2010 Cornerstone Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Pinot my old friend so luscious and silky. Love the holidays especially the traditional meals which pair nicely with my favorite varietal. Today I served the 2010 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir with my turkey, cranberry sauce and favorite stuffing. Beautiful pairing with the rich fruit in the wine paying a compliment to the flavors in the meal.

Right away your nose fills with ripe dark cherry and red raspberry showcasing the fruit of the vineyard. No doubt in my mind these berries were harvested at the perfect time. Cloves and cinnamon spice with a nice hint of earthiness. Soothing and inviting aromas.

Well done Pinot. Juicy cherry with hints of fresh strawberry and red raspberry followed by a slight tart cranberry. Warm cinnamon spice on the end finished the taste with elegance. A palate pleaser and one I think you will really enjoy.

To learn more about their wines produced in Oregon click the link Cornerstone Cellars or call 971-228-5758 to schedule your tasting today. It's a stop you won't want to miss. Craig and the gang have an award winner with this bottle.

Cheers
Dan

Older posts missing pictures

My apologies for those readers who are experiencing missing pictures on many of my older posts. Thank you for alerting me. It seems my phone decided to wipe out all my pics on the picasa web album on google. Slowly I am manually uploading everyone of them and as you can imagine 350 pics will take some time.

I hope each of you had a Happy Thanksgiving.

Cheers
Dan

PS: Yes I am enjoying wine while I reload. Would you think any less of me

2010 Cornerstone Oregon Chardonnay Willamette Valley

Simply delicious chardonnay was in the glass this evening from the vineyards in the Willamette Valley. I usually associate this region with Pinot . Actually the vineyards produce award winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris along with Reisling and Chardonnay. A special place growing exceptional grapes.

Once in the glass the fruit aromas pop into the nose. Fresh kiwi, pear and honeydew melon give you a tropical sensation. Lemon and lime citrus with hints of vanilla bean. Baking spice appears as I continue to swirl.

Definately fruit forward and very new world chardonnay. Tons of citrus with the lemon and honeydew melon, juicy kiwi and rich vanilla enveloped by a nice baking spice. Day 2 brought a nice touch of pear. The tropical fruit is so crisp and refreshing. Elegance in every sip.

Cornerstone has a big winner here with the 2010 Chardonnay. Stop by the Gaston tasting room and sip for yourself. Craig and the fine folks at Cornerstone will treat your palates. Check out their site Cornerstone Cellars  You will want to buy a few bottles....trust me the wino knows!

Cheers
Dan

Hurray Vouvray Part II on Tastelive

Tonight brought a very nice selection of Loire Valley Wines 5 in all celebrating Chenin Blanc! I found the wines refreshing, crisp and full of character. The event brought many of my wine blogging friends together for an enjoyable tasting.

Wine one was the Vincent Careme 2010 Vouvray Brut Cuvee T. Love starting with bubbles! Vanilla, grapefruit, loads of citrus, mineral notes, lemon zest. Excellent layers of flavor wrapped around minerality. The wine tickles your nose and treated your palate.

Wine two was the 2011 LeHaut-Lieu Sec. I found this wine very interesting with a slight funk when I first opened the bottle which quickly faded giving way to pear, green apple, mild orange zest, lemon/lime notes, nectarine, fresh almonds and hay. Nice mineral notes on the finish of this wine as well and the lime citrus accent. This may have been my favorite of the evening.

Wine 3 was the Gautier Benoit Vouvray Argilex 2010. Loved the fresh cut flower aroma as if you were standing in a field of daisy's. Red apple, lemon, citrus and nice honey notes. Simple yet refreshing.

Wine 4 Foreau Vouvray Demi-Sec 2009. Loads of sweet pear and lemon citrus when the wine first hits the glass. As it opens, baked apple pie, wild flower and honey. Nice character and perfect balance of fruit. This was my second favorite of the evening.

Final wine of the evening the 2005 Francois Pinon Cuvee Botrytis. Licorice, vanilla, sweet golden raisins along with very ripe apple. Would love this with a spicy asian chicken dish. Great wine to end the evening.

There we are folks the journey of Vouvray is complete. Both parts really opened my eyes to the various styles of vouvray and the vast character each wine portrays. I have a greater appreciation of this region. Thanks to Cailyn and Joel for taking me on this tour of France. What a wonderful evening of tasting and sharing thoughts.

Cheers
Dan