All of us enjoyed the 2006 Angela Pinot Noir from Oregon, which we tasted together. It was rich, lush Pinot from Oregon's highly respected Ken Wright. Naturally, we had to taste it several times to confirm our first impressions. Our own Scott Schaefer enthusiastically wrote up his notes on the spot, giving the wine 94 Esquin points. I thought you might enjoy reading his notes below.
Cheers!
Arnie
Last night I had the pleasure of tasting a fantastic Pinot Noir from our neighbors to the south, Oregon. This wine has it all; the classic varietal characteristics that too many Oregon Pinots lack, the complexity of a Premier Cru Burgundy, enough grip and tannin to suggest short term cellaring...and, as if that weren't enough, the wine is crafted by none other than the Godfather of Oregon winemaking, Ken Wright. This is only their second vintage, but their first made quite a splash in the wine community, earning a 93 point rating from the Wine Spectator (I have included the review of the 2005, but that wine is not currently available). The highly touted 2006 vintage shines through in their latest effort, which displays a degree of elegance when compared to other 2006 Oregon Pinots I have encountered, this medium to full bodied effort tips the scales at a mere 13.5% ABV, instead of the 14-15.5% that encumbers some of its peers from Oregon in 2006. Supplies are limited on this wine and once the rating is released it will vanish in short order.
2005 Angela Pinot Noir Clawson Vineyard- 93 points Wine Spectator
Lithe and light, this is open-textured, an expressive wine, with floral and balsamic accents to the effusive raspberry and red plum fruit, lingering as the finish waxes. Impressive length and balance. Drink now through 2015. 300 cases made.
2006 Angela Pinot Noir Clawson Vineyard- 94 Esquin Points- $52.99/bottle
Deep ruby hued, lightening slightly at the edge. Classic Oregon nose, with notes of ripe plum and black cherry almost overshadowing the more subtle black tea and forrest floor notes that are present. The palate is silky but assertive, with black raspberry and bing cherry on display, with a touch of white pepper in the finish. An incredible wine that is completely harmonious and in balance, with a finish that refuses to quit.
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( 3 / 91 )An Italian Food & Wine Adventure
Wines & Truffles of Piedmont, Liguria, Tuscany & Umbria
September 25- October 5, 2008
Join Arnie Millan on an exclusive 12-day wine journey to Piedmont, Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. Sample fine Barolo's, Barbaresco's before heading south to taste some of Tuscany's finest Brunello and Chianti wines with world class producers. Along the way we'll will enjoy towering hill towns, the stunning Italian Riviera, private walks with fascinating, local guides, a truffle hunt and meet the producers of wine, olive oil and grappa.
For a detailed Itinerary, including costs, please reply to this email or visit Piedmont Trip
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( 2.9 / 76 )Sommelier Arnie Millan will host a two-part series of classes which will focus on the wines of the Rhone, their history and their effects on the world of wine. The first class, on Sunday March 2nd, features the Northern Rhone Valley from Cote-Rotie to Saint-Peray. The second class, on Sunday March 9th, explores the Southern Rhone Valley with its great villages dominated by the renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
The Rhone Valley is home to some of France's greatest wines, from noble Hermitage in the North to Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the South. The ancient Greeks and Romans planted vines here. Local princes and militia erected watchtowers to guard against invasions of the notorious Saracens from Spain. The Papacy moved here for a brief but unforgettable period, thereafter bringing great prestige to the area.
In short, this is a region with a wondrous past yet whose present achievements in wine attract the world's attention. The wines of the Rhone continue to exert a huge influence on wines being produced around the world, from Washington State to Australia and South Africa.
We will taste 6-8 wines per class from most of the greatest appellations. The classes begin at 4:00 p.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. each Sunday at the Warwick Seattle Hotel at 401 South Lenora in downtown Seattle. Cost is $79 for each class or $140 for the two-class series.
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