Week 3 Virtual Tasting for Charity - Wines of Oregon - D@vid Bu3ker for Dakin Humane Society - DEC9-DEC16

[Sean_S]

2 really enjoyable wines. Different styles but couldn’t pick a favorite. Both are drinking nicely and have very long lives ahead of them. Kudos Jim and Marcus!

• 2016 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Old Vine Ribbon Ridge - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Ribbon Ridge (12/12/2020)
  Tasted over 2 days after 4 hours in decanter in a Grassl Cru glass. Rich darker burgundy color in the glass. Dark Cherry, strawberry and hints of pomegranate, and some earth on the nose. The palate leads with rich dark cherry and coffee and then followed by the lighter strawberry notes with hints of pomegranate. Nice rich mouthfeel throughout. No noticeable oak with the med finish. The layers of fruit, earth, and tannin play nicely in this wine. 14.1% ABV. Wine is still very youthful but drinking well. No hurry to drink up. Drink now or hold. Wine held up great in decanter for 2 days. Last glass was a fresh and tasty as the first.

• 2016 Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (12/12/2020)
  Med translucent burgundy in the glass. Tasted in Grassl Cru after 4 hours in the decanter over a 2 day period. I get tons of strawberry on the nose with hints of orange peel and mushroom. Upon PNP, the wine was light in weight with nice Strawberry and cherry notes with that orange peel in the mix. Great bracing acidity through with really nice fine tannins playing with the acid on the finish. After 2 days in the decanter, it picked up weight and heft in the palate—nice notes of tobacco and cigar box along with the fruit on the nose. The palate is similar but with more heft. Getting more earth and even a hint of coffee on the med finish. Tastes a bit lighter than its indicated 13.8% ABV. Hard to believe this is $20 Pinot Noir.

[Jim_Anderson]

2002 Patricia Green Cellars Goldschmidt Pinot

The color is still vibrant with no sign of bricking. Nose is earthy, mushroom, forest floor. Still very acidic, so a great pairing with dinner. Darker fruit profile. Very intense. Look forward to trying again tomorrow. Wonderful example of aged Oregon Pinot. The Goldschmidt Vineyard is now the Winderlea Vineyard.


2017 Resonance Hyland Chardonnay

My first experience with Resonance Chardonnay. It lacked the piercing minerality of a Goodfellow or Walter Scott Chardonnay, but it was enjoyable. A lot of the same descriptors in a rounder style.

IMG_1824 WB.jpg

Blast from the past! That was our first of 5 vintages of Goldschmidt (we had 2 vintages of Winderlea). These were the 1974 and 1975 plantings so even way back then they were legitimately mature plants. Warm site. Which is a little weird but that hillside you could write a whole book about so there’s that. That wine had the longest, fizziest secondary fermentation I can remember. Untasteable for months in barrel. Glad it held its own. Think we would have had a different approach to that fruit these days. Good stories there, too. Anyway, like it when the old school stuff hangs in there!

[Jim_Anderson]

2 really enjoyable wines. Different styles but couldn’t pick a favorite. Both are drinking nicely and have very long lives ahead of them. Kudos Jim and Marcus!

• 2016 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Old Vine Ribbon Ridge - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Ribbon Ridge (12/12/2020)
  Tasted over 2 days after 4 hours in decanter in a Grassl Cru glass. Rich darker burgundy color in the glass. Dark Cherry, strawberry and hints of pomegranate, and some earth on the nose. The palate leads with rich dark cherry and coffee and then followed by the lighter strawberry notes with hints of pomegranate. Nice rich mouthfeel throughout. No noticeable oak with the med finish. The layers of fruit, earth, and tannin play nicely in this wine. 14.1% ABV. Wine is still very youthful but drinking well. No hurry to drink up. Drink now or hold. Wine held up great in decanter for 2 days. Last glass was a fresh and tasty as the first.

• 2016 Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (12/12/2020)
  Med translucent burgundy in the glass. Tasted in Grassl Cru after 4 hours in the decanter over a 2 day period. I get tons of strawberry on the nose with hints of orange peel and mushroom. Upon PNP, the wine was light in weight with nice Strawberry and cherry notes with that orange peel in the mix. Great bracing acidity through with really nice fine tannins playing with the acid on the finish. After 2 days in the decanter, it picked up weight and heft in the palate—nice notes of tobacco and cigar box along with the fruit on the nose. The palate is similar but with more heft. Getting more earth and even a hint of coffee on the med finish. Tastes a bit lighter than its indicated 13.8% ABV. Hard to believe this is $20 Pinot Noir.

Nice duo. That would be a big contrast!

[Richard_T_r_i_m_p_i]

2002 Patricia Green Cellars Goldschmidt Pinot

Blast from the past! That was our first of 5 vintages of Goldschmidt (we had 2 vintages of Winderlea). These were the 1974 and 1975 plantings so even way back then they were legitimately mature plants. Warm site. Which is a little weird but that hillside you could write a whole book about so there’s that. That wine had the longest, fizziest secondary fermentation I can remember. Untasteable for months in barrel. Glad it held its own. Think we would have had a different approach to that fruit these days. Good stories there, too. Anyway, like it when the old school stuff hangs in there!

Seems like tons of subtle differences on that slope from Cameron to Maresh and Bella Vida. Is the south side of Worden Hill Road simply more challenging?

RT

[Richard_T_r_i_m_p_i]

1998 Torii Mor Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir:
Amazingly improbable journey for this to end up with me after what occurred. This came from the first harvest of what was then the new planting at Seven Springs. Some combination of Pommard and Dijon 115 but I only know that because it’s written on the back label. Super fine and silky texture… It’s really nice actually. It’s comforting. It speaks to how good this vineyard was/is and the super old-school wine making methodology in action. I think anyone here would consider this a treat and it’s nice for me to have this bottle journey all the way back to me.
This also smoked two Burgs. One a GC, the other a top, top 1er from highly regarded producers of from less than heralded vintages.

That’s an impressive rarity! Thanks for sharing. I’ve only got a few 7 Springs left (Bethel Heights, Evesham and St. I) plus a couple of Evening Lands.

RT

[Jim_Anderson]

2002 Patricia Green Cellars Goldschmidt Pinot

Blast from the past! That was our first of 5 vintages of Goldschmidt (we had 2 vintages of Winderlea). These were the 1974 and 1975 plantings so even way back then they were legitimately mature plants. Warm site. Which is a little weird but that hillside you could write a whole book about so there’s that. That wine had the longest, fizziest secondary fermentation I can remember. Untasteable for months in barrel. Glad it held its own. Think we would have had a different approach to that fruit these days. Good stories there, too. Anyway, like it when the old school stuff hangs in there!

Seems like tons of subtle differences on that slope from Cameron to Maresh and Bella Vida. Is the south side of Worden Hill Road simply more challenging?

RT

It’s a fairly vast area that, as you know, might be the most densely planted section of land in Oregon. The topography is crazy there with not only significant elevation changes in tight spaces there are multiple aspects and significant micro-climates. Vineyards there also have some unusual shapes and contours. Look at Maresh Vineyard as a huge example of non-contiguous blocks forming a single site. I have worked with fruit from five vineyards (Weber, Arcus, Goldschmidt/Winderlea, Lillie’s and Murto) and they’re all completely different from one another. Throw in significant sites like Abbey Ridge, Maresh, Clos Electrique, Le Pavillon, Charlie’s, Erath, Powell Hill, Niederberger, Oracle and others and you have a significant chunk of Oregon vineyard history all on one road but with incredible diversity across them. Seriously, a deep dive on just this road’s producers, history and current production let alone the wines would be a significant undertaking.

[J_e_s_s_e_C]

Thanks for doing this. Introduction to great Oregon producers has been one of the highlights of this board. The winemaker participation is a huge part of that, which has continued on this thread.

Here are a first two from Patricia Green and Twill. Twill, by the way, has performed really well for me this past year. Everything from the $20 entry chard to this single vineyard one below have been very good, as have been the syrahs. I’d say, these wines from Twill, along with Brick House chard, are my top personal Oregon discoveries for the year.

Have pulled a Walter Scott, Vincent, and Goodfellow as well and will see what we can get to this week to further support the cause.

2016 Twill Cellars Chardonnay Molly’s Vineyard Willamette Valleys - 12/12/2020 -
Great Oregon chard. On first opening right out of fridge, smell and tastes noticeably of yeast and bread. Almost like some champagnes. With air and at a more appropriate temperature, that fades away. Wine is slightly reductive, floral, mineral, lemon. Touch of caramel or nuttiness. What seems like good weight and extract. dry persistent finish. Very happy with this wine.

2013 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Berserkers’ Cuvée Willamette Valley - 12/12/2020 -
Last bottle of a case. Fruit driven aromatics. Tastes primarily of cherries, with a bit of warm earth / mushroom. Maybe a touch of cola. Back end reveals some spice and perhaps a bit of dried orange zest. Ripe but balanced. A tiny bit of perceived alcohol at the end, but otherwise a nice drink.

[James_Lyon]

Jim A., if you are doing some light reading this afternoon, do you have a tasting note preference between 1994 Torii Mor Reserve Pinot, 2000 PGC Estate Pinot or 2000 PGC Balcombe Pinot. Perhaps the 2000 PGC Balcombe as a comparison to the 1999 Torii Mor Balcombe that was rocking last Sunday night.

[Jim_Anderson]

Jim A., if you are doing some light reading this afternoon, do you have a tasting note preference between 1994 Torii Mor Reserve Pinot, 2000 PGC Estate Pinot or 2000 PGC Balcombe Pinot. Perhaps the 2000 PGC Balcombe as a comparison to the 1999 Torii Mor Balcombe that was rocking last Sunday night.

94 TM Reserve, eh? That’s some dedication. That’s one block from Olson Vineyard from a piece planted as the Old McDaniel Vineyard in 1972. Can’t imagine what that’s like but the 98 was way better than I imagined last night. I would see be curious but I would have a back up bottle at the ready, too.

[Pat_K]

It seemed like I had just bought my first half-case of PGC when I got the sad news about Patricia. So in her memory I’m happy to post and to support the Dakin Humane Society.

Patricia Green PN Marine Sedimentary, Chehalem Mountains 2015

Crimson to garnet; a few bubbles on the rim. Medium legs. Aromas of red fruit and the earth: cherry most dominant, a bit dusty, hints of raspberry, mushroom, vanilla, light toast and stems. On the palate, red fruit dominance continues but that hint of earthiness is still there. Medium body, linear texture, medium plus finish, medium plus acidity. Impression: subtle yet distinct complexity, interesting effort. Have more bottles and it will be interesting to see how this evolves over time.

Patricia Green Cellars Berserker Cuvee, Willamette Valley, 2014

Ruby to crimson, medium legs. Aromas are fruit and spice-dominant: raspberry, cherry, hint of prune, medium toast, oak, vanilla, cinnamon, hint of clove, Herbs de Provence a bit of tea. On the palate, fruits continue, spices are enhanced, and toast/oak are minimal. Medium body, linear and polished texture. Finish is medium, acid medium plus. A varietally correct, balanced, and complex wine. Keeps drawing you back. Compelling. Fine to drink now, but has potential to last another 3 to 4 years. As Jay noted, the Berserker deals are quite the value IMHO.

Jim: I will send you a PM with further information. Please respond via PM. Thanks!

[Vincent_Fritzsche]

Somehow just finding this thread, goodness lots of great stuff here. I’ll join in but just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration David and all the great notes everyone!

[Pau1_M3nk3s]

Had this Gamay last night.

• 2018 Vincent Gamay Noir - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (12/12/2020)
  This is a wine that speaks very much of Gamay. Dark red color. Herbal aromatics. Palate is herbal with earth and mild red fruits. Seems like it will continue to age nicely. Excellent. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

[Bob_Hughes]

We’ve got some baked Salmon for dinner tonight, so I opened up two 2016 Chardonnays from Marcus, the Richard’s Cuvee and the Durant vineyard.

In certain vintages I have difficulty picking a favorite between these two wines, but tonight there’s no contest - the Richard’s is crisp and focused on the palate, with lively acidity. I’ve had both of these wines multiple times since their release, so i can’t recall right now if I have always felt the Richard’s was superior, but it is clearly in the zone right now.

Which is not to say that I would kick the Durant out of bed for eating crackers, but tonight it is a clear step behind the other wine

[Jud_Reis]

2015 Franny Beck Pinot Noir Johan Vineyard - Berserker day purchase. Popped and poured at cellar temp. Dark earth, Sweet Asian spices and spicy underbrush on the nose. Nice balance of sweet dusty black cherry fruit and acidity with tannic structure that is resolved but very present. Really in a lovely spot 5 years out with some room to continue to improve.

[brigcampbell]

Had this Gamay last night.

• 2018 Vincent Gamay Noir - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (12/12/2020)
  This is a wine that speaks very much of Gamay. Dark red color. Herbal aromatics. Palate is herbal with earth and mild red fruits. Seems like it will continue to age nicely. Excellent. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker
IMG_20201212_193639635_PORTRAIT.jpg
IMG_20201212_202804066_PORTRAIT.jpg

Nice. The 2016 bjornson is one of the best wines I’ve ever tasted. Probably top 10.

Blind, it took down Kutch, William Selym, Beaux Frere and a couple others.

Damn near perfect.

[Todd_Hamina]

That makes sense Brig, as Vincent is a defender of the faith.

[Mike_Evans]

Tonight’s cold fried chicken called for a Chardonnay and Vincent delivered:

2014 Vincent Chardonnay - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (12/13/2020)
The medium-bodied white fruit with a lemon twist, minerality, salinity, and tangy acidity are very reminiscent of a good Jura ouillé Chardonnay. Delicious and an outrageous value. (91 pts.)

And in honor of the cause, my own rescued Furkid:

[James_Lyon]

Jim A., if you are doing some light reading this afternoon, do you have a tasting note preference between 1994 Torii Mor Reserve Pinot, 2000 PGC Estate Pinot or 2000 PGC Balcombe Pinot. Perhaps the 2000 PGC Balcombe as a comparison to the 1999 Torii Mor Balcombe that was rocking last Sunday night.

94 TM Reserve, eh? That’s some dedication. That’s one block from Olson Vineyard from a piece planted as the Old McDaniel Vineyard in 1972. Can’t imagine what that’s like but the 98 was way better than I imagined last night. I would see be curious but I would have a back up bottle at the ready, too.

Hahaha. We’ve met before right? I’m just teasing. No on the dedication. I graduated high school in 1994 at 17.

As you and others know, I’m an ardent supporter of Oregon wines and foolishly take calculated risks on wines at auction. Thankfully, I’ve been fortunate on a majority of the wines.

Back to the 1994 Torii Mor Reserve Pinot, it’s still alive! I opened the bottle around 4PM and it’s kicking. I kinda fudged the opening because my ah so was not downstairs. The cork was very soft and actually about 1/4 inch of the bottom cork separated from the remaining cork, so I pushed the cork into the bottle. First taste was very good. More notes shortly.

[Pau1_M3nk3s]

Had this Gamay last night.

• 2018 Vincent Gamay Noir - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (12/12/2020)
  This is a wine that speaks very much of Gamay. Dark red color. Herbal aromatics. Palate is herbal with earth and mild red fruits. Seems like it will continue to age nicely. Excellent. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker
IMG_20201212_193639635_PORTRAIT.jpg
IMG_20201212_202804066_PORTRAIT.jpg

Nice. The 2016 bjornson is one of the best wines I’ve ever tasted. Probably top 10.

Blind, it took down Kutch, William Selym, Beaux Frere and a couple others.

Damn near perfect.

That 2016 Bjornson was great! Unfortunately mine have all been quaffed. Tonight, we are eating and drinking leftovers, and I’m contemplating the differences between Vincent’s Gamay and Cru Beaujolais. For me, I think the Cru Bojo I typically drink usually has an iron (ferric? ferrous?) note, but not Vincent. Tonight I’m getting crunchy red fruit tending to raspberry, along with green herbal notes. Simply delicious.

[Mattstolz]

Walter Scott Gamay Noir 2019
Such a drinkable and food friendly wine. I love that you can immediately recognize this as an Oregon red, even though it’s not Pinot. It’s a little bit redder fruit, it’s a little less spice box, but it’s packed with fruit and minerality and depth. This is just day 1 note but I can only imagine this will improve with bottle time

Gotta add: there should be a plethora of Willamette notes from the Walter Scott tasting yesterday! Where are those??