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By Jean Yates, on February 18th, 2012 As noted on our Facebook page, the Third Annual “Dragging of the Gut” Festival is being held in McMinnville, Oregon on August 24-25. While it’s about driving up and down Main Street on Saturday night ala American Graffiti, it can be interpreted in another rather hilarious way. I’m hoping there’s a little belly as well as cruising action.
It’s happening at the high season for wine touring in late August. And is on the same street as a handful of wine country’s best restaurants, so you can combine the delicious with the unique in one never to be repeated experience.
By Jean Yates, on February 17th, 2012 Hiking through OSU’s Macdonald Forest to visit families. Babies, teenagers, baby boomers, grannies, and the graves of past generations. Families of fir and oak and cedar and maple and spruce and redwood and huckleberry and birch and buckhorn.
This photo I took north of the Saddle last weekend sums it up for me. In the foreground, newly planted trees in white mesh bags, below them, slash from a new clear cut, behind it the adolescents (15-20 yrs) and up on the mountains, a patchwork from babies to matriarchs. Deep in the forest, the bones – stumps 20 feet across and old, moss covered logs that tower over me even though the are laying on the ground.
When I first moved to Oregon 27 years ago, I hated the clear cuts. I saw them as scars on the scenery. And when they’re left un-managed, I curse the owners. But for a forest like the Mac, tended by OSU’s School of Forestry, I can get behind the forest’s cycle of life. Hiking along the old logging roads I see their beauty, the wildflowers, the new life. I still hate and cry to see old growth cut – it just seems unnecessary and mean spirited when there’s so little left. But the changes in a working forest are OK by me. – Jean
By Marcus Looze, on February 2nd, 2012  As much as I love Oregon and Washington wine, when I make meatballs there’s no substitute for an Italian red. Really, whenever I cook Italian-inspired food (that’s half the time) I’m reaching for a great value Italian red, so I’m always hunting for the next find. At the risk of selling my stash of favorites, here are two of my new go-to Thursday night Italian reds.
Podere San Giovanni Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 05
$15.75 in any 12 bottle order
$17.50 retail
I’d love it if Brunello was something I could drink on a regular old Thursday night, with homemade meatballs. Since that’s not in my budget I reach for San Giovanni Vino Nobile 05. It’s made from Sangiovese (a local clone, Prugnolo Gentile) with a splash of Canaiolo. The little bit of age has made this flat out delicious. The berry fruit, spice, and rustic nature works perfectly with food. After the meatballs were gone, I couldn’t help but finish the bottle.
Ca del Baio Barbera Paolina 09
$13.05 in any 12 bottle order
$14.50 retail
It always makes sense to have a Barbera in the house – such a versatile wine. The Paolina, from one of my favorite Barbaresco producers, has all the charm of the warm 2009 vintage balanced by food-friendly acidity. You can pair this with just about anything, from roasted chicken to pizza, and it makes a great party wine too.
By Jean Yates, on January 25th, 2012 Hi – Jean here -
 At Avalon, we are only as good as our wine recommendations. You have to be able to depend on our skill at finding the best and standing behind them.
After 25 years, 15 of those online, I think we’re a proven success – over and again, we’ve offered you the new, tiny production, and hard to find.
Today we’re doing it again with two hand picked reds. We think you’ll love them.
Remy Wines Three Wives Red 2009
$16.16 in any 12 bottle order
$17.95 retail
Wine Club Price $15.26 in any 12 bottle order
Bergevin Lane Moonspell Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
$26.95 in any 12 bottle order
$29.95 retail
 This is a favorite of mine. I can depend on the Moonspell – it’s a proven hit whether we’re watching the Super Bowl or making a gourmet meal. – Jean
Bergevin’s Cabernets stand out in the crowded Walla Walla wine scene. The Moonspell is smooth and rich, with interesting hints of berries, spice, and smoke.
If you’re watching football, try it with garlic toasted croutons and chunks of Canadian extra sharp Cheddar. For a special dinner, serve it with leg of lamb roasted with rosemary and garlic, Yukon gold potatoes, and a dark chocolate torte for dessert. – Jean
By Marcus Looze, on August 3rd, 2011  We reserve the things that are special to us. Having just returned from a five-day canoe trip to the magical Boundary Waters Wilderness in northern Minnesota, the concept of a reserve is on my mind. It’s a paradox: we deliberately set aside those special things that we most eagerly anticipate. When the moment is right, we delight in their excellence.
Back in the world of highways, smart phones, and Pinot, I’m thankful that Oregon winemakers appreciate the concept of a reserve too. They set aside those magical barrels, deliberately creating a reserve that you’ll delight in when the moment is right.
Belle Pente Pinot noir Estate Reserve 2008 – Tanzer 93 Points http://www.northwest-wine.com/Belle-Pente-Pinot-noir-Reserve-2008.html
$39.55 in any 12 bottle order ($43.95 retail)
Unquestionably Belle Pente’s finest 08 Pinot, it gives meaning to the word “Reserve.” The New York Times chose Belle Pente’s entry-level Willamette Valley Pinot as their top 2008 Oregon wine, and this is exponentially better. More depth and layers, more age-worthy structure. Packed with dark berries, shaded with field herbs and earth, this is ethereal Pinot noir that should rest in your cellar - it’s a standout of the 2008 vintage.
Johan Nils Reserve Pinot noir 2008 – Tanzer 92 Points http://www.northwest-wine.com/product4506.html
$39.55 in any 12 bottle order ($43.95 retail)
With my over-the-top reaction to the Johan Three Barrel 08, the Nils got somewhat overlooked. It deserves better - Nils Reserve 08 is a beautiful wine that shares many of the best traits of the Three Barrel. Hugely complex and attractive aromas, with fresh blackberry and dark cherry providing fruit oomph. Superb balance and low alcohol will allow this to age for over a decade.
By Jean Yates, on July 22nd, 2011  Hello from Andy at Avalon Wine -
Summer camp, golf camp, band camp - they have nothing on Pinot Camp. Three days in Oregon Wine Country, immersed in all things Oregon Pinot. I was lucky enough to go this summer (you have to be invited, and part of the wine industry).
Through all the delicious Pinot I tasted - we’re talking hundreds of wines - one special Pinot stood out above the rest: 2008 Witness Tree Claim #51.
There were a lot of big personalities at Pinot Camp and wading through some of the pomp revealed the Leonard Cohen of Pinot noir. A deep, dark, classy feel that will only get better with a little age.
Claim 51 is made from 2 blocks of the upper vineyard (about one acre) looking down over the winery. Full and finished from splash to swallow. Wonderfully smooth red fruit with a lasting grip which had me proclaiming ‘hallelujah’ in want for a second taste, immediately after the first. With less than 100 cases made, everybody won’t know about this wine but they should.
Witness Tree Claim 51 Pinot noir 08
$43.16 in any 12 bottle order ($47.95 retail)
Wine Club members get 15% off orders for Witness Tree Claim 51 08 and Benchmark 08 ($40.76). Witness Tree Benchmark was a June 2011 Reserve Pinot noir Wine Club selection.
Check out all the Witness Tree wines here.
You can order online, by email or phone. I’m looking forward to helping stock your cellar!
 Thanks for reading,
Andy
Andy Osterhaus
Customer Service Manager and Serious Wine Geek
Avalon Wine
541-752-7418
store@avalonwine.com
By Jean Yates, on July 20th, 2011 Well I’ll be — ANOTHER no-brainer from Washington just hit the Wine Spectator today: Januik Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 08, 94 points and a “Hot Wine” in today’s Insider.
 Washington 2008 reds are cleaning up with huge scores in the $30 range. Januik wines are consistently excellent — Mike Januik is one of the most experienced Washington producers.
Like our last couple Washington offerings, Baer Ursa 08 and Dunham Syrah 07, I expect the Januik Cab to sell out quickly…so order now!
You can order online, by email or phone. We’re looking forward to helping stock your cellar.
Wine Spectator 94 Points “HOT WINE”
Januik Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 08
$27.86 in any 12 bottle order
$30.95 retail
Wine Spectator – “Tightly wound, its blueberry, plum and crème brûlée flavors riding aristocratically over a layer of refined tannins. The finish persists and expands as it hints at mineral and wet earth. Best from 2013 through 2018.” – H.S.
This dark, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with cassis, blackberry, dark cocoa and warm vanilla notes in the nose. It lingers across the palate, imparting a long, polished finish that was developed in part from aging in new French oak barrels.- Mike Januik
By Jean Yates, on July 19th, 2011  With all the deserved hub-bub over Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Pinots and Chardonnays, one of their wines sells out faster than anything else: Celebration Gamay noir, from the oldest Gamay noir vines in America.
Evening Land Vineyards
Seven Springs Vineyard Gamay noir 2010
$17.95 in any 12 bottle order ($19.95 retail)
http://www.northwest-wine.com/Evening-Land-Seven-Springs-Gamay-noir.html
We tasted the 2010 Gamay yesterday and it totally rocks. From vines planted in 1983 comes a serious Gamay noir, packed with intensity, gushing with super-juicy black raspberry and cherry, mixing with earth and peppery accents that pop on the finish. It’s both deep and pretty. I recommend decanting if you are drinking this young - it will age very nicely for a few years.
Previous vintages have sold out rapidly. In 2010, Evening Land had 1/2 their normal yields of Gamay. Only 196 cases were made, the price didn’t go up by a penny (still under $20!) and it’s all staying in Oregon – unless we ship it to you!
By Jean Yates, on July 8th, 2011  We pride ourselves on being the early birds.
When small production, insider hot wines get mega-reviews, we’re often the first bird to grab the worm, or wine. We made calls at the right time, so even with the small lots we have plenty to share with you!
Wine Spectator 95 Points
“HOT WINE”
Baer Ursa Red 08
$32.36 in any 12 bottle order
$35.95 retail
I’ve seen it written and I’ll echo it here: the Baer Ursa 08, with its 95 point score and relatively low price, seems a no brainer for Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2011. Whether or not that happens, this red is not to be missed. - Marcus
 Wine Spectator - “This has great presence, offering a dense cloud of blackberry, cherry and spice flavors that hover, almost weightless, over a sleek frame of fine tannins, with just enough acidity to keep it fresh. The finish sails on beautifully. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2012 through 2020.” H.S.
Wine Spectator 93 Points
Cardwell Hill Pinot noir Pommard Block 09
$26.95 in any 12 bottle order
$29.95 retail
Being a fan of Pommard clone Pinot, I was eager to try Cardwell’s newest addition. I’ll admit surprise – I agreed with the Wine Spectator score! The scents are sooo  pretty, with pure raspberry that carries all the way through the finish. They hadn’t even released this when the review came out, and I recommend cellaring for another year or two. Cardwell Hill is located a stone’s throw from Avalon, just outside Corvallis. - Marcus
Wine Spectator - “Lithe, supple, focused and distinctive for a sea breeze character that wafts through the strawberry, raspberry, tobacco and spice flavors, mingling with polish as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2019.” H.S.
By Jean Yates, on July 6th, 2011  Every June that I’ve been at Avalon, I’ve held out for sunscreen days and one of my top ten Oregon Pinot noirs: Black Cap. This week they’re finally both here.
Jason Lett’s Black Cap has gone from totally insider cult wine to kind-of-well-known insider wine! Successive 93 and 94 point ratings from Wine Advocate helped, but the truth is in the taste. Our customers love Black Cap Pinot noir.
And I love Black Cap Pinot noir 09.
Black Cap Pinot noir 09 -
$42.26 in any 12 bottle order ($46.95 retail)
http://www.northwest-wine.com/Black-Cap-pinot-noir.html
Black Cap Pinots have one thing in common across the vintages – every wine has aromas that produce a Pavlovian response… they make you salivate for what you’re about to taste. Fresh-picked raspberries, the ineffable allure of morel mushrooms, a floral lift. It is supple and creamy, with a finish that starts shyly and builds with time.
Like all Pinots that come out of the Eyrie cellar, this is made for aging and should be decanted if you are drinking it soon (which you should, just for the hell of it!). Jason has grown Black Cap from a microscopic bottling to one of Oregon marquee wines.
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