Have you ever listened to two wine enthusiasts talk about their favorite wines? If so, there was probably some wine terminology being thrown around that would go over most peoples’ heads. Wine can be, for some, an intimidating item to order as its flavors and textures can be quite complex, and if you’re a patron in a wine bar and you aren’t sure what questions to ask or how to find the words to describe wine you enjoy, then you might not feel very comfortable ordering a glass in a hip wine bar. Continue »
Only 40 years ago, if you were looking for luxury wine, especially of the Pinot Noir varietal, the only place to look in the United States was California’s Napa Valley. Otherwise, consumers could only turn to France or Italy to find high end options. Thanks to a few pioneers that knew potential when they saw it, winemakers began harvesting across Oregon and by the 1980s turned this Pacific Northwest region into the centerpiece for Pinot Noir. Continue »
If you’re living in the Pacific Northwest and are looking for a new favorite wine to enjoy this winter, then it’s time to drive yourself to the nearest tasting room and order yourself a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir. Continue »
Florals and a concentrated, fruity medley of cherry, raspberry and boysenberry, with sweet vanilla and cola, transition to the palate. Milk chocolate flavors add to the opulence, and tart cranberry balances the tone. Soft tannins and ample acidity provide structure through a clean, stone-y finish. Continue »
What was considered by most to be a hallmark vintage, 2012 in Oregon was the calm which came after the storm of the cold and challenging 2011 vintage. Talking with winemaker Tony Rynders, he mentioned how these wines needed a bit of time to fully evolve into something special. I noticed that when I tried these upon release, that many of the 2012 Oregon Pinot Noirs were quite reticent both with their aromas and flavors. The wines had the stuffing and potential, but many just needed time to evolve. Continue »
Every week in Let's Eat our wine writer, Gail Appleson, looks at two wines available in the St. Louis area. Here are some of the reds she has recently reviewed. Continue »
NO! The last of my Panther Creek stash! Ah well, it was much appreciated and much loved as this wine was opened for (one of) my anniversary dinners.panther creek reserve pinot noir. About the Wine: The Panther Creek 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes harvested from the winery’s estate vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Continue »
One of the historic Oregon wineries, Panther Creek was originally founded by famed winemaker Ken Wright in 1986. He gained national attention for his wines sourced from the Freedom Hill and Shea Vineyards. In 1994 Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent fame took over as consulting winemaker and produced some marvelous wines until he focused his talents on his own winery. The winery was acquired by Bacchus Capital in 2013 which led to the appointment of superstar winemaker Tony Rynders as consulting winemaker. Continue »
Pinot Noir with Copper River Salmon - Part 2 Little Tidbits about Pinot Noir Pinot Noir is a hard grape to grow, and it is a hard wine to make well. It is often too “weak” for Cabernet lovers to enjoy with their steaks, but it rewards subtle foods and preparations with complexity, good acidity and balance. It is the favorite red wine of mature and experienced wine tasters – especially with salmon! Continue »
Are you following along on my exploration of the Willamette Valley via Panther Creek Cellars? If not, check out these single-vineyard offerings from Kalita, Schindler, and De Ponte vineyards. Continue »