Winery Spotlight – Prive Vineyard (Newberg, OR)
I plan on visiting this winery in a couple of weeks. So to prep myself I thought I would do some research which lead to this winery spotlight.
Cheers!
- Brandon
Privé Vineyard is located in Oregon's Chehalem Mountains (pronounced "Sha-HAY-lum"), which is home to the Ribbon Ridge and Chehalem Mountain American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The mountains extend from Parret Mountain to the south and run northwest across Bald Peak and Ribbon Ridge. Encompassing over 100 square miles, the AVAs include portions of Yamhill, Washington and Clackamas counties. An estimated 150 vineyards are planted within the AVAs with an average size of 12.5 acres.
Privé Vineyard consists of two blocks, Le nord and Le sud, that are entirely Pommard clone. The blocks are on Jory soil (red clay) that was deposited by lava flows up to 15 million years ago. The Le nord block is 1.5 acres, while the Le sud block is 1 acre; the elevations of the blocks range between 425 feet (Le sud) and 650 feet (Le nord). The vineyard was planted in 1980, and is just starting to come into its prime. Spacing of the vineyard is 5 feet by 9 feet, and the canopy is a VSP system. The vineyard is farmed using sustainable vineyard practices.
You may wonder why you do not see reviews of our Privé wines in the wine press. The reason for this is very simple: our estate wine production is limited to our tiny vineyard with its 30-year-old vines. We cannot plant new vines to increase our production. Each year's production sells out on futures, so it has not made much sense to enter wine competitions or send out wines for review purposes. Despite these limitations, our wines have received accolades in specialist publications, and we are pleased to share a few of them with you here.
PinotFile, Vol. 8, Issue 8, December 24, 2009
Privé 2008 le nord was included in PinotFile's list of 2009 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans. Our wine was one of only eleven Oregon wines to be so honored.
PinotFile, Vol. 8, Issue 6, November 29, 2009
2008 Privé Vineyard le nord
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherries, black raspberries and a hint of exotic spices. Rich and forthcoming with a blackberry and black cherry core clothed in caressing tannins and possessing the right touch of balancing acidity. More lush and forward than the le sud bottling. A dreamy wine with a creamy texture that is approachable now but will benefit from more time in the cellar. If this wine was a lover instead of a wine, it is the one that would make you abandon your family, leave your job, and forfeit your hard-won position in the community for just one more fling.2008 Privé Vineyard le sud
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose exhibits plenty of green garden, Provencal herbs, brier patch and savory spice from the oak. A moderately rich berry core is very tasty with memorable midpalate saturation that picks up intensity with time in the glass. An herbal edge dominates the fruit initially, but the next day from an opened and re-corked bottle the fruit and spice came out to play with complete resolution of the herbal influence. Flat-out delicious the next day. This wine is meant for aging while you drink the le nord, and will be every bit as good in 3 to 5 years.Andrew Turner, Ponzi Wine Bar Notes, June 27, 2008
I have to say first off that Tina and Mark Hammond are some of my favorite wine personalities in the Willamette Valley. Their enthusiasm for everything they do and the love that they have for the land that they call home and make wine from is nothing short of contagious. Every year, I wish I had just a bit more of the generous allocation they share with us. They have been friends of the Ponzi Wine Bar since we opened and our friendship continues to this day. In fact, we remain the only retail outlet in the world for their two Pinot Noirs. The Le Nord bottling, sourced from the northern-most vineyard, is always pretty and feminine in style. It consistently has an intoxicating floral perfume to the nose with background nuances of freshly dug forest floor, ripe bing cherry and raspberry preserve flavors fill the mouth. With just about 150 cases produced, our allocation never lasts for more than a couple of weeks. If you love pure, sexy Pinot, you owe it to yourself to try one of the best!
PinotFile, Vol. 7, Issue 9, January 1, 2009
Privé 2006 le sud was included in PinotFile's list of 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans. Our wine was one of only eleven Oregon wines to be so honored.
Corx Wine Bags: Pennywise Pinot Noir 2009
Has Anyone Tried Pennywise Pinot Noir?
I saw this brand at my local wine shop. My first thought was that this was going to be an American version of Yellow Tail, so I passed on by.
Then I saw it was reviewed by Wine Enthusiast...and the pinot got a 90 point score! What?
Next time I'm at my wine shot, I'm going to pick up a bottle!
Cheers!
-K
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Light brick red in color with hints of emerald, the 2009 Pinot Noir blend boasts aromas of cherries jubilee, root beer, rose petal, and cotton candy. In the mouth, flavors of delicate plum, freeze dried strawberry, watermelon rind, cream caramel, and vanilla bean. This blend finishes with delicate notes of fresh summer sweet strawberries that seem to linger endlessly.
Pair this wine with salads to pork chops to burgers with ease. Try this wine with rolled pork tenderloin stuffed with dried cherries and Brie cheese or a mushroom and sausage pizza. The possibilities are endless.
Blend: 94% Pinot Noir and 6% Syrah
critical acclaim:
"Surprisingly sophisticated for a Pinot Noir at this price. It's dry, light in the mouth and elegantly structured, with a nice bit of acids and tannins. The flavors are delicate in sour cherries, sweet tomato jam and dusty spices."
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Oregon Wine Country Hotels: The Allison Inn & Spa
I have come across wonderful reviews for The Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon Wine Country. After giving it much thought my wife and I decided to spend out 10 year wedding anniversary at this location. We will let you know our overall experience when we go next month, but would love to hear from anyone that has been here or will be soon.
The Allison Inn & Sp can be visited at www.theallison.com, or you can contact them at 503-554-2525. In addition the Allison describes themselves as follows:
Offering an idyllic location in Willamette Valley
The beauty and bounty that is the Oregon Experience surrounds you at The Allison Inn & Spa. Trust us….you are in for quite a treat.
Forty-five minutes beyond Portland’s glow you’ll find rolling hillsides, working vineyards and farms just outside our doorstep.
Tour the area’s 200 wineries or stroll along footpaths meandering through gardens of infinite beauty. The aromas of an endless variety of indigenous Oregon blooms will soothe and relax the inner you, season after season.
This uniquely welcoming environment will allow you to take full advantage of the charm, leisure activities, and stunning natural beauty that Willamette Valley is famous for.
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Top 10 Wines Under $20 – Corx Wine Bags
http://apps.facebook.com/corxwinebags
If you are looking for the "best buys" of summer 2011, this webinar is for you!
Great wine that is:
- inexpensive
- tasty
- and readily available!
Cheers!
-Kevin
2010 Domaine de Fontsainte
Here is a rose recommendation from our friends at Liner & Elsen...
Cheers!
-Kevin
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2010 Domaine de Fontsainte, Gris de Gris (Rosé), Corbières, Languedoc-Roussillon, France ... 15.99/171.50
The Domaine de Fontsainte has been a staple of Kermit Lynch’s venerable portfolio for over thirty years. The domaine’s beloved rosé is a fascinating mélange of 70% Grenache Gris and Grenache Noir, blended with Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The domaine’s 2010 rosé shows a lovely pale copper-salmon color in the glass followed by a nose filled with aromas of rose petals, wild strawberries, red currants and sappy garrigue. On the palate the wine begins with soft cherry and strawberry fruit accented by herbal notes of thyme and lavender and spicy notes of cinnamon and ginger. Lip-smackingly delicious, the Fontsainte Gris de Gris finishes with reprises of berry fruit and dried herbs, followed by a palate dusting of stony minerals. A perennial favorite of the staff, Fontsainte’s rosé is in classic form this year and will be a fine partner for ratatouille, grilled summer squashes, salmon and chicken. Naturally farmed. Limited.
- A Kermit Lynch selection
LINER & ELSEN, WINE MERCHANTS
2222 NW Quimby St.
(off 22nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97210
http://www.linerandelsen.com
503-241-WINE (9463)
800-903-WINE (9463)
Fax 503-243-6706
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Red wine, chocolate sharpen your mind
Polyphenols, plant chemicals abundant in dark chocolate and wines, dilate blood vessels, speeding the supply of blood to the brain.
The theory follows two Northumbria University studies into the effects of polyphenols on the mind. In the first, healthy adults were set a series of tests after taking a capsule packed with resveratrol, the 'wonder ingredient' in red wine.
Scans showed a marked increase in blood flow to their brains after taking the supplement.
"Greater improvements may be seen in the elderly," said doctoral researcher Emma Wightman from Northumbria, because blood flow to the brain naturally decreases with age.
Unfortunately for wine lovers, the quantities of resveratrol used in the study would equate to drinking crates of the stuff. But it is easy to get the same amounts from supplements sold in health food stores.
"And with resveratrol credited with abilities from extending life to burning off junk food," Wightman says. "There is nothing to stop people from stocking up."
"There is research showing quite a lot of health benefits and there is nothing to suggest there are any adverse effects. You are not going to come to any harm," she said.
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Caprese Salad – A Great 10 Minute Recipe
I love Caprese Salad! In fact, I have pretty good discipline...except when this dish is out on the table. Check out the recipe below.
A few additional things to consider...
- mozzarella: Get the BelGioioso fresh mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar at Costco. You will have to buy in bulk, but it is an upgrade over the typical grocery isle products.
- salt: I like the Cyprus Black Sea lava salt - it is mild and has a large flake.
- basil: I suggest going to your local farmers market.
Enjoy the recipe!
Cheers!
-K
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Caprese Salad
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
- Serves: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 vine-ripe tomatoes, 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices
- 20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Coarse salt and pepper
Directions
Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow plate salad with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/caprese-salad-recipe/index.html
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Dry Dock Double IPA
This weekend was gorgeous in Denver; 80+ degrees and low humidity. Fantastic!
Erika and I cranked out some projects, so we decided to reward ourselves with a pizza. We stopped in to Denver Pizza company at Happy Canyon, and our pie still had a few minutes. I ambled over to the liquor store...I felt like something different.
I selected a 22 oz. Dry Dock Double IPA. Let's face it, I'm a wino not a hop head...so I'll leave the ratings alone. Regardless, this IPA is one of the top 5 from Colorado...
Here is a review from the Denver Post:
"Aurora's Dry Dock microbrewery, in business for a little more than five years, is testing the Colorado retail market with the release in bottles of its Urca Vanilla Porter, U-Boat Hefeweizen and this marvelous double IPA. A hazy golden amber with a cream-colored head, Seven Seas is made with seven hops, which dominate the aroma. The piney smell of Cascade hops is balanced a bit with some bittering that's not found in many modern IPAs. It's citrusy up front, smooth in the mouth and throat, with a nice bitterness flowing through and building at the finish, which is quite dry. This is one of the smoothest IPAs to be had anywhere, with an inviting mouthfeel and easy drinkability despite its 9 percent alcohol by volume. It's a great debut." http://www.denverpost.com/food/ci_17186574
Here's some info from the Dry Dock website:
"Dry Dock Brewing started as an idea when Kevin DeLange, owner of homebrew store The Brew Hut, noticed a small, vacant space next door. He had been selling beer-making ingredients for several and would frequently host Home Brew nights to invite brewers in to share what they had created. In 2005, DeLange found used equipment, rented the space, began brewing small batches of beer, and opened the doors. As many locals will recall, this taproom had four taps with only seven bar stools and a few tables; a cozy setting to say the least.
In 2009, we moved to the corner suite of the same strip mall, expanding to seat 200, and have been brewing like maniacs ever since. Winning the Great American Beer Festival’s premier award, Small Brewing Company of the Year, later in 2009, we’ve been able to spread the gospel and pour the beer. Led by DeLange and head brewer Bill Eye, Dry Dock Brewing has become the most popular tap house in Aurora, Colorado." http://www.drydockbrewing.com/about-us
I highly recommend the Dry Dock Double IPA. I look forward to trying their other brews!
Cheers!
Kevin
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Fork & Bottle – Wine Resources
Fork and Bottle has a great page for wine resources.
http://www.forkandbottle.com/resources/wineresource.htm
Check it out!
Cheers
-K
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
Pedroncelli Family Vineyard Petite Sirah 2007
I first tried this wine in 2008 when visiting family in Santa Rosa. Great producer who understands the value of great everyday wines!
Cheers!
-Kevin
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Opaque purple in the glass. The wine is rich with ripe blackberry, black pepper and chocolate aromas. It contains very deep and complex flavors with a lasting finish braced by medium tannins. It has the structure to age well over many years. Decant if desired.
"This is a great value in a Petite Sirah that shows how well the variety performs in a great vintage in a warmer climate. With 20% Syrah, which seems to add richness and nobility, the wine is bone dry and elegant in mouthfeel, with complex blackberry, black currant, grilled beef, black pepper and cedar flavors. Drink now. "
90 Points
Wine Enthusiast
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
