Van Duzer Pinot Gris - 2007

I've mentioned several times that I've become a real fan of Oregon and Washington State wines.   By far, my favorite Pinot Noirs come from Oregon (Adelsheim, Firesteed, Elk Cove, et al).  I think they have better body and, on average, are head and shoulders ahead of their California cousins.   Almost all of the major Oregon Pinot wineries also produce excellent Pinot Gris.  First...a lesson in Pinot Gris...

What is Pinot Gris?   Most likely you've heard of Pinot Grigio.  Pinot Grigio is that dry, light  white wine from Italy.  You'll find at least 10 of them from Italy in most any wine store.  You know, all of those cute shaped bottles in the Italian row.... Pinot Gris is the same grape as Pinot Grigio.  The same grape is called Pinot Beurot in Burgundy (France), Tokay d'Alsace in Alsace (France) and Rulander in Germany.  In the US Pacific Northwest, that grape is known as Pinot Gris  (pronounced   pee-no-gree).

Pinot Grigio from Italy (and most California PG's) is light, dry and has a lemon/citrus aroma.  It is typically a pale, straw color and has a light body.  Pinot Gris, on the contrary, has a more floral, fruity aroma with a slightly heavier body and more golden color.  Don't get me wrong...it is a dry white wine but it has more aroma and floral overtones.  Because of this, it will match up to many dishes including grilled pork and chicken.  It is also a great wine for an aperitif.

The Van Duzer Estate 2007 Pinot Gris is a nice example of an Oregon Pinot Gris.  It has a light golden color and  hints of melon and fig on the nose.   Fruity, but not over the top, it has enough body to accompany many meats.  I paired it with a thick, center cut pork chop that I seasoned and grilled along with Mushroom risotto and steamed broccoli.

Oregon Pinot's can be pricey.  Most Pinot Noir's from Oregon are in the $20-$30 price range with higher end bottles in the $40-$60 range.  Pinot Gris wines are also more pricey than their California PG counterparts.  You'll find plenty of California and Italian PG's in the $10-$15 range.  You should expect to pay $15-$20 for an Oregon Pinot Gris.  Other labels to look for are Firesteed, Adelsheim, Elk Cove, Benton Lane and Tangent.

Rating:  Very Good

Price:   $16-$18

Eve....in the wine garden...

2007 Eve Chardonnay
Charles Smith Wines

Phantom Fury

Tonight I had the opportunity to taste a really outstanding red blend from Bogle Vineyards.  Called "Phantom," this hearty red is a blend of Petit Syrah, Zinfandel and Mourvedre. With an alcohol content of 14.5 percent, it does have a little punch.  We tried the 2006 vintage which just became available in Oklahoma.   Pour a glass of this in a big, open wine glass and admire the deep ruby-garnet color!

The first whif on the nose is noticeably Zin...that sweet, dark and fruity aroma that you get on those hearty reds.  When you try this one (and I highly recommend it), swirl it around your mouth a bit at first.  That first taste hits your mouth very, very dry and the tannins from the Mourvedre tend to dominate.  However, on the subsequent drinks you'll start to experience the rich flavors of the Zin..... then the slight spiciness imparted by the Petit Syrah and a long, smooth finish.  Wood does not overpower the richness of this but aids in the smooth, dry finish.  I had this along side a Mexican casserole with beef and beans and it blended nicely.

Phantom is a full-bodied red wine and is not for the red wine newbie.  If you like Zins, Shiraz or full bodied merlot or cab you should like this.  If a lighter Pinot Noir or Grenache is your style you probably won't be happy with this one.

I've been drinking Bogle wines for years.   Bogle is known for is "value" line of wines (mainly Chardonnay and Merlot around $12) and receives consistently good ratings.  However, this wine is a definite step up and you won't (and shouldn't) find it on the lower shelves in your local store.

RATING:     VERY GOOD  

PRICE:       $18-20

Best Buy Winery? Martin & Weyrich

I'm all about a good deal....   Here's a label  you should check out.   Martin and Weyrich of California.  It is not pretentious.  M&W makes consistently good value wines.   I have tried the Moscato, Pinot Grigio and Unwooded Chard.  All should be considered good deals.

First....these are all under $10.  The Allegro Moscato is a crowd pleaser.   Sweet and balanced..the ladies love this one.  Try the cocktails on the M&W web site.  Add a little citrus vodka and cranberry and you have a great Moscatini.  The PG is fruity with a little sweetness on the front side.  The Chard is an unwooded (my fave these days) and is light and crisp.

You can't go wrong with these for a party.

Thumbs up!

Snap Dragon - 2007 California Red

Tonight I'm reviewing Snap Dragon 2007 Red Blend.  This is a wine I first read about a few weeks ago on Food and Wine magazine's top wine article.  It is for sure a good buy.

This is a wine heavy with Zin.   The front-side sweetness is balanced by some peppery shiraz which provides the  body to pair with most any dish.  Snap Dragon Red could be an after-work appertif or be paired with a nice steak. 

Bottom line......a nice wine....good body with a little spice.

Rating:     GOOD

Price:   $10-12

Thru the Cellar Door Discount

For those of you following my blog who live in Broken Arrow, you can find all of the wines I discuss at Thru the Cellar Door Wine and Spirits.  Locally owned, it is located at The Shops at Stonewood Hills near the hotels.

Mention my blog when you buy a wine I review and you will receive a special discount.

A Note About Pricing....

FYI... Wine prices fluctuate WILDLY from state to state (and for you Jason....country to country). For example, the 1.5l bottle of La Vieille Ferme Rouge sells for $18 in Oklahoma. I saw it of $13 at Sam's Club in Birmingham. So.....don't give me any crap about prices...OKAY

La Vieille Ferme Rouge

This is my absolute favorite, best-buy red of the year. And, I owe it to my friend Eileen Hallmark with Vineyard Brands Importers. She posted it as a suggestion back in the spring.

This is a dry red wine with very few tannins (that means no "pucker" to you wine virgins). It is medium bodied and similar in mouthfeel to a lighter merlot.

It is dry, fruity and wonderful. I've had this with burgers and steaks and most often just by itself as a pick me up. It even works with Hamburger Helper!

As soon as the weather gets cooler I will be using this in a Julia Child recipe for Beef Bourginone. It will be a killer.

I've found this wine drinks best at around 65 degrees. Pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Also, it really opens up with some air. Pour it in a BIG glass and let it swirl around. You will not be disappointed.




Rating: VERY GOOD


Price: 750ml around $8-10
1.5l $13-18

Hogue Pinot Grigio - 2008

For my first blog (only because I'm in the mood and it is what I am drinking tonight....) I'll be reviewing Hogue Pinot Grigio (2008).

This is a Washington state, Columbia River Valley wine that is full of clean, crisp flavors. It is not....repeat not.....a full bodied "Burgundian" Pinot Gris style wine. Instead, it is reminiscent of a California-style Pinot Grigio. With more fruit than the typical Italian Pinot, it remains clean and crisp and pairs nicely with lighter seafood. I had tonight with pan-seared Tilapia and parmesan risotto and it was great.

This is a great wine for a warm summer night. It would be great at a pool party, concert in the park or, of course, smuggled in to a little league ball game to make the event more pleasant for the parents.

RATING: GOOD

PRICE: $12

Ground Rules of My Wine Blog

First things first..... I am not a wine snob. You will not get reviews full of foo foo adjectives from me. Instead I'll tell you if the wine is good or not (in my not-so-humble opinion of course). I'm still working out my rating system so I reserve the right to change as this blog evolves. Depending on my mood, I might actually try to describe what I am reviewing.

Welcome to my new blog

Hello.....and welcome to my first experience blogging!

Wine with Wes will be a periodic (probably weekly) blog where I comment about various wine and wine-related topics. I'll probably specialize in what I call "high value" wines. I'm all about finding that great wine deal in these tight economic times. After all, who doesn't like a good buy?

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Wes