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“Wines of the Columbia Gorge” Tuesday November 11, 2008 Speaker: Robert Morus, President Phelps Creek Vineyards, President of the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and Washington is home to over 30 wineries and vineyards. Climate and terrain range from conditions found in Germany, France’s Burgundy and northern Rhone Valley and Italy's northwest Piedmont. From the cool, western end of the Gorge come delicate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays; moving eastward, warmer-weather grapes such as Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernets and Gewurztraminer share the spotlight. The tasting showcased the broad diversity of growing conditions within the Columbia Gorge Wine District. Prices are full markup retail price. We asked for two votes for favorite white and two votes for favorite red. 2007 Phelps Creek Vineyards, "Estate Reserve", Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge AVA was the favorite white. 2007 Phelps Creek Vineyards, Oak Ridge, Dry Gewürztraminer, Columbia Gorge AVA tied for second place white with 2007 Viento, "Select Harvest"-Columbia Gorge Vineyards, Riesling, Columbia Gorge AVA. 2007 The Pines 1857, "Old Vine", Zinfandel, Columbia Valley AVA was the favorite red. Tied for second place red were 2007 The Pines 1857, "Old Vine", Zinfandel, Columbia Valley AVA and 2006 Phelps Creek Vineyards, Celilo, Merlot, Columbia Gorge AVA. Flight I: White Votes Full Retail Price $ 2007 Phelps Creek Vineyards, Oak Ridge, Dry Gewürztraminer, Columbia Gorge AVA Spice in nose and palate. Round, balanced, long finish. Tied for second place. 8 $20.00 2007 Viento, Underwood Mountain Vineyard, Grüner Veltliner, Columbia Gorge AVA The Underwood Mountain Vineyard looks down on the Columbia River from an elevation of 1200 ft. This first harvest shows intense fruit, crisp lime, spice, and wood on nose and palate. Austere. Dry style. 5 $55.00 2007 The Pines 1852, Pinot Gris, Columbia Gorge AVA Green apple and grapefruit with a hint of pear. This fruity, crisp Pinot Gris is best if served chilled and enjoyed on a warm summer day. 5 $18.00 2007 The Pines 1852, Viognier, Columbia Valley AVA Floral bouquet and smooth, silky long finish. Hints of apricot and caramel linger in your mouth. High acidity. 4 $19.00 2007 Phelps Creek Vineyards, "Estate Reserve", Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge AVA Big nose, rich in aromas of spice, butterscotch and pear. Big wine, very long finish. The favorite of this flight 13 $26.00 2007 Viento, "Select Harvest"-Columbia Gorge Vineyards, Riesling, Columbia Gorge AVA This is winemaker Rich Cushman’s estate vineyard. At 25 years of age, This vineyard may well be the oldest Riesling planting in the region. The alcohol is just under 11%, but there is plenty of acid under the fruit, despite its off-dry designation; flavors suggest pears and peaches, detailed with spice and stone. Quite fruity but still has minerality and subtle herbal flavors. Tied for second favorite of this flight. 8 $20.00 Flight II: Red Votes Full Retail Price $ 2007 Phelps Creek Vineyards, "Cuvee Alexandrine", Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge AVA Bright color of black cherries. Delicate nose, with hints of raspberry, black cherry and black pepper spice. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with a long finish. Aging for 5 years plus will add to the wines complexity. 2 $42.00 2007 Syncline Wine Cellars, "Estate Blend"-Steep Creek Ranch Vineyard Grapes: Blend of 61% Syrah, 34% Grenache, 5% Mouvedre. First vintage. Aromas and flavors of exotic spices with ripe raspberries, and cracked pepper. Amazing concentration and finesse from a cool growing region. Only 50 cases produced. 4 $26.00 2005 Dominio IV, "Old Man Looking East", Syrah, Columbia Gorge AVA Deep red color. Big toasty oak nose, hints of smoke, dark roasted coffee, black stone fruits, and berry flavors, hints of licorice, mint and anise. Layering of flavors, complex and lush. 8 $30.00 2006 Phelps Creek Vineyards, Celilo, Merlot, Columbia Gorge AVA Berry flavors with nice backbone and richness, complemented by smoky flavors from American oak barrels. Placed second in this flight. 11 $24.00 2005 Dominio IV, "Midnight Skies",Tempranillo, Columbia Gorge AVA Aroma and palate of dark fruits, dark cherry, cassis, chocolate and black licorice. 5 $26.00 2007 The Pines 1852, "Old Vine", Zinfandel, Columbia Valley AVA Made by Peter Rosback. 100 year old vines. Deep garnet color, black berry fruit aromas, complex flavors of black pepper, plum and raspberry, somewhat sweet. Full bodied, long finish. Amazing. The favorite red. 14 $36.00 Top