roosevelt
www.elkcove.com
Firesteed Cellars, Oregon
2001 Willamette Valley
www.firesteed.com
Ponzi Vineyards, Oregon
2002 Reserve
www.ponziwines.com
Sokol Blosser Winery, Oregon
2001 Estate, Old Vineyard Block
www.sokolblosser.com
Yamhill Valley Vineyards, Oregon
2000 Estate Reserve
www.yamhill.com
My favorites were Hitching Post -- wonderful deep and brambley fruit. I like a pinot that really stands up in your mouth with lots of dark fruit. This pinot pretty much exceeded my expectations. The Firesteed was without doubt the steal of the show. At $18, it was outstanding and more than adequate as an everyday pinot (if there is such a thing). Chehalem's Ridgecrest -- a perennial favorite of mine -- was wonderful as well.
This year's event was a little shorter -- three hours -- and for the first time in three years, I was reasonably coherent when we left (probably thanks to having John along). We all went to the Bistro in Dundee on the way home and had a perfect meal to end a perfect day.
Last Sunday, we attended the Stoller Vineyard picnic on the family property west of Dundee. They provided picnic baskets and wine and we brought our blankets. They served '01 and '02 pinots as well as the most recently chardonnay bottling. We enjoyed the '02 most, though Bill is doing a very nice chard and is a big believer in the Oregon chardonnay industry. That's super interesting because for the longest time, I just gave up on Oregon chards. They just didn't taste like chards and the excuse was always that they were made in the burgundian style. Fine, but I didn't like them.
With the arrival of the Dijon clones, that is changing quite a bit. We barrel tasted the new chard (probably the '03, but I forgot) and it was wonderful and will get better. Bill's definitely onto something. He's got about 150 acres of grapes planted now on this hillside property, 20 of which are in chardonnay. The rest is primarily pinot. Work has also begun on the new winery very near the oak grove where we picnicked. Argyle is still making some very nice chards as well. We like the reserve that sells for about $23. Lots of tropical fruits with just the right vanilla/creamy finish.
My friend John joined me on this one, while our designated drivers (Lynne and Amy) occupied themselves in the antique stores in Lafayette. Cribbing from John's excellent notes, here's a sampling of what we liked:
Kingston Family Vineyards, Chile
2003 Casablanca
www.kingstonvineyards.com
Domaine Marc Roy, France
2001 Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos Prieur
+33 03 80 51 81 13
Dry River, New Zealand
2002 Dry River
Liza_lanier@rowines.com (importer)
Fromm Winery, Switzerland
2002 Malanser
www.frommwineries.com
Domaine Alfred, California
2001 Califa
www.domainealfred.com
Goldeneye Winery, California
2001 Anderson Valley
www.goldeneyewinery.com
Hitching Post Wines, California
2001 Highliner, Santa Barbara County
www.hitchingpostwines.com
Skewis Wines, California
2001 Demuth Vineyard, Anderson Valley
www.skewiswines.com
Chehalem, Oregon
2002 Reserve
www.chehalemwines.com
Elk Cove Vineyards, Oregon
2002 Roosevelt
www.elkcove.com
Firesteed Cellars, Oregon
2001 Willamette Valley
www.firesteed.com
Ponzi Vineyards, Oregon
2002 Reserve
www.ponziwines.com
Sokol Blosser Winery, Oregon
2001 Estate, Old Vineyard Block
www.sokolblosser.com
Yamhill Valley Vineyards, Oregon
2000 Estate Reserve
www.yamhill.com
My favorites were Hitching Post -- wonderful deep and brambley fruit. I like a pinot that really stands up in your mouth with lots of dark fruit. This pinot pretty much exceeded my expectations. The Firesteed was without doubt the steal of the show. At $18, it was outstanding and more than adequate as an everyday pinot (if there is such a thing). Chehalem's Ridgecrest -- a perennial favorite of mine -- was wonderful as well.
This year's event was a little shorter -- three hours -- and for the first time in three years, I was reasonably coherent when we left (probably thanks to having John along). We all went to the Bistro in Dundee on the way home and had a perfect meal to end a perfect day.
Last Sunday, we attended the Stoller Vineyard picnic on the family property west of Dundee. They provided picnic baskets and wine and we brought our blankets. They served '01 and '02 pinots as well as the most recently chardonnay bottling. We enjoyed the '02 most, though Bill is doing a very nice chard and is a big believer in the Oregon chardonnay industry. That's super interesting because for the longest time, I just gave up on Oregon chards. They just didn't taste like chards and the excuse was always that they were made in the burgundian style. Fine, but I didn't like them.
With the arrival of the Dijon clones, that is changing quite a bit. We barrel tasted the new chard (probably the '03, but I forgot) and it was wonderful and will get better. Bill's definitely onto something. He's got about 150 acres of grapes planted now on this hillside property, 20 of which are in chardonnay. The rest is primarily pinot. Work has also begun on the new winery very near the oak grove where we picnicked. Argyle is still making some very nice chards as well. We like the reserve that sells for about $23. Lots of tropical fruits with just the right vanilla/creamy finish.
16 July 2004
iPod your BMW
One of the reasons I bought my iPod earlier this year was so I could connect it to my 2004 BMW 330i. Adding the jack to the radio (it works on an AUX setting), was easy enough. A $35 part and $100 worth of labor later, I had the jack installed. I've been using it for several months and it works wonderfully. The iPod holds hours worth of battery charge -- long enough for my longest road trip so far -- and I can go hours without it repeating the same song while on random play.
However, I've noticed the new ads out promoting this and they are connecting their iPod with a different cable that apparently charges the iPod and gives you use of the audio controls on the steering wheel. I was also told that I couildn't connect the iPod to my 2002 Z4 Roadster. The iPod Your BMW web site, however, says you can. I'm going to give Scott a call and find out what's up.
However, I've noticed the new ads out promoting this and they are connecting their iPod with a different cable that apparently charges the iPod and gives you use of the audio controls on the steering wheel. I was also told that I couildn't connect the iPod to my 2002 Z4 Roadster. The iPod Your BMW web site, however, says you can. I'm going to give Scott a call and find out what's up.
13 July 2004
It's beginning to look a lot like politics
I got a kick out of Rush Limbaugh (I only listen for amusement) this morning. He was trying to calm down his lunatic listeners who are hand wringing over the latest poll numbers, which show Kerry surging ahead. He was also trying to defend his statement that Edwards would provide no bounce. He cited a poll in North Carolina which showed Bush still ahead by 15 points. But, he failed to acknowledge that since Edwards joined the team, Kerry has moved further ahead and leads in most polls.
We also saw Farenheit 9/11 last week. I did not like Bowling for Columbine. I thought it was biased and unfair. I had a different reaction to Farenheit. I thought it was devastating for Bush. Granted there's still a lot of stuff taking out of context and distorted, but the reality is that it's really not distorted because it accurately reflects Bush's behavior as President.
This is going to be a very tight race. My prediction: Kerry takes Florida and wins the election by that margin.
We also saw Farenheit 9/11 last week. I did not like Bowling for Columbine. I thought it was biased and unfair. I had a different reaction to Farenheit. I thought it was devastating for Bush. Granted there's still a lot of stuff taking out of context and distorted, but the reality is that it's really not distorted because it accurately reflects Bush's behavior as President.
This is going to be a very tight race. My prediction: Kerry takes Florida and wins the election by that margin.
Back to normal . . . sort of
Back from vacation from the blog.
We've been back from London about a week and things are starting to feel normal again. We returned just in time to leave for our annual visit to Ashland. We went down on Wednesday and returned Sunday. We saw three plays -- Comedy of Errors, Royal Family and Humble Boy. We enjoyed them all, but Humble Boy stood out above the rest. Comedy has received some great reviews and has a very interesting setting in 1960s Las Vegas. The set for Royal Family was fabulous though the play went a little too long.
We did some wine exploring as well and stocked up more than we planned for the new wine room. Our top find of the trip was Woolridge Creek Vineyard. It's way out in the boonies past Jacksonville. They are doing a bunch of reds -- all of them very worthwhile to tastey. The Pinot Noir Rose is the most interesting with its creamy/vanilla finish that tastes like strawberries and cream. Yummy as a summer refresher. We thought the cab and the merlot were exceptional as well and especially for the price. The winery has new, young, aggressive winemakers from Fresno State who did some amazing tricks with a big batch of late harvest chardonnay that was well on it's way to oxidizing. Greg led us through an intimate discussion of each of his wines and his plans for the future. The vineyards, whose fruit is also sold to other wineries, range in elevation from 1,400 feet to 2,000 feet. If these guys stay around -- and they are building a while new winery now -- this could become a real diamond on the rough.
All in all, the Rogue wine culture is growing up. A lot of people are working very hard to turn some awesome fruit into great wines. On the way home, we stopped off at Abacella -- still our favorite -- and bought some Grenache because it reminded us of Chateau Neuf du Pape. Then, we did some more exploring and hunted down Hillcrest Vineyards. It's the oldest winery in the state and is under new ownership. The new owners have roots in Napa and tutored at Pine Ridge and Mondavi. Some credentials. Right now, they selling off some very old salvadged wines (they dumped tons). They have big plans and a big job. They already had to rip up old vines and begun to replant. This should be a place to watch. We bought some 1990 Reisling.
When we got home, we got the wine room put back together. The racking worked out well. I found some furniture at Pier 1 and we moved the rug from the living room in. The fish tank is now in the living room, but we'd love to get rid of it altogether.
We've been back from London about a week and things are starting to feel normal again. We returned just in time to leave for our annual visit to Ashland. We went down on Wednesday and returned Sunday. We saw three plays -- Comedy of Errors, Royal Family and Humble Boy. We enjoyed them all, but Humble Boy stood out above the rest. Comedy has received some great reviews and has a very interesting setting in 1960s Las Vegas. The set for Royal Family was fabulous though the play went a little too long.
We did some wine exploring as well and stocked up more than we planned for the new wine room. Our top find of the trip was Woolridge Creek Vineyard. It's way out in the boonies past Jacksonville. They are doing a bunch of reds -- all of them very worthwhile to tastey. The Pinot Noir Rose is the most interesting with its creamy/vanilla finish that tastes like strawberries and cream. Yummy as a summer refresher. We thought the cab and the merlot were exceptional as well and especially for the price. The winery has new, young, aggressive winemakers from Fresno State who did some amazing tricks with a big batch of late harvest chardonnay that was well on it's way to oxidizing. Greg led us through an intimate discussion of each of his wines and his plans for the future. The vineyards, whose fruit is also sold to other wineries, range in elevation from 1,400 feet to 2,000 feet. If these guys stay around -- and they are building a while new winery now -- this could become a real diamond on the rough.
All in all, the Rogue wine culture is growing up. A lot of people are working very hard to turn some awesome fruit into great wines. On the way home, we stopped off at Abacella -- still our favorite -- and bought some Grenache because it reminded us of Chateau Neuf du Pape. Then, we did some more exploring and hunted down Hillcrest Vineyards. It's the oldest winery in the state and is under new ownership. The new owners have roots in Napa and tutored at Pine Ridge and Mondavi. Some credentials. Right now, they selling off some very old salvadged wines (they dumped tons). They have big plans and a big job. They already had to rip up old vines and begun to replant. This should be a place to watch. We bought some 1990 Reisling.
When we got home, we got the wine room put back together. The racking worked out well. I found some furniture at Pier 1 and we moved the rug from the living room in. The fish tank is now in the living room, but we'd love to get rid of it altogether.
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