Friday Sips

Bow & Arrow owner/winemaker Scott Frank has been a friend for several years. Reaching back to his days at Cameron to now doing his own thing, it's always a joy when he rolls in and we have discussions about music, wine, life, etc. It's even more thrilling to see this cat doing wines on his own terms, taking his cue from the Loire Valley instead of Burgundy and in his own style that is very individual with low alcohols and virtually unlike anything else that you may see or taste in Oregon.

Rhinestones is Scott's blend of Pinot Noir (60%) & Gamay (40%), both which come from the outstanding Johan Vineyard and the 2013 has an abundance of burst and energy. Precision-personified, a potpourri of aromas including peonies, strawberries, blackberry, cinnamon and smoked earth follow through to a texture that is bursting, invigorating and exuberant, high-toned with plenty of depth, personality and length. A masterful match with a plethora of dishes like slow-braised beef, mushroom pasta, Pho and given the proximity to the season, turkey. Not a lot is produced and we'll have fun with it until it sells out. 12.5% alcohol.

The Gamay grape plays a major role at Bow & Arrow and Scott's version is not only very compelling, the most significant thing about this red is that it is all about tantalizing succulence. Bow & Arrow's wines are to be uncorked and enjoyed as evidenced by the winery T-Shirt that pays homage to the seminal band, The Minutemen's philosophy of "We Jam Econo". In the winery's case, the mantra is "We Vinify Econo".

Soulful and cerebral like the man himself, raspberry, sandalwood, pronounced jasmine and pepper roll from the glass. Ardent and fruit-driven with plenty of mineral tones which bring brightness to the sumptuous finish, this is the epitome of what the French would call "vin de soif". Drink this wine in Rabelais proportions with anything lamb, a chicken drumstick, fresh mushrooms, or (no joke) carnitas! 12.5% alcohol.

Maybe Scott should have called this Air Guitar Anjou Rouge because this red is certainly inspired by what goes on over in that particular region which is located outside the cool city of Angers. It may be Loire in its influence but it truly is a reflection of what the underbelly of Oregon is really showing.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Borgo Pass Vineyard located in the foothills of the Coast Range just outside of Monroe, Oregon along with 50% Cabernet Franc from Johan Vineyard. Given the grape varietals, it's easy to think of this wine being done in a larger Bordeaux-like style but the style here couldn't be more different. I really recommend serving Air Guitar in a Burgundy glass and it may not be for everyone, because it is certainly not a lollipop wine. Yet for those that love aromatic, soulful and sensual wines it should not be missed. A stellar nose of baked cherry, sandalwood, jasmine, and spicy herb notes build from the glass followed by red cherry, and mineral that blitz the palate, with fine flavor intensity. The long, complex and savory finish keeps you coming back for another glass. There is no doubt that Air Guitar will please any Francophile who loves Oregon wines and vice-versa. Pair it with a wide variety of foods from rillettes to beef curry dishes to your favorite lamb stew. Very tasty indeed. 12.5% alcohol.

For me, is may be the most exciting under $20 dry white wine in Oregon and from one of our amazing urban stars. Melon is the grape from the area around Nantes, specifically the Muscadet region and this Oregon version is flat-out mouth-watering! In fact, I'll use the words from earlier this year: When Scott presented his Melon earlier this year it impressed upon me the importance of the old British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Serendipitous things often do happen and late that particular evening after coming home mildly tipsy, I turned on VH1 Classic and saw their iconic video for the song "Run To The Hills". While writing this when Scott delivered the wines, I also discovered that it is his favorite Maiden track. What does this have to do with Melon you ask? Not so much except that it will definitely get you loaded if you drink enough and the character in general is as whimsical as the video and name of the wine: it's akin to being shot in the ass with an arrow!!

Bow & Arrow's Melon is released in the summer but I often find that it really unfurls and shows its true mettle when the rains arrive and the temperature drops. Commencing with minerally scents and undertones of flint, this pale white then draws more complexity from lemongrass, melon and lime tones for enhancement. Brisk and mouthwatering on the palate with fine intensity and length, this is a wonderful match for a plate of freshly shucked northwest oysters – but you all knew that anyway. 11% alcohol.