Friday Sips

An urban winery and part of the SE Wine Collective, Division Wine Company is one of our favorite Oregon newcomers. Tom & Kate Monroe produce wines that are reflective of their Oregon roots however there is a definitive nod to Tom’s French training, especially on the wines in the Division-Villages folder which encompass grapes and inspirations of where Tom has spent time in France.

The Division-Villages Gamay (12.3% alcohol) is a blend of fruit from the Eola-Amity and Umpqua appellations and is an instant hit, especially as a red served on a warm day! Fragrant and attention-grabbing aromas of strawberries with mineral and subtle notes of tarragon; bright, layered peppery fruit and herbs make a wine that's refreshing but worthy of more attention than just casual sipping due to its vibrant, palate-covering texture that can best be described as a miracle in the mouth! Drink this enticing red with roasted chicken that has been laced with mushrooms - preferably morels!

Un, Deux, Trois. If you haven’t figured it out, Deux is #2 in the line-up of Division Pinot Noirs and a mere 80 cases of the 2011 were produced. 2011 is a vintage that has me reminiscing of 2007. Yes, this is the vintage that no one seemingly wanted but after some time in the bottle, everyone was raving about. 2011 is shaping up to be just such a vintage and I’ll guarantee that at some point soon as these wines are revisited and have developed, there will be the incessant whining over how they can’t be had any longer.

12.7% alcohol. Stylish, debonair and regal, this is a wine that has thoroughly fine character and depth that has been unfolding since it was released and will continue to do so as it ages. Seductive yet penetrating aromas of red earth, smoky strawberry, herbs, spice and red flowers, one can really see that there is some top-drawer fruit and love that has gone into this thoughtfully done, well-balanced and persistent cuvée. Given its pedigree, there is no doubt that this is a fine glass of Pinot Noir at this moment, however, it will also develop nicely for 5-7 more years as well.

If there was ever a Portland-based descendant of Loire-Valley 15th century writer, clergyman and all-around hedonist, Francois Rabelais, it would certainly be Tom Monroe. I’m pretty sure that one written Rabelais philosophy that he (and us) lives by is "When I drink, I think; and when I think, I drink."

Beton is an Oregon wine that if it were done in France would be the likes that you would find many Parisian bistro, wine bars and restaurants. Impressively inspired by the red wines of the Loire valley, this blend of 70% Cabernet Franc, 25% Gamay Noir and 5% Pinot Noir (12.5% alcohol) is basking with exuberance, expressiveness and boasts a pure nose of raspberry, jasmine, sandalwood and fresh herbs. Ultimately this red possesses unexpected richness and character, all without being heavy or oaky (Beton is French for cement and little to none is utilized for this wine). Unbridled edges surround plush clean fruit and carry over into a vibrant back flip of a finish. Have this one with pate, soft-ripened cheeses barbecue or carnitas.

As many of you all know, I am not the biggest proponent of Oregon Pinot Noir Rose, however, when one comes along that is of character, dimension, detail and most importantly, a high BPH (bottles per hour) factor then I’m all in!

Very fine in color, but very arresting and striking with its flavors, this is a Rosé that'll make you brave! Teeming with scents of watermelon, grapefruit, red berry and a touch of smoky earth impeccably which roll into a texture that is almost floral in the mouth with bone-dry bursting citrus that reveals itself on the mouth-watering, call you back for 4 more glasses finish. Easy to do since it is 12.4% in alcohol. As Tom and Kate state on their site when describing their pink wine: “Pair with Good Times, Good Food and Good People”!