Willamette Valley Wines Explored

On Sunday afternoon, March 27, the Boise Wine Club met again in the wine cellar of the Red Feather Lounge to "get acquainted with", Wine From The Willamette Valley. There were some really good wines tried, including one Saki. A Grinjo Junmai Diamond Momokawa Sake. Surprisingly smooth with hints of banana peel and melon.
Here Robin is taking notes on the wines we were trying. Here she is recording a 2007 Argyle Brut that had a lovely peach aroma. Also recorded was a 2008 Elk Cove Pinot Blanc with hints of fresh pear. Taste of higher acidity and minerality.
Julie and Andrew are doing some "investigation" on one of the wines. Maybe a 2009 Ponzi Pinot Gris that was bright and grassy. Would be great with a shrimp boil. Or maybe they were looking for information on the 2007 Domaine Drouhin Chardonnay that we tried. Hints of corn silk and honeydew.
Here Scot Sprague decants a 2001 Penner Ashe Pinot Noir. Special glasses are suggested for the Oregon Pinot Noir - Tulip glasses so that you get the full essence of the wine. Also tasted was a 2004 Archery Summit Pinot Noir that had hints of mushrooms. A lovely wine.
Also in the process of tasting wine is to look at the color and the edges of the liquid over a white background. Here you can plainly see the deep red color and the clear, almost watery, edges.
Robin and I brought these two Oak Knoll wines from the mid-1970's. On the left is a NV Oak Knoll Gooseberry wine. It was deep and rich with hints of sherry. Probably best as an appetizer or dessert wine. A beautiful golden color and it held up very well over the years. The wine on the right, a NV Oak Knoll Zinfandel surprised everyone with its richness and smooth drinkability. Hints of dried fruit and rose potpourri.
We thank the Red Feather Lounge for their hospitality and providing a cheese plate and other great treats. We hope that you will go to the restaurant at some time and enjoy their fare. It is good. Some of us also had dinner plates as pictured above. These were lovely additions to our exploring the Willamette Valley wines. Thanks to all who attended. Cheers!