Aug/100
We told you drinking wine will make you more intelligent…..
This is a short clip highlighting a seven year study conducted in Norway testing cognitive skills in women who drink wine versus those that do not. Now I know why my wife is so smart:) Are we encouraging you to drink yourself into oblivion in hopes of becoming the next Albert Einstein or Steven Hawking, not exactly. It is exciting though to see more health benefits tied to that bottle of wine we keep opening. So the next time dinner chit chat turns mentally stimulating is it really us, or is it the wine talking? Hmmmm…makes you wonder.
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
Aug/100
Chalone Monterey Chardonnay 2008 – Wine Review
I had the chance to enjoy this Chardonnay over the weekend with one of the other owners of Corx Wine Bags. I had not had the chance to try this wine before, but upon pulling it out Kevin told me that we would not be disappointed. Kevin was spot on with this wine being properly balanced between the flavors of pear, apple and oak, as well as a butteriness that complements the bright crispness of this wonderful chardonnay.
Cheers!
- Brandon
Chalone Vineyard Monterey County Chardonnay 2008 Overview
Wine
In our 2008 Chardonnay, bright, fruit-focused flavors keep cadence with sweet essence of oak. Baked pear, Braeburn apple and sweet tangerine are accented by wafts of floral and nutmeg. Across the palate, the flavors are joined by juicy stone fruit and guava, developing creaminess through the middle. Well-balanced, the fruit remains bright and crisp, complemented by just enough oak to lend structure and complexity. This wine’s versatility makes it pleasant for sipping as well as a perfect complement to sautéed scallops or stuffed chicken breast.
Vineyard
Chalone Vineyard was one of the first wineries to recognize the amazing potential of Chardonnay from Monterey County. With moderate winters and a maritime-influenced climate, Monterey has one of the coolest, most consistent growing seasons in the state, ideal for this thin-skinned varietal. Our grapes come from the northern Salinas Valley, in the Arroyo Seco American Viticultural Area, and other cool, well-drained sites auspiciously influenced by the wind and fog that carry the cool Pacific air down the valley. Here, budbreak is generally early and the growing season long, allowing the grapes to hang on the vine and develop slowly for ripe, flavorful Chardonnay with a nice core of acidity.
Winemaking
The unique climate and terroir of Monterey guides the profile of this Chardonnay. From vine to bottle, our winemaking decisions were chosen with this abiding ideal. For a hint of complexity, structure and gentle spice influence, we aged 60 percent of the wine in a combination of French, American and European oak for six months.
Vintage
Aug/100
Hogue Fume Blanc 2007 – Wine Review
The Hogue Cellars has come a long way from its humble beginnings when founded by Gary and Mark Hogue in 1982. Since that time Hogue has grown to become one of Washington’s largest wineries, and has gained both national and global acclaim. Always on the hunt for a great under $10.00 bottle of wine I grabbed a bottle of Hogue Fume Blanc 2007. I found this fume blanc to be surprisingly complex with just the right acidity, hints of grapefruit and melon combined with subtle notes of sage and fig. For around $9.00 a bottle it is a solid choice that can be found in many wine shops and liquor stores throughout the country.
About The Hogue Cellars
THE HOGUE CELLARS™, founded in 1982 by Mike and Gary Hogue, is located in Eastern Washington’s Columbia Valley, the premiere grape growing region of the state. The climate and soils of the Columbia Valley produce grapes with intense fruit flavors and high natural acidity. The wines have a liveliness and ripe, zesty fruit flavors that make them ideal complements to a wide range of food. You can visit them at http://hoguecellars.com/index.php
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
Aug/100
August is Washington Wine Month
August is Washington Wine Month
According to the Washington State Liquor Control Board, “each August, state liquor stores broaden and diversify the selection of Washington wines and feature displays surrounding the annual theme. This year’s theme “Washington Wines… Our Passion, Your Pleasure” celebrates the unique Washington climates producing some of the very best in grapes and wines known around the world. This is the 26th Washington Wine Month celebrated by state liquor stores.”
The list of featured Washington Wine Month wines available at Washington State Liquor Stores can be found here.
Aug/100
2008 Lange Estate Winery Pinot Noir
Greetings! My friends from Liner & Elsen have another wine recommendation…the 2008 Lange Pinot Noir. It has been awhile since I’ve tasted Lange’s juice, but I remember it being pretty good.
Enjoy the review below!
Cheers!
-Kevin
2008 Lange Estate Winery, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 18.99/203.00
Spotlighting the outstanding balance and superb terroir expression that marks the Willamette Valley’s finest 2008 Pinots, Lange’s so-called entry level release offers silky Burgundian texture and earthy terroir signature inside a solid core of classic cranberry and loganberry fruit. Writing for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jay Miller concurs: “[Lange’s] 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley provides an early look at just how good this vintage is. Very expressive aromatically with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and rose petal, on the palate this medium-bodied wine has layered succulent fruit, superb balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It has enough structure to evolve for several years but will provide plenty of immediate gratification.” We think the 2008 Lange is a classically styled Willamette Valley Pinot, and we encourage you to buy a case for enjoyment now and another to cellar over the coming three years. Serve with braised duck, roast chicken, cedar-plank salmon, grilled summer squashes and roast pork preparations.
Wine Advocate—90 points; Best Value
http://www.linerandelsen.com/
LINER & ELSEN, WINE MERCHANTS
2222 NW Quimby St.
(off 22nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97210
503-241-WINE (9463)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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
Aug/100
2008 Bogle Pinot Noir – Wine Review
Without a doubt the 2008 Bogle Pinot Noir is one of the best value Pinot’s available today. Due to the increasing popularity of Pinot Noir over the past several years we have seen the average price point move higher and higher. Fortunately for all of us the Bogle Family has done a tremendous job of deliveringa knock out Pinot Noir that delivers the goods for a suggested price point of $11.00 a bottle. With subtlespiciness, and hints of cherry and strawberry this Pinot Noir had me wanting more and more. A huge thumbs up from the Corx Wine Bags crew!!
Cheers!
- Brandon
WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2008 Pinot Noir from Bogle represents some of the best varietal growing regions our state has to offer. Fruit from the cool confines of the Russian River Valley, from the coastal hills of Monterey and from the unique Clarksburg Delta combine to create a garnet-colored wine of complexity and finesse.
The first impression recalls a sun-dappled forest clearing, scattered with sweet wild strawberries and rustic mint. These hints of pine, bright berry and fresh herbs follow on the well-balanced palate, surrounded by soft suggestions of tea leaves and violets. Toasty vanilla winds itself throughout, wrapping around the finish: long, silky and elegant.
SERVED BEST WITH
Aged cheeses and unique patés, as well as saucy mushroom dishes, poultry and pork.
• Vintage: 2008
• Appellation:Russian River Valley, Monterey, Santa Barbara
and Clarksburg
• Barrel Program: 12 months in French and American oak
• Release date: January 2009
• Wine pH: 3.68
• Wine acidity: 0.57g/100ml
• Alcohol: 14.2%
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
Jul/100
2008 Crowley Pinot Noir
2008 Crowley, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 21.99/235.00 case
Before launching his eponymous venture, Tyson Crowley spent a dozen years working for some of the Willamette Valley’s most prestigious wineries. Crowley’s dedication and hard work have paid off, as is immediately apparent in his deeply layered and textured 2008 Pinot Noir. A gorgeous ruby robe in the glass leads to bright, spicy aromas of pie cherries, cranberries, geranium, clove and fresh vanilla bean. On the palate the wine shows beautifully the 2008 vintage’s breed and balance as saturated, high-toned fruit plays with complex suggestions of cinnamon-roasted coffee beans, button mushrooms, smoke and toffee. Shimmering acidity and just enough tannin form a lovely frame for the wine’s fresh fruit profile and distinctive earthy undertones. Crowley scores again with a brilliant, complex Pinot that over-delivers for its modest tariff. It’s a natural complement to lighter fare such as grilled and sautéed summer vegetables, Chinook salmon, roast chicken, duck and everyday fare like burgers, light casseroles and stews. Enjoy it now for its brilliant fruit expression, or age it three years in your cool cellar to allow its earthy, mushroom undertones to develop fully.
© Liner & Elsen
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LINER & ELSEN, WINE MERCHANTS
2222 NW Quimby St.
(off 22nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97210
503-241-WINE (9463)
http://www.linerandelsen.com/
Another great wine recommendation from my friends, Bob and Renee, Line & Elsen.
Cheers!
-Kevin
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
Jun/100
Benton Lane Pinot Gris 2008
http://www.benton-lane.com/About/index.html
Steve and Carol Girard have been owners of Benton-Lane since 1988. Carol and Steve shared a passionate desire to produce great Pinot Noir but, after careful consideration, they decided their home state California was probably not the best place in which to make it. Instead they looked north towards Oregon where the cooler climate offered the possibility of producing Pinot Noir with better balance and structure, and more interesting flavors than they felt would be possible in California.
winemaker’s notes:
This wine is a great example of a crisp and bright style of pinot gris. Exhibiting aromas of asian pear, honeydew and citrus blossom, it is overtly fruity yet still complex for this wine variety. The flavors of tangy lime, pear and starfruit linger on the exceptionally long finish. A great “warm weather” wine, it goes with simple appetizers and a wide assortment of seafood any time of the year.
critical acclaim:
“This racy gris tastes like biting into a crisp apple. It leads with scents of camellia blossoms, elegant and cool. Its green apple flavors show impressive energy and drive, with a talc-like texture and a fine, dusty stone finish that lasts. Ideal with roast pork and herbed potatoes.”
93 Points
Wine & Spirits
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I first tried Benton Lane Pinot Noir in early 2000, and it was pretty good. Over the years as the vines have matured, Bent Lane’s wines have blossomed. Benton Lane starting playing with Pinot Gris in 2003. With the 2008 vintage, the winery nailed it!
Enjoy a bottle of this $17 wine with your summer picnic.
Cheers!
-Kevin
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
Jun/100
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc – Viognier 2008
winemaker’s notes:
The 2008 Chenin Blanc-Viognier flaunts lush aromas of ruby grapefruit, pear, lychee and melon, with a delicate touch of spicy, white florals. Lively citrus and bright tropical fruit flavors are offered up alongside a supple texture. The slightly off-dry finish is clean and crisp, perfect with many dishes or on its own as an aperitif. Enjoy now or cellar for two years.
critical acclaim:
“A consistent winner from this Napa winery, this fragrant, stylish blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier is the type of dry white I wish more California wineries would focus on. Moreover, there are 45,000 cases of this excellent bargain. Think of a spring flower garden oozing with melon and citrus blossom notes. Fresh, light to medium-bodied, and dry, it is a food-friendly white to enjoy as an aperitif or with food over the next year. Kudos to Pine Ridge!”
88 Points
The Wine Advocate
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This $12 French-style blend is really tasty on a hot summer day. Though Pine Ridge is usually associated with cult-Cabernet, this off-dry white is really delicious!
Cheers!
-Kevin
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
Jun/100
Bubbly Recommedations from Liner & Elsen
Our friends Renee & Bob from Liner & Elsen wine shop in Portland, OR recommend the following wines:
“Great Bubbly Wine For Your Summer Events“
NV Maison Vergnes / Domaine de Martinolles, Le Berceau, Blanquette de Limoux … 11.99/128.00
We were thrilled by the elegance and class of this bubbly from Maison Vergnes. A lovely gold color in the flute, the Berceau shows persistent effervescence and a flinty bouquet of lemon peel and crushed apples. The palate is creamy and assertive, with lemon and apple fruit playing with an underpinning of smoky minerals. The wine grows and blossoms in the glass, becoming richer and creamier with aeration. The Berceau’s finish shows notes of apple peel and wheat toast. This is a lovely, satisfying bubbly that offers tons of character and quality for its most affordable tariff. Enjoy now as a festive apéritif, or as a wonderful wine for toasts and celebrations. Pair with roast chicken, broiled white-fleshed fish dishes or roasted root vegetables.
2009 Gioacchino Garofoli, Guelfo Verde Frizzante, Marches, Italy … 8.99/96.00
Here’s the spring wedding and summer sparkler value of the year! This lightly sparkling (frizzante) white from central Italy’s Marches region is our vote for the best value, most charming party sparkling wine on the market. Made from a blend of Verdicchio, Trebbiano, and Chardonnay, the Guelfo Verde opens with a pale straw-yellow color and aromas of honeydew melon, minerals and sugar snap peas. Dry, crisp and irresistibly quaffable, the natural sparkle lifts the wine’s pear and melon fruit and makes it super refreshing and zippy. One sip and one glance at the price tag will have you buying this wine by the case for quaffing over the coming warm weather months. Enjoy at your spring and summer celebrations as an aperitif, or paired with light fish dishes and mild semi-firm cheeses.
LINER & ELSEN, WINE MERCHANTS
2222 NW Quimby St. (off 22nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97210
503-241-WINE (9463)
800-903-WINE (9463)
Fax 503-243-6706
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Renee & Bob are great people and have a fantastic shop. Go down and check it out! Also, they stock the Tre from Corx Wine Bags!
Cheers!
-Kevin