Wines for your next event

I just recently came back from a great trip to Portland, Oregon and the Willamette Valley for some really good Pinot Noir tasting.  Most people overlook the area for wine tasting,  but it is a region that produces delicious pinot noirs with a price tag that matches.    So although it might be hard to fine a good Pinot from this region in a price range to match your growing guest list, I do have some suggestions of a few pinot noirs that you may consider for a very special intimate affair; celebrating your 1st year or silver wedding anniversary, 40th birthday or whatever that special occasion may be.

Adelsheim Pinot Noir is the wine that inspired me to travel to Oregon, as it is one of my favorite wines. Visiting the winery and tasting some of the other vintages was of course no disappointment. Their Elizabeth’s Reserve is most readily available and in comparision with the region, a great value.  Some people are not fans of Pinot Noirs since they tend to be on the lighter side, but I enjoy Adelsheim because it has some boldness and spiciness.  My other favorites during the trip were Archery Summit, Beaux Freres and Bergstrom. 

If you are looking for some special wines in the $40.00 range,  you can not go wrong with the 2005 Renegade Ridge Estate from Archery Summit.  Likewise at Bergstrom,  there had very good wines representing all different price ranges.  Within the same range,  I enjoyed both their 2006 Cumberland Reserve and 2006 de Lancellotti. 

At Beaux Freres,  a bottle certainly to be savored at your next special celebration, their 2006 Beaux Frères Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge valued at around $75.00.  Particularly what I found interesting at Beaux Freres is that the owner and winemaker was a regular ski bum, found this property at Beux Freres which originally was a pig farm.  Transformed this farm to a winery, practices bio-dynamics and now makes stellar Pinot Noirs.  How many of you wouldn’t like to be doing just the same! 

My weekend of wine tasting barely came close to visiting all the wineries there,  so stay tuned for future trips to the Willamette Valley!

Cheers!