Wine Tsunami

March 12, 2007


Inspired to get away from the city, I decided to brave the coast and encounter massive wind, rain and (surprise!) wine. Lots of it. Trying to indulge in some quality time with myself, I encountered a downpour of spring in more ways than one. With a new season comes a new vintage and I happened upon a few wineries showing off their latest wines at various restaurants, galleries and shops during my day away. I hadn’t been to Cannon Beach in awhile and I had forgotten about the quaint wine shops in the downtown area.

To keep dry, I stepped inside The Wine Shack and chatted with owner Dean Reiman about his success in the wine biz while perusing his impressive collection. I was also happy to meet Brad McLeroy who was pouring wine from Ayres Winery. Brad was doing a tasting of two different Pinot Noirs, which were strikingly different and inspiring. My favorite was definitely his Estate Pinot Noir, which had some surprising yet lovely floral notes and an even more impressive presence in the mouth, expressing balance and integrity. Brad, unlike most men, is a multi-tasker (just kidding…sort of). He plays the role of vineyard manager and winemaker on top of promoting his charming wines.

After chatting with Brad, Dean informed me that there were other winemakers/wineries pouring their wares in and around Cannon Beach. The idea of diving into my book at a local coffee shop was what I had envisioned myself doing by this point, but sipping on wine was more enticing so off I went. I walked up the street to Laurel’s Wine Shop and the next thing I knew, Laurel herself was pouring me her soon-to-be-released 2006 Pinot Gris. Laurel, also a multi-tasker, does all of the vineyard management and winemaking as well. Her Pinot Gris has notes of peach and pear with creamy textures to envelope your tongue and make one beg for a glass. She informed me that she will be selling it in her shop soon once the labels are ready, so keep your eyes peeled.

Next I stumbled into a local pub to meet Dave Butler from Walnut City Wineworks . I tried both his Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and his Pinot Gris. I must have been in a peachy mood because I really enjoyed this Pinot Gris as well. This Pinot Gris was also well balanced and the aroma of stone fruit once again drifted up to my nose. It would have been nice to sit outside with a glass of this good stuff. Too bad it would soon be diluted by the pouring rain. Bugger. But there was more wine to be had because Emily Gladhart was at the North by Northwest Gallery pouring for Winter’s Hill Vineyard . Here I encountered not just Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir but their 2005 Early Muscat and 2004 Golden Nectar, a dessert wine similar to ice wine made from a blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat. I, not being much for sweet wines was thoroughly enchanted by both the Muscat and the Golden Nectar. I bought a bottle of her Muscat with visions of spicy Japanese food in mind. It had about 3% residual sugar that was begging for heat. Sushi and spicy ginger here we come! Hi-ya!

By this point it was late in the afternoon and lunch had slipped my mind hours ago. Continuing on my indulgent strut, I walked into Bistro Restaurant for some local cuisine and of course…more wine. The crisp and creamy whites still lingered on my tongue, and I soon forgot the torrential down pour and massive winds outside once I had a glass of the 2005 Henry Estate Pinot Noir in hand. This luscious red melted in my mouth and paired nicely with my salad and its creamy garlic and caper dressing. Next course was pasta with capers, parmesan cheese and parsley. Swirling wine in my glass and pasta around my fork, I was soon full and happy. But my eyes got a glimpse of the dessert tray and the chocolate ganache pecan tart called out to me. My server convinced me that homemade coffee ice cream would join forces with my treat and all he heard from me was, “Bring it on baby.” After my first bite, I was off to the races with a caffeine jolt five cups of coffee couldn’t compete with. Man, that ice cream had kick.

All and all, Cannon Beach proved a good companion for a solo traveler. Never was I lonely (or dry) and I always had a conversation in my glass.

Editor's Note: Leigh Brown works for Urban Wineworks in Portland and will be bring to life Oregon's wine scene in her bi-monthly column, Leigh's Wine Buzz.

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Comments (3)

David Justice:

Leigh! You are incredible! I can't to read your book someday =)

Posted by David Justice | March 12, 2007 4:58 PM

Earl Brown:

Sounds like a great trip! Nice job on the wine blog, where do you find the time?

Posted by Earl Brown | March 12, 2007 7:47 PM

Jeff Mathews:

Leigh,
You totally rock, this is very cool. I must make the trip and visit Brad and Dean. although the rain and wind makes my hair curly....

Posted by Jeff Mathews | March 13, 2007 6:46 PM

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