Walla Walla’s Rasa Vineyards Rocks – Billo Naravane is a rock star winemaker, and the vineyards he uses to make his rockin’ wines are in the coveted “rocks” area on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla appellation (where the Cayuse vineyards are located.) In just five vintages, Rasa is a mailing list/waiting list winery. [...]
Oregon Riesling From Ovum Wines
It takes something remarkable to turn our heads. John House and Ksenija Kostic at Ovum did exactly that last week with two stunning Rieslings. Ovum Wines Off the Grid Riesling 2011 $21.55 in any 12 bottle order or Build a Case* ($23.95 regular) So mouthwatering my nose puckered when the wine hit the glass. [...]
Patricia Green Cellars 2012 Pinot noir Futures
I’m putting my money on the Patty Green 2012 Pinots, buying a serious cellarful. I invite you to join me. Patty’s 2012′s are a must-try. They exceed expectations – tasting them in barrel last month was a revelation. This is everything you want in big Oregon Pinots times ten. Intriguing, elusive and hedonistically huge, I [...]
Five New Oregon Pinots from Evesham Wood
Five New Oregon Pinots from Evesham Wood & Haden Fig Every year Evesham Wood and its co-winery Haden Fig produce unbeatable values in small production Oregon Pinot noir. The wines are always Avalon bestsellers and favorites. Winemaker Erin Nuccio has a string of new releases including five cellar-worthy Pinots under $30, plus the fantastic summer [...]
Seven Hills Old Vine Walla Walla Cabernet Seven Hills Vineyard Wine Spectator 93 Pts
From Walla Walla’s oldest Cabernet vines (30 years!) comes today’s first outstanding wine, the Wine Spectator 93-point Seven Hills Walla Walla Cab 2010. We liked it so much we selected it for our Big Reds Wine Club. It’s fantastic! The second wine is Guardian Cellar’s flagship: Gun Metal 2010. This will be one of the [...]
Illahe Vineyards: Oregon Winery to Know
You want to know about Illahe. The 2012 Illahe whites are ambrosia in a bottle: a rich Pinot gris, a layered Gruner, and an intense Viognier. We are most drawn to wineries like Illahe. The owners grow their own grapes and are deeply committed to the longterm: Lowell Ford has 30+ years experience in the [...]
Oregon Pinot noir Values: Worth the Wait
Hello from Marcus at Avalon Wine, I have two new Oregon Pinot noir values worth the wait. While nearly all of the sub-$25 2010 Oregon Pinots have been sold out for months, Et Fille and Whistling Dog waited patiently until their wines were ready. And man are they ready! Et Fille Willamette Valley 2010 [...]
Patricia Green Cellars “Dollar Bills Only” Pinot noir
Patricia Green Cellars: a down-to-earth winery where the “tasting bar” is a plank over two barrels. That down-to-earth style is reflected in their Pinots, especially today’s steal of a Pinot: Dollar Bills Only, for less than $15! Patty and Jim’s Pinots are big and juicy, dark and earthy. Of their dozen single vineyard selections, our [...]
Ken Wright Cellars’ New Wine Spectator Ratings
Wine Spectator’s Insider just came out, featuring a line-up of Ken Wright 2010 Pinots. You’ll find them here. And it’s last call on one of the highest-scoring Pinots of the 2010 vintage, Bethel Heights Casteel Reserve Pinot noir 2010. Wine Spectator 93 Points Ken Wright Cellars Yamhill-Carlton District Savoya Vineyard 2010 $49.45 in any 12 [...]
Oregon Wine: Crowley Wines 2011
We often joke about all the mistakes young wineries make, so it’s especially refreshing to see a young winery that’s doing everything right: Crowley. Tyson, Emily, Evan and crew are making incredible wines with integrity and keeping their prices modest. Crowley Wines Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2011 $22.45 in any 12 bottle order or Build a [...]
