Thirty Oregon Wines in Thirty Days, day 29: Cameron “Giuliano”!

February 1, 2015 / thewinesnob / Leave a comment

Its almost the LAST DAY. This is a really fun one that I’m glad I happened into. Not being a native Oregonian, I was totally unfamiliar with Cameron wines until I arrived here. I first remember hearing about Cameron right before Thanksgiving weekend. Some people I knew who worked nearby at Winderlea were talking about going to the winery “because it was open”- like this was a HUGE deal.

Little did I know, upon further time spent here, that it IS a huge deal. Cameron wines are barely distributed; only a handful of retailers in the Valley/Portland and a few restaurants carry them. And they’re never open, even for appointments. Nor do they ship wine. But whatever your thoughts are on that procedure, it does seem to be working for them. These wines have an extremely loyal following. And this bottle, the Giuliano, is one of the most adored white blends in Oregon, so I’m reading. But its new to me, so I’m approaching it as a total rookie.

I was lucky enough to go to a tasting with winemaker John Paul Cameron right before Christmas at Storyteller Wine Company in Portland. I’ve been on his mailing list for quite a while. I actually had a case of a French white shipped to me in SC last Summer, because after reading Michael’s description of it, I just HAD to have it. The man has a gift with words. In any case, that tasting was INsane; Nebbiolo, older vintages of Pinot Noir that were stunning, and the best Oregon Chardonnay I’ve ever had, hands down- the 2012 Wadsworth, Clos Electrique Vineyard. I believe my exact tasting notes consisted of “Stop. It.” Sometimes when something is that good, I just can’t even talk about it.

So with my not-so-extensive knowledge about Cameron, I was still surprised and delighted to see this bottle at Division Wines in Portland during my fun Wednesday excursion this past week. There are some wines that you know you have to have when you see them. This was one of them. 1.) I love unusual whites, 2.) it was the last bottle, and 3.) its Cameron. So, I was sold. I chatted with the owner Will at some length and found him delightful. I’ll definitely be back.

Okay! On to the wine. What’s in here? Listen up! It’s a really cool blend: Friulano, Auxerrois, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio & Moscato. And get this: all the fruit is from Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge vineyards, both in Dundee. Did you know there was Friulano in freakin’ Dundee?! I sure didn’t. For more on Friulano and whats up with it in Cali, see here.

Pardon my thumb- torn label.

This is an intriguing wine to me. The nose has some light granny smith apple, apricots, fresh flowers, and quince. Musky perfume is hidden in the background, probably a result of the Muscat. The texture is nicely viscous and silky. I might’ve expected this wine to be one of those lean, sharp whites, but its definitely not. Its body teeters in this no-mans land just above medium-bodied. I think this wine might’ve changed a bit since its been in bottle. A lot of the tasting notes I’ve come across online describe it as intensely floral- to me, the floral component doesn’t knock me over. Its there, but perhaps dialed back a notch. Pretty interesting. Consider me compelled. It’d be cool to see how this wine changes with more time in bottle. I like wines like this, that make me think. Cheers to that.

This wine is named after John Paul Cameron’s son, Julian, who designed the label. PS: I love the label. I suspect that at about 70 cases made, you’d be hardpressed to find a bottle of this- but its almost Spring, which means new white vintages should be released soon! So get on the radar with your local retailer and jump on this wine when it arrives. It probably sells out in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.

ONE MORE DAY! I can honestly say that I don’t know what the last wine of the challenge is going to be. Something that I buy at Valley Wine Merchants tomorrow. I live on the edge.

Thanks for following along! I look forward to wrapping this party up tomorrow.

Thirty Oregon Wines in Thirty Days, day 26: Belle Oiseau! Belle Waz-what?

January 28, 2015January 28, 2015 / thewinesnob / Leave a comment

Behold, one of my favorite Oregon whites, the Belle Pente Belle Oiseau, 2011!

Belle Oiseau means “Pretty Bird.” Also, Belle Waz-Oh.

As it turns out, this wine is beloved by many Oregonians. And with due reason. Winemaker Brian O’Donnell developed this wine for Portland’s Le Pigeon and its little sister restaurant, Little Bird, with the help of General Manager/Partner Andy Fortgang. Le Pigeon and Little Bird Bistro are currently taking two out of my top five spots for drool-worthy Instagram feeds here in Portland, by the way. I seriously can’t wait to go to either one. Sometimes they Instagram their staff meals, too. I might just show up sometime roughly when I suppose a staff meal would take place.

I’m sure they’d love that.

I mean, seriously. I can’t even. How good would this wine be with this?!

In any case, this wine was developed as an ode to an Alsatian “Edelzwicker”, a blend of “Noble” varietals. Historically, the grapes would all come from the same parcel, and could even be co-fermented. The 2011 vintage is a blend of mostly Pinot Gris and Riesling, with a bit of Muscat. I’ve had it on a few occasions, but this is the first bottle I’ve purchased for just me. And let me tell you. The more time I spend with this bottle, the more enamored I am with it. On a given Tuesday, I could open a bottle, drink a glass, then say to myself- ok, later for that. But this is the kind of wine where I find myself sneaking another half a glass… then another. Its like an old friend. You can keep coming back to it, and every time you do you’re reminded how much you like it.

A very dry wine with just a touch of RS, it drinks like a lean, clean little machine. Delicate and precise, is has defined stone fruit and white floral characteristics, with soft lemon and golden apple in the background. Sharp enough to cut through something fatty (this wine was developed specifically with charcuterie in mind), yet would be great with light, fresh fare (oysters, anyone?) as well. The finish is lifted with some higher aromatics of jasmine and fresh laundry.

Of course I’ve already declared my clear personal bias for Belle Pente, but this really is one of my favorite Oregon whites. Originally, this wine was restaurant-only, and sold in keg form. I read in one article that it sold for $8 a glass and $20 for a half-lifer carafe- which is RIDIC- in a perfect way. So well-priced. I would love to share a carafe of this wine, bistro-style, for $20. It sounds too good to be true to me. In any case, this wine in bottle form sells for $18. I purchased it at the winery, and honestly I don’t know if any retailers carry it. They very well could, I just don’t know personally. If you’re local, I of course suggest bringing yourself down to Carlton to buy some at the winery. If you’re not, you’ll have to get a plane ticket. But its cool, you’ll be happy you did.

Gah! I know I’m a day behind right now, but I’m trying my best to wrap up the Thirty Grapes project in the best way possible. Seriously, I’m TRYING. Cheers!

Thirty Oregon Wines in Thirty Days, Day 13!

January 14, 2015 / thewinesnob / 2 Comments

Dry Muscat, anyone? One that comes in a pretty bottle? Yeah, I think so.

Love the art on this bottle.

I bought this wine on my first, but probably not last, trip down to the Eola Amity Hills and Brooks Winery. It was absolutely frigid outside; so naturally, I chose to taste the whites flight they were pouring that day. I’m a huge proponent of drinking white wine year round. It was actually great that it was frigid, because there were mad mountains to be seen:

Aww yeah.

I had several favorites this day, but chose to buy the Terue Dry Muscat, 2012 Eola Amity Hills because I knew I’d be needing unusual varietals for this project. And because it was freakin’ delicious, obviously!

What’s the story on Muscat? Well, just to confuse the matter, remember the DePonte Melon de Bourgogne I wrote about last week, and how it was the same grape as Muscadet wine from France? Well, this grape, Muscat, is not related to Muscadet. It IS, however, the same grape as is used in Moscato production, notably Moscato d’Asti in Italy. So all these grapes, some related, some not, different styles- oye! A lot to remember. Once we move past this, however, you uncover the reason I really love Muscat: versatility!

Moscato d’Asti is made in a sweet or semi-sweet fizzy style. Sometimes Muscat is made in Oregon in a slightly sweeter frizzante style, too. Silvan Ridge in Southern Oregon is apparently known for theirs, which I’ll have to check out. But as is true with essentially any grape you wish to make into wine, you can leave residual sugar in it, or you can not. And NOW for my point: the Terue Muscat is a dry version! Which means you get ALL the amazing aromatics of Muscat with a dry palate. Its a wonder to behold.

Oh, aromatic whites- how do I love you? Let me count the ways. You leap out of the glass, you make me think of warm Spring days, gentle breezes and you’re just so darn FUN. Wine can be serious, with its terminology and regions and rules and methods and sometimes exclusionary air. This is a wine that while you can tell was made with total intention, is fun to drink. At just 10.5% alcohol, it is light, refreshing and jubilant. Bright, youthful aromas of white flowers, golden apple and citrus combine with accents of spice and fresh herbs. The texture is silky and it finishes dry, but not tight. One of those wines that “glides” in the mouth. This is a total warm Saturday afternoon crusher. This is the winemaker at Brooks Wine’s own label, so just 82 cases were made. I can think of a few gingers in Columbia, SC that would sell the shiz out of this wine if it were available there! This is a great South Carolina wine.

I had a few other favorites at Brooks that day, mainly the 2011 Ara Riesling and a killer late harvest Riesling called Tethys:

Can’t stop thinking about the Ara.

Gorgeous acid. Perfect.

Actually, the only thing I didn’t taste at Brooks that day were reds. So I guess that means I have to go back! Aww, shucks. The Brooks tasting room is relatively new and really lovely. It has a very relaxing vibe and chill, knowledgeable staff. Hat tip!

Seacrest out for day 13, y’all!

I purchased this bottle at the Brooks tasting room for the extremely nominal fee of $18.