Valley View Anna Maria 2003 Syrah

Tonight we are drinking Valley View's Anna Maria 2003 Syrah. This wine is from the Rouge Valley, here is southern Oregon. Initially I noted two things: it's inky color and it's HUGE oak flavor. This is definitely one to decant or let sit and open up for a while before drinking.

Here's an image of the wine, which shows it's almost opaque purple color. You can find it for about $22-$25 retail. I bought it while at the Best of Oregon Food and Wine Festival.

Overall this went nicely with pizza and our spicy salad with chocolate, coffee, leather, oak, and some cassis flavors. I think I'd let this one lay down for a while longer, even though it is a 2003, in hopes of a more finessed wine. You can find the winemaker's notes here.

Also, Valley View makes a Tempranillo Port that is out of this world! I'm not sure how widely distributed it is outside of Oregon, but if you can get your hands on a bottle or two you won't be disappointed!

Brooks Winery 2007 Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley

Tonight I am drinking Brooks 2007 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. I bought this bottle at the Best of Oregon Food and Wine Festival, mostly the person pouring was very engaging and excited about his product.

The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of several vineyards from around the Valley and retails for between $20-$25.

The wine tastes of nice tart cherries, slight oak, and violets and rose. The official winemaker's notes are here. The color is the perfect WV red, with a slight purple hue, which dissipates as you look to the sides of the glass. I took a picture to show you the color.

Several of Brook's wines have won awards, with the Janus and Rastaban Pinot Noirs receiving most of the honors. The winery is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Visits are by appointment only.

Four Vines Wine Tasting Event at Thirst

Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro is holding a wine and food pairing event at their RiverPlace Esplanade location. For $25 you get to meet the wine maker, Christian Tietje, and try a variety of these acclaimed, yet affordable wines. Tickets must be purchased in advanced. The event is on Tuesday, July 28 from 6-8pm.

I met one of the owners at a wine and chocolate event last year and she was super nice. These folks enjoy wine in an relaxed way. I'm definitely going to this! See you there!