Lanterna Tasting Hosted By Glyndon's Own Jack Wells!
“From the very first harvest in 1994, the Fries family marveled at the intensely concentrated fruit produced by their Desert Wind Vineyard—fruit perfect for crafting wines with immense structure and aging potential. In 2001, the family introduced Desert Wind wines in order to showcase this exceptional vineyard through its own wine brand. The original lineup consisted of just four offerings—an elegant Semillon and three refined reds, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and their flagship red blend known as Ruah, each with 3-5 years of barrel aging.”
“Our 2016 Merlot was fermented in closed top stainless steel tanks and circulated
twice daily. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation finished, the wine was
aged for 14-16 months to further enhance the mouthfeel and develop flavors to
complement the wonderful fruit aromas. The Merlot features a rich and structured
palate with flavors of cherry, vanilla, and chocolate,leading to a supple finish.
Desert Wind Merlot is enjoyable on a warm summer day with barbecued meats
and vegetables, or simply as a great glass of wine before dinner. Enjoy now,
though will rewarded with several more years of ageing.”
“Our Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented in stainless steel tanks with an average
of 10 days of skin contact. After alcohol and malolactic fermentation, the
wine was aged for 14-16 months, with time on French oak to add additional
complexity and enhance mouthfeel. The Cabernet Sauvignon expresses flavors of
dark cherry, blackberry, black currant and vanilla. Medium acidity and moderate
tannins lead to a silky, but structured finish.”
“The 2015 growing season was a great one on the Wahluke Slope – warm throughout, with a
sunny September. This allowed each of the components of this silky red blend to fully ripen,
while retaining enough acidity for a clean finish. After fermentation, the wine was aged for
sixteen months in contact with oak, allowing time for the tannins to mature and soften the
finish. The 2015 Ruah is extremely rich and round, with flavors of blackberry, plum and ripe
raspberry, with hints of allspice and cocoa. This lively wine coats every taste bud, providing a
satisfying experience. Ready to drink now, but will rewarded with an additional year or two of
cellaring.
”
“Despite its status as one of the larger wine producers in Oregon, Duck Pond Cellars remains small at heart. Originally from California’s Central Valley, lifelong farmers Doug and Jo Ann Fries moved their young family to the small Central Oregon town of Sunriver in the early 1980’s. Subsequently, in 1984, property was purchased along the banks of the Willamette River in Dundee, Oregon, where a small 13 acre vineyard was planted.
In 1990 a plan was crafted to open a small winery in Dundee. On Memorial Day Weekend of 1993, Duck Pond Cellars opened its doors to the public for the first time. The initial offerings totaled around 1,000 cases, which were mostly hand sold to their tasting room customers.
In September of 2018, Integrated Beverage Group expanded their Oregon operations by acquiring Duck Pond Cellars which included the winemaking facility and tasting room along with 315 acres of vines in the Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley and Umpqua Valley.”
““With exceptional texture and detail, this young wine transcends the vast majority of similarly-priced Oregon Pinot Gris. Grapefruit, melon and nectarine flavors are there in abundance, with highlights of lemon zest and defining acidity.” Best Buy. - P.G.”
“No investors. No banks. Only a family, some vineyards, and a reputation to uphold. Our mission is simple: grow grapes that capture the essence of our place, and release wines of utmost character and purpose that reward the drinker every time a cork is pulled.”
“The greater Columbia Valley is a fantastic place to grow riesling. The backbone of this blend is from our Kiona Estate vineyard, where the riesling vines hold the distinction of being the oldest on Red Mountain (planted in 1975). We include components from the relatively cooler Vista and Olsen sites for layering, aromatic complexity, and acidity.
Crisp, clean and refreshing, this Columbia Valley Riesling showcases the bright acidity and tremendous fresh fruit characteristics that make Washington a world-class riesling producer. We cold-ferment to preserve fruit flavors, maximize pizzaz, and capture a small amount of frizzante in every bottle.”
Weekly Wine Tasting November 8th
Stone Street Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay
“The Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of several blocks planted between 500 and 1,000 ft. elevation. It reflects the altitude and rock-driven vineyard soils and showcases exotic fruit character grounded by deliberate textural, mineral and structural components. The aromatics of the 2018 Stonestreet Estate Sauvignon Blanc lead with lemon verbena, fresh pineapple and lemongrass on the nose. Flavors of grapefruit pith, quince, and crisp white nectarine round out the bright acidity and distinct mineral finish.”
“As a blend of our best Chardonnay vineyard sites, the Estate bottling is one of the most compelling illustrations of the mountain. Winemaker Lisa Valtenbergs blends this wine with shrewd precision, balancing aromatic intrigue, texture and the Mayacamas’ signature structural elements into a pure refection of the vintage. The 2016 Estate Chardonnay exhibits honeysuckle and orange creamsicle with subtle salinity. The generous palate finishes long with notes of toffee”
Boen Vineyard’s Pinot Noir
“The first sip of the California Böen Pinot Noir envelops the mouth with a velvety richness. Flavors of bright cherry, dried herbs and hints of vanilla, is supple and sumptuous, to the finish.”
Michel Rolland’s Clos De La Siete
“Michel Rolland, the world-renowned Bordeaux winemaker, first went to Argentina in 1988. He recognized that all the conditions were right to grow a very great wine and partnered with other Bordeaux families to develop 7 vineyards on 2,000 acres in the Uco Valley of Mendoza.”
“ This atypical vintage, with its low temperatures and high rainfall, has produced a wine
with intense aromatic expression and tremendous freshness on the palate. A vibrant ruby red colour, the elegant blend oers
amazing aromas of blackberries and plums with spicy floral notes. On the palate, it is balanced and fresh with a pleasant acidity
characteristic of the vintage, giving it an excellent capacity to age. Cabernet-Franc was once again included in blend and, even
though it accounts for just 1%, adds an agreeable hint of spice to the palate.”
Weekly Wine Tasting November 1st
Santa Margherita
“This sparkling wine has fine bubbles winding through its bright straw yellow color and greenish reflections. Its aroma will remind you of peaches and sweet flowers, and its flavor includes fruity hints of pineapples and Rennet apples.”
“This pale pink wine brings a full bouquet of pleasing floral aromas with hints of red berry, artfully crafted with a blend of white wine made from Chardonnay and Glera grapes and a red varietal, Malbec. Its flavor is delicate, but vibrant and well rounded, remaining on the palate and making this a deliciously easy-drinking wine.”
“With its straw yellow color, clean intense aroma, and dry golden apple taste, our signature Pinot Grigio is full of authentic, flavorful personality.”
“The aromas of this complex red wine range from cherries and plums to gladiolus flowers and earthy flint. The tannic, oak-aged flavors are bright and round, with a dry, warm, earthy finish.”
“Its color is bright ruby red. On the nose, it is clean and precise, with hints of Morello cherries, wild berries and a moderate spiciness. On the palate it reveals a full-bodied, assertive flavor, which expresses both great intensity and elegance.”
Weekly Wine Tasting October 25th
Casillero Del Diablo
click the image for Casillero del Diablo’s story!
“This variety disappeared from its place of origin in Médoc, north of Bordeaux, France following the phylloxera outbreak in the 19th century. It reappeared in Chile at the end of the 20th Century. In Casillero del Diablo Carmenere is smooth and delicate with intense color, smooth, round tannins, and attractive aromas of black currant and chocolate. Ideal with aged cheese.”
“Native of Cahors, France, this variety truly shines in Casillero del Diablo’s outstanding Malbec featuring concentrated sweet fruit and round tannins with aromas of blackberries and black plums with a touch of black pepper and vanilla, while flavors of spices and black plums meld perfectly on the palate.”
“It is Casillero del Diablo’s most famous variety, and Decanter magazine called its 2005 vintage the best of the planet. It features intense aromas of cherries and plum with a touch of vanilla and toast. It has the most body of all red varieties and is elegant and ideal with red meats such as beef with black pepper sauce.”
“With origins in Bordeaux, France, this variety is a call to freshness. In Casillero del Diablo this characteristic is complemented by a mineral note for refreshing style with peach and redcurrant aromas. A lush and well-rounded wine with perfect balance and elegance that is ideal with salmon ceviche.”
LVDH Tasting October 11th
This week we’ll be pouring The Cicada’s red and white blends! The vineyard is situated in the little village of Travaillan, north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, between Cairanne and Rasteau. Both Blends have wonderful balance, acidity and notes of fresh fruits.
“Beefy in body and also in flavor, this full-bodied wine brings aromas like singed rosemary and flavors like maraschino cherries and barbecue sauce. It has moderate tannins for a grippy mouthfeel.”
Lanterna Tasting Hosted By Glyndon's Own Jack Wells!
October 4th 2019 tasting notes
“Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris derives from a mutation of Pinot Noir and nowadays is surely the italian white wine most recognized by international customers. Cultivated in Italy since Nineteenth century, it is most prominent in Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli were are made the finest examples.
Pinot Grigio Doc Piave “Il tralcetto” is one of our older wines: we produce it since 1957. It is well appreciated all over the world for its nice packaging and for its ligh, very crisp and dry taste.”
“Full-bodied and velvety on the palate bursting with delectable
jammy cherry and berry flavors. Smooth, juicy and ripe. Of a nice
deep cherry-red, it shows an appealing rich nose of ripe red fruit and
spices. Its palate shows a remarkable juicy fruitiness with a delicate sweet
touch that makes the wine really approachable”
“Shy at first, emitting quiet notes of lemon and stone fruit, this wine opens with some swirling in glass reavelaing more confected aromas of candied pineapples and other tropical fruits. The palate is more demur with the acidity on the lean and mean side, emphasizing tart lemon flavors.”
“Deep and intense color with ruby hues. Black pepper, red bell peppers, cassis, cappuccino, tobacco and varied spices are part of the complex aroma this wine displays. In the mouth, mint and chocolate play in perfect harmony with black fruits. Great volume in the mouth, and the tannins are firm and ripe adding to a great balance. It is just sublime.”
Cambria Wines and Baccoo Rum Tasting Notes
September 26th, 2019
Coa Tequila
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