Friday Sips

The Oregon wine scene is constantly changing and with that brings many exciting newcomers. One of our current favorites is Division Winemaking Company, an urban Oregon winery located in the SE Wine Collective in Southeast Portland. Tom & Kate Monroe are fashioning wines that are true to their Willamette Valley roots and are not overblown Zin wannabes. The Un (one) cuvee is stylish and delicious juice. Made from an assemblage of Pommard and Dijon clones from 3 sites, Cherry Grove Vineyard in Gaston, Eola Springs Vineyard in Eola Amity, and Saikkonen Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge. Violet, plum, lavender, red licorice, kisses of tarragon and cinnamon follow through to a sultry texture with deceptive depth, poise and material. Like any superb Pinot Noir, this wine fans out nicely on the palate and extends beautifully and sticks around. Very lovable now and can age nicely for 5-10 years, too.

The more I taste 2010 Pinots the more I am convinced this is a great vintage, especially given their impeccable detail and harmonious profile. The Deux (two) cuvee is a selection of 3 top barrels. Ravishing, complex, aromatic, sexy Pinot aromas gently crawl from the glass. Poised tones of lavender, smoked earth, herbs, red cherries deliver excellent purity. In the mouth it is a prodigal young musician that will develop into a virtuoso. Ethereal, cerebral, and changing the questions just when you think you have all the answers, the 30 year old Pommard-clone vines combined with Dijon clone give this wine plenty of penetration, aromatic class and bring sheer joy and persistence on the finish that pleasantly lingers for minutes. Only 76 cases produced and one that will age exquisitely!

Toss out your old perceptions that Oregon Chardonnay is lean, mean and green. Also toss out your perceptions that all West Coast Chardonnay is buttered-up cougar juice because real Oregon Chardonnay has a mind of its own and the halcyon days are upon us. These days, what is being accomplished is quite eye-opening. The same care that goes into small lot Pinot Noir is now being carried over into Chardonnay. Balance is the key word here and this Chardonnay is a thrill ride of a local white wine. The base is 35 year old vines from Eola Springs vineyard. A finely-tuned nose of cereal, blazing orange and lemon play nicely with a gentle kiss of oak. In the mouth its nervosity, depth and detail are mighty impressive; the finish long, palate-coating and tingling. At 12.7% alcohol, there is no shortage of intensity and best of all, it carries so well to the dinner table. Pair it up with sophisticated seafood dishes.