The Undiscovered Country: Part I

July 19, 2007

By Leigh Brown
Leigh's Wine Buzz

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting a part of Oregon I never knew existed. With hills full of green and views of incredible heights, one would wonder why people do not pass through the valleys of Lane County more frequently. While there was some sadness to see that others were not partaking in the bounty of food and wine in this area, I was internally gladdened to see that I did not have to wait in lines of traffic to visit a tasting room or two (or five!) and experience what Lane County had to offer. It was a treasure and a treat.

I was lucky to have a driver for this trip since I was quite unfamiliar with the area. Josh Alder from the Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon (CVALCO) was kind enough to drive my boyfriend and me around for a day of wine tasting. And from start to finish, I was thoroughly impressed. Our first stop was at Territorial Vineyards & Wine Company where we met up with John Jarboe and Alan Mitchell. This urban hot spot has its vineyards (Equinox and Bellpine Vineyards) amongst the foothills of the coastal range and was founded by two families. But this trendy tasting room in the Whiteaker neighborhood still has the smell of fermented grapes next door, which lingers and penetrates.

We sampled through whites and reds, and we found their three Pinot Noirs most enjoyable. Their 2005 Pinot Noir had a strikingly smoky, meaty nose with a hint of dried cherries on the palate. The most fascinating comparison was between the 2003 Pinot Noir Stone’s Throw and the 2003 Pinot Noir Capital T Reserve, of which only 150 cases are produced. You still get that meaty and almost vegetal edge on the Stone’s Throw but next is a mouthful of raspberry cooked jam and a spicy robust finish. To me, the Capital T is reminiscent of a NW Pinot Noir and one can only imagine from the nose what the flavors will be. Lots of velvet and plush dark fruits romance you with this Pinot. Along with a few barrel samples, we were lucky enough to try John’s private family owned label, Opine Cellars.

Syrah is my vice and his did not disappoint. He poured a luxurious 2004 Syrah with fruit from Chukar Ridge Vineyards and this sexy wine was brambly, tannic and lovely with blueberries and jam. Definitely perfect for that summer BBQ I crave multiple times during the week. Along with a pleasant array of wines, one can enjoy weekly live music in their quaint wine bar with funky art and sleek bar. For a nice afternoon or early evening respite, here is your in-town spot.

Being a Midwesterner, I’ve seen my share of country fairs but I’ve yet to experience the Oregon Country Fair. However, I did get to drive by it on our way to Secret House Winery in Veneta, Oregon. Established in 1991, Secret House sits right next to the massive fields where the Oregon Country Fair takes place. I met Patty Chappell, the gregarious owner of Secret House and you can see why such a winery is so special. The tasting room is small but you can see the barrels and wine making facilities through the glass behind the pouring station where Dali sketches hang and wine ferments. Patty took us on a walking tour of their estate and the first thing you see is the giant stage and field where live concerts take place. That evening, Social Distortion was to be performing; It is easy to see that this is a perfect spot for an outdoor show. She walked us through the gardens as well, which were filled with private areas to sit and sip wine and feel at home. We sampled a few wines but I was most impressed with the 2003 Pinot Noir that Patty so kindly handed us before walking through the gardens near their vineyards. It was silky and herbaceous with hints of dark cherries. It paired nicely with our walk and the light smell of flowers.

Located 15 minutes from Eugene, you can visit Silvan Ridge – Hinman Vineyards, which is the oldest winery in Lane County. Just walking up to the tasting room you have a most incredible view of the countryside. Cynthia Nickle, the event coordinator, brings such charm and warmth to the tasting room and only enhances the experience. At this point, I was most excited to see my boyfriend’s eyes light up and exclaim, “I never knew white wine could be so good!” And it surely was. I was taken on a stroll through peach trees and pear orchards with their 2006 Silvan Ridge Viognier. It most recently won gold and best of show winner at the Astoria Crab & Seafood Festival this year and silver medal at the Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition.

I immediately knew after my first whiff that this was something that was going to improve my summer. Almost tropical and quite romantic, this wine will cool you and calm you on an afternoon picnic. I also loved the 2004 Silvan Ridge Elizabeth’s Reserve, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah and named after the owner, Elizabeth Chambers. This one is most definitely a heavy hitter but in a good luscious way and bursting with berries. And for the sweet tooth, the 2002 Silvan Ridge Del Rio Portage is a dessert wine made from 100% Syrah (no wonder I loved it). It will only get better with its Port characteristics of chocolate, figs, caramel and plums...

Tune in next week for part two of Leigh's "Undiscovered Country"

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 (2)

Andrea:

Glad to hear you enjoy Lane County's wine country. I am, however, annoyed at the poor use of the pronoun "I"...

"Josh Alder from the Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon (CVALCO) was kind enough to drive my boyfriend and I around for a day of wine tasting.:"

This should say

"...was kind enough to drive my boyfriend and ME around for a day of wine tasting"

you woulnd't say "...was kind enought to drive "I" around for a day of wine tasting...having the boyfriend in there doesn't change the pronoun.

Posted by Andrea | July 23, 2007 11:04 AM

Ashley Moran:

Dear Andrea,

Thank you for your comment, and for catching that. The sentence you mentioned has been changed.

Sincerely,
Ashley Moran
Travel Oregon

Posted by Ashley Moran | July 25, 2007 10:40 AM

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