Summer in the Vineyard

I have had some mighty fine wine lately...how about you? Memorial Day brought a number of new releases (but old favorites) to the public. Jim Prosser does it again with his amazing Provocateur Pinot Noir (I'm tasting it as I write!) and his Glass White Pinot Noir. I can hardly wait for his single vineyard Pinot Noir releases. Jim is a winemaker dedicated to the purity of winemaking, and he never disappoints. I also had a chance to visit St. Innocent's new winery west of Salem (near one of my other favorites - Bethel Heights). St. Innocent's is a beautiful facility overlooking the valley. If you go to their holiday open houses - don't go with a full stomach! They had some amazing food -- and all for $10. French Market Soup, grilled sausages, delicious bread and cheese, lovely strawberries dipped in chocolate...yum! Certainly a different look and feel from the industrial strip mall site in Salem -- great job! And let's not forget Owen Roe. David had his wine tasting the weekend before Memorial Day. He had a couple of amazing vertical tastings the best of which was the DuBrul Vineyard Merlot, from 1999 to 2005. Absolutely incredible flavors of dark rich berry/cherry, full mouth feel, lovely nose -- just inhale that nose! Call me (503-310-4576) or comment to my blog if you have had a similar experience with a new wine or release. I love hearing from you!