John Paul is both a brilliant winemaker and a killer humorist, publishing one of the funniest newsletters we've ever seen. His Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are made from some of the finest vineyard sites in Oregon.
The red wines are dark, unfiltered, big, ageworthy, with intense flavors typical of French Burgundies of the Cote d' Or. His "Clos Electrique Blanc" Chardonnay is a blend of six different clones, also grown in his estate vineyard.
John makes wines from grapes harvested from Brickhouse Vineyard, Croft Vineyard, and Abbey Ridge Vineyard. He also makes an Italian-style Pinot Bianco "di Collini Rossi" ("from the Red Hills," his location above Dundee), a late-harvest Riesling called "Eugenia." and "Cameroni". Cameroni is the whimsical name of a Pinot Blanc from Oregon's Cameron Winery.
Careful attention to detail, restriction of yields, and a strong dose of independent thinking make these wines a cult favorite.
Wine First, Food Second
"A "Friends of Avalon"
Story By Jennifer Wright
Wine Reviewed:
Cameron Winery 2010 Giovanni Pinot Bianco
It's rare that a meal be served without wine at our house. Often this entails rummaging through the wine fridge ten minutes 'til go time, looking for a suitable match. But this night, bottle of Cameron Winery Pinot Blanc already in hand, I begin by creating a meal around the wine. A good bottle of white is the perfect excuse for me to get some delicious shellfish on the dinner menu.
A short walk to my local grocery store results in a couple of cod fillets, lump crab meat, some fresh tarragon, and an irresistible manila mango – my impulse purchase.
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Cameron Winery
Giovanni Pinot Blanc 2010
"A "Friends of Avalon"
Story
By Christina Kelly
The Northwest has sustained several days of sunshine, and I am looking for that perfect house white wine that works with lighter foods and brings back memories of summer music in the park.
With a menu of garlic shrimp and sesame noodles, you would think the flavors would overwhelm a more delicate wine. The 2010 Giovanni, from Cameron Winery, isn't delicate, but has a steady steam of citrus peel in the mouth that melds very well with the shrimp. It wasn't overwhelmed by the garlic or the sesame; it gently coated the food and added a nice texture.
But tasting this wine on its own tells me the pinot bianco will work with late spring and summer fare. It's under $14, which makes the quality to price a terrific bargain these days. It is crisp, clean, and pretty. In fact, this wine is a flirt—not a big flirt, but a pretty one who could be the undiscovered girl next door.
I would be surprised if this pretty girl lasts until summer. If you want your sweetie pie wine for the grilled chicken or halibut, I'd stock up on this baby now. She might just be homecoming queen some day.